Find a horse riding instructor in Portland, OR

Find horse riding lessons in Portland, OR

Find horse riding lessons in Portland, OR

Share a few details and we'll show you the best horseback riding instructors in your area.
Zip code

Student's interests and goals

Find horse riding lessons in Portland, OR

Share a few details and we'll show you the best horseback riding instructors in your area.
Zip code

Student's interests and goals

Top 10 horseback riding instructors in Portland, OR

Students agree: these instructors are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Next Level Equestrian

Next Level Equestrian

5.0(1)
11 hires on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Elise H. says, "Brittnay is fantastic and is the only instructor close to Portland (that I could find) that has an eventing background. Brittnay will help you improve and grow as a rider both in and off the saddle. I really respect her philosophies around caring for a horses well-being and happiness, and that it isn’t about constantly drilling them day in and day out. She allows her horses to be horses! I was also pleasantly surprised that she has experience doing some liberty work as well. I’ve seen how that kind of ground work can build trust and respect between horse and rider, and it’s so cool seeing an eventing pro incorporating that into their training program. She has a nice variety of schooling horses to best match your experience level and the facilities are nice with a large indoor arena as a smaller (but still large) outdoor arena. " Read more
Once Upon A Rescue

Once Upon A Rescue

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Marissa P. says, "I have had two lessons with Ryan so far and cannot wait for my next ride. Ryan is a great teach weather you are new to ridding or are looking to hone your skills. I would highly recommend Once Upon A Rescue to anyone. " Read more
The Pony Express

The Pony Express

New on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Word of mouth/certified Canadian Equitation Inst.
Wilsonville Equestrian Center

Wilsonville Equestrian Center

New on Lessons
3 hires on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
We teach all levels of English riding. We have lots of lesson horses to choose from.
Most Anything I Have Done It All English, Western Alll So I Can Train Them And I’m Real Good At Teaching Horses To Go In Horse Trailer.I Can Teach How To Feed Them And Hoof Care. Breeding And Delivery (foaling )

Most Anything I Have Done It All English, Western Alll So I Can Train Them And I’m Real Good At Teaching Horses To Go In Horse Trailer.I Can Teach How To Feed Them And Hoof Care. Breeding And Delivery (foaling )

5.0(1)
Serves Portland, OR
Tracey B. says, "Lori’s been an excellent instructor for me for many years. For many were telling a horse is sick from training it to not have bad habits. What is the most experience equitation instructors I’ve ever met. Never have I’ve ever had bad advice from her or one bad day with a horse because of her training and abilities to teach." Read more
Samantha Gilchrist-Tweet Traveling Instructor

Samantha Gilchrist-Tweet Traveling Instructor

5.0Exceptional(5)
Serves Portland, OR
Dahlia M. says, "Samantha was always very patient, and knew exactly how to explain terms I didn’t understand. She was always super nice and understanding!" Read more
Phoenix Farm Riding School

Phoenix Farm Riding School

5.0(1)
1 hire on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Marie S. says, "Nice and knowledgeable staff. " Read more
Matriarch Equestrian

Matriarch Equestrian

New on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Vanessa has experience all over the United States as well as internationally training courses and students and show Jumping. She can ride, train, and help any type of course. Vanessa has an amazing connection with Horses of all types and personalities, and specializes in figuring out solutions for misunderstood Horses. When teaching lessons, Vanessa is very passionate about helping every individual meet their goals, staying safe, and enjoying the ride!
Lake Oswego Hunt Riding Academy

Lake Oswego Hunt Riding Academy

New on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Lake Oswego Hunt is a historical facility that offers well rounded lessons for riders of all levels. Focusing on developing riders from beginning to showing and owning their own horse.
French Hill Farm

French Hill Farm

New on Lessons
Serves Portland, OR
Riding Academy Show Training USHJA Certified Trainer USHJA Certified Riding Academy Horses

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Portland horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the Portland area.
Donna L.
Very knowledgeable and NICE to boot!!
Samantha Gilchrist-Tweet traveling instructor
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