Find a horse riding instructor in Chapel Hill, NC

Find horse riding lessons in Chapel Hill, NC

Find horse riding lessons in Chapel Hill, NC

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
Zip code

Find horse riding lessons in Chapel Hill, NC

Confirm your location to see the best horseback riding instructors near you.
Zip code

Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Chapel Hill, NC

Students agree: these Chapel Hill horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
True Flight Equine

True Flight Equine

1 hire on Lessons.com
15+ years in business
Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Welcome to True Flight Equine LLC. We offer specialized hunter/jumper lessons, training, and full-care boarding at our new facility less than 10 minutes from the University of North Carolina Campus and Hospital. We strive to provide superior care to both horse and rider to foster a productive community member both in the ring and out. Our attention to a strong foundation is what sets us apart. We are always looking to welcome new members to the True Flight Equine team. Please give us a call, to find out more information or schedule a visit today....
Grace Lee Farm

Grace Lee Farm

Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Grace Lee Farm, situated in Apex, North Carolina, is a renowned Hunter Jumper show barn. Led by lifetime horse enthusiast, Laura Borek, the farm specializes in children's programs and horse safety. They offer a variety of camps, such as Track In/Track Out, Corona/COVID, and Unicorn Camp for tiny tots. Alongside, they provide services like horse sales, horse boarding, and transportation. Regular campers even get the exclusive opportunity to attend a field trip to the Grand Prix in Raleigh. Experience the joy of equestrian life at Grace Lee Farm.
M&L Farm LLC

M&L Farm LLC

5.0(2)
4 hires on Lessons.com
5+ years in business
Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Andrea S. says, "Very professional Laura is great " Read more
DK-USA Sporthorse LLC

DK-USA Sporthorse LLC

Serves Chapel Hill, NC
DK-USA Sporthorse, LLC, based in Durham, North Carolina, is a leading equestrian facility that specializes in Hunter/Jumper Riding Lessons, Training and Premier Sporthorse Importation & Sales. They cater to a wide range of skills, from beginners to advanced, with lessons suitable for ponies to Grand Prix. In addition to their training and sales services, they offer full-service boarding. DK-USA Sporthorse, LLC is your trusted partner for all your equestrian needs.
Leah Sparrow

Leah Sparrow

4+ years in business
Serves Chapel Hill, NC
I have been riding, doing competitions, and training horses for 48 years. I've ridden dressage, western, hunter, and jumper. My experience covers working with all ages in all disciplines focusing on safety first. My main breeeds include quarterhorses, thoroughbreds, Arabians, Appies, and warmbloods. I own an Arabian and an Arabian/Oldenburg cross. Both are reliable mounts but are not available as lesson horses. I also have experience with gaited horses but will not cater to some of the methods of the gaited disciplines. I do not believe artificial devices to create a balanced horse. I do teach how to create a balanced ride. I cover on the gro...
Cedarwood Equine

Cedarwood Equine

Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Cedarwood Equine is a well-established business based in Durham, North Carolina, and caters to the surrounding areas. As a reputable name in the industry, Cedarwood Equine prides itself on providing top-notch services. The team's commitment to excellence is evident in all their endeavors, ensuring a favorable experience for all clients. Their established presence in the area is a testament to the quality and reliability they offer.
Moon River Training

Moon River Training

Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Moon River Training, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a dedicated training center that emphasizes the importance of strong fundamentals for both horse and rider. They specialize in Hunter/Equitation Lesson Programs designed to build a strong foundation for equestrian skills. Their commitment to excellence and individual attention sets them apart in the equestrian training industry.
Pemberley Equestrian

Pemberley Equestrian

Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Pemberley Equestrian, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is a premier equestrian facility that emphasizes on building a resilient and harmonious partnership with the horse. They specialize in dressage and eventing, offering top-notch lessons, training, and boarding services. Their expertise and commitment to quality service make them a trusted choice for equestrian enthusiasts in and around the Chapel Hill area.
Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center

Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center

Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Chestnut Ridge Camp & Retreat Center, located in Efland, North Carolina, is a multifaceted destination for outdoor activity and learning. It offers a diverse range of services including summer camps, retreats, horseback riding, outdoor education, team building, and after-school activities. The Preschool at Chestnut Ridge focuses on children's holistic development with a keen emphasis on outdoor play and learning. The Community Farm at Chestnut Ridge invites everyone to enjoy, learn, and grow on their 20-acre farm property. Whether you're seeking adventure or education, Chestnut Ridge has something for everyone.
Savage Ranch

Savage Ranch

12+ years in business
Serves Chapel Hill, NC
Dressage techniques and training to help the horse Position and stretching and strength exercises for the rider. Beginner to advanced and all ages I love working with new horses and students and seeing positive changes in both with every lesson.

