So after much research and reading you’ve made your decision and taken the plunge to take horse riding lessons. But before rushing into it, you will need to decide what type of riding style you would prefer to learn. There are two for you to consider, Western or English and if you decide the latter, then you may need to choose between a dressage or jumping saddle or both if you like the thought of entering show events.
Sometimes the type of riding lessons can be influenced by the area you live in, the availability of horse riding instructor and the style you choose to learn. Try to find a reputable instructor no matter which style you choose and one that is associated or accredited. Friends, colleagues or even your local farm or stable may be able to help with recommendations. After you’ve decided on a particular instructor ask for references, a good instructor won’t mind you asking and should be happy to provide some. Take time to visit the stable or riding school well in advance of arranging your first lesson and watch lessons being taken by your instructor. Also, give the stables a good inspection make sure they are clean and most importantly make sure the horses are well looked after and in a healthy condition. Only once you are happy with the above should you make the appointment for your lesson.
As the day of your first horse riding lesson approaches you’ll want to start getting yourself prepared, in particlar thinking about what type of horse riding equipment you will need. Most riding centres will be able to hire you certain items such as riding helmets and jodhpur boots which is the minimum you will need. Again the type of equipment you will need will depend on the style of riding you are learning. Some schools may insist on wearing body protection or back supports, which again you may be able to hire. From my own experience we were very lucky to have friends and relatives who have passed down their equipment to our daughter who is just starting to learn and this may be an option for you. However, if you are buying equipment second hand I’d recommend you do not buy a second hand riding helmet. As you progress with your lessons and experience you can start to buy your own horse riding clothing such as jodphur breeches.
On the big day of the lesson make sure to set off early, leaving enough time for any mishaps or traffic problems on the way. It’s best to arrive at your horse riding lesson feeling relaxed and stress free and in the right frame of mind for taking in instruction. Also, it will give you a chance to get to know the school and horses a little before starting, plus it’s not good to keep your instructor waiting. You may also need to be registerd with the school and complete various forms and liability indemnities as is the norm these days. Make sure you are honest and open about any previous horse riding experience no matter when or what it was. The instructor will choose your horse based on the inforformation you give, so be open and honest otherwise you may end up being paired with a horse that is not suitable for your ability.
At the end of the lesson, you may be asked to help with untacking and cleaning the horses. This is a great opportunity to get to know more about the horses, how to groom and clean them and horse riding equipment. Try to build up as much knowledge as you can and over time your confidence will grow as your knowledge increases. As with a lot of things in life the more confidence you have the better you will become at doing it. Make sure to point out any problems you spot with the horse or riding tack to your riding instructor no matter how small they may seem.
Your horse riding lesson is just the start of what can be a fun and very rewarding past time and as you continue with your horse riding you’ll make some great friends of the 2 and 4 legged variety.