Find a horse riding instructor in York, PA

Find horse riding lessons in York, PA

Find horse riding lessons in York, PA

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 York, PA

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 York, PA

Students agree: these York horse riding lessons are highly rated for knowledge, experience, communication, and more.
Olive's Branch Healing Inc

Olive's Branch Healing Inc

5.0(3)
1 hire on Lessons
4+ years in business
Serves York, PA
Linda Z. says, "Destani is super. My granddaughter enjoys her lessons with Destani learning about caring for the horses as well as riding." Read more
Right Foot Ranch

Right Foot Ranch

5.0(4)
4 hires on Lessons
6+ years in business
Serves York, PA
Patricia W. says, "Great with kids. All around knowledgeable. I can’t say enough good things about them!" Read more
Merryfield Stables

Merryfield Stables

New on Lessons
1 hire on Lessons
10+ years in business
Serves York, PA
Experienced equestrian who would love to coach you on some development opportunities in your riding. Emphasis on equitation and biomechanics to help reduce and lessen the risk of injury to horse or rider. Rode competitively in International Dressage shows as a Jr/Yr and adult and evented Rated through Novice. I have been lucky enough to ride and clinic and work for such riders as Belinda Wertman, Lendon Gray, Charles de Kunffy, Mike Plumb, Andrew Fitzpatrick and groom and learn from many others. I am available for virtual lessons and look forward to the opportunity to take a look at your video and give feedback....
Horses For Life

Horses For Life

5.0(2)
1 hire on Lessons
43+ years in business
Serves York, PA
Joan B. says, "Excellent “out of the ring” riding instruction. I learned more in a short time than I did in years of riding instruction elsewhere. " Read more
Mikell Farm Performance Horses

Mikell Farm Performance Horses

New on Lessons
26+ years in business
Serves York, PA
Mikell Farm was estabilshed in 1995 with the purchase of our farm. Prior to that time Kelley had been teaching/training freelance at other farms or peoples homes. After opening for lessons in the spring of 1996 things just took off. LESSONS We strongly believe that the early years in horsemanship are the most important and strive to offer the best lesson horses in the area and keep our rates competitive so that riders have the opportunity to start their riding careers on the right foot. We largely cater to 4-H and open show riders. Over the years we have had students go on to compete at the rated shows including zone finals and breed shows...

Your Horseback Riding Lessons questions, answered

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Lessons.

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 York horseback riding instructors

Recent success stories from people in the York area.
Rachel W.
I recently had the opportunity to work with Destani and one of her horses, Olive. I focused on leading Olive alongside a nearby pasture, managing Olive’s speed, her distance from me, and other fundamentals. As I worked with Olive, and at times struggled, Destani asked questions that helped me process both Olive’s and my interactions, as well as larger things that are going on in my life: At one point, I was allowing Olive to walk closer to me than I had told Destani I wanted her to. Destani pointed this out, and she challenged me to consider whether I set my own boundaries, or let others set boundaries for me. Working with Olive showed me how I view boundaries, and gave me language I hadn’t had to talk about larger things going on in my life. It also opened the door for me to process and discuss things I hadn’t been ready to explicitly talk about.
Olive's Branch Healing Inc
Alysha B.
Many is amazing! She mades me feel so comfortable. She knows exactly what to do and say to make you feel relaxed and build your confidence!! Highly recommended!!!
Right Foot Ranch
Hal S.
Logical easy to understand instruction.
Horses For Life
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