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.com.

How much are horseback riding lessons?

Horse riding lessons cost $45 to $80 per hour, depending on where you live and the type of riding you want to learn. Most riding lessons begin in the ring, where the trainer can safely monitor the beginning rider as they get comfortable in the saddle.

Many trainers offer introductory packages at a discounted price and start beginning riders out in group lessons. As you master the riding basics, then a teacher may recommend private lessons to focus on specific skills or more advanced riding training.

What age to start horseback riding lessons?

There is no particular age that is best for starting horseback riding lessons, instead, it depends on the child's maturity, physical coordination, and interest in horses. Most experts agree that children should be at least 6 years old before taking formal riding lessons.

For young children, the parents should visit a stable to introduce the child to horses and horse care before signing up for lessons. Choose a stable with well trained, gentle horses and experience with young riders.

Do you tip for horseback riding lessons?

Tipping for horseback riding lessons is not customary, but always appreciated. A thank you note is a great way to acknowledge a good teacher and show your appreciation. If you want to tip, 10% to 20% tip is more than generous.

What equipment do I need to begin horse lessons?

Most horse stables have horses and tack for use during riding lessons, so purchasing that is not necessary at the start. Your instructor will let you know their specific recommendations, but the basic equipment you will need to begin horseback riding lessons includes:

  • Helmet
  • Riding pants
  • Boots with heels
  • Gloves

Do I have to own a horse to be able to take lessons?

No, you do not have to own a horse to take riding lessons. Many riding schools and barns have well-trained horses for beginners through experienced riders. Taking riding lessons before owning a horse is a great way to make sure you enjoy riding before committing to horse ownership.

Learning basic equine care before buying a horse is also advised. Riding trainers often include an element of horse care as part of their lessons. Tasks like mucking stalls, cleaning tack, and basic horse grooming are incorporated into lessons and are beneficial to learn before becoming a horse owner.

How often should I have lessons? How many lessons do I need?

The frequency and number of riding lessons depend on your level of experience, riding goals, and budget. Generally, it is recommended that beginners take lessons at least once a week to build foundational riding skills.

Basic riding skills take anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months to learn but the more you ride, the faster you will improve. Riders who take one lesson a week will likely spend their first year focusing on riding basics. Riders who practice more often or schedule additional private lessons will advance faster.

How do I choose a horseback riding instructor?

When looking for horseback riding lessons, be sure to:

  • Start by researching different riding styles and disciplines to help you narrow down instructors that teach the type of riding you want to learn.
  • Visit the stables to ensure you are comfortable with how the horses are treated and the arena is maintained.
  • Ask about group or private lessons and decide which is better for your budget and riding goals.
  • Ask about taking an introductory lesson to try out their teaching style and gauge your interest in the sport.

What questions should I ask a riding instructor?

Once you've narrowed down a list of potential riding instructors, ask them the following questions:

  • What is your teaching style?
  • What are your qualifications?
  • What are your rates?
  • What type of horses do you have?
  • What is your availability?
  • What is your cancellation policy?

Reviews for Chapel Hill horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Chapel Hill area.
Lindsay R.
M&L Farm is home to wonderful people, well kept horses and genuinely wants you to succeed and have a good time. They are laid back, conscientious and willing to make accommodations for students. I’m legally blind and recovering from a past injury they guided me up onto the horse and did their best to make it the best experience possible and made it clear that if i come up with anything in the future that’d help they’d be happy to do it.
M&L Farm LLC
How Lessons.com works
Search

Search, get cost estimates, contact teachers, and book—all for free.

Compare

View profiles, read reviews, check qualifications, and see prices before hiring.

Hire

Ask questions, confirm their availability, and hire the right tutor when you're ready.

Chapel Hill horseback riding lessons by service