Everything You Need to Know to Learn to Ride a Horse

There is nothing quite like horse riding. The feeling of the wind in your hair as you gallop forward, the thrill of competing, the excitement of exploring; there is so much to gain from learning how to ride a horse. Many people that would love to take up horse riding never actually start though due to a fear that it will take them too long to master the skill, or be too expensive for them to enjoy. To help you to put your mind at ease, we have assembled a list of frequently asked questions, along with their answers. If you have ever dreamt of learning how to ride a horse, then you should keep reading now.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find horse riding classes?

Horse riding classes run around the UK, with many different classes for many different levels of expertise and ages. The best way to find a class for you is either to look in the phone book or to search online. This will present you with a variety of different options as to the different courses that you could attend in order to learn to ride a horse. Comparing these options will give you an idea as to how much it will cost you to learn.

Some riding schools will teach you to ride your own horse, while others will allow you to ride a stable horse if, for example, you can't afford your own horse at this stage. This may be a good idea when you are first starting to learn to ride, to ensure that this is an interest that will last.

2. How expensive is it to learn to ride a horse?

One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to learning to ride a horse is that of the cost. Unfortunately it isn't as easy as putting some figures down on paper, because different horses cost different amounts of money, as do different riding schools, as does different equipment. All we can do is provide you with a list as to the costs that you may encounter, to provide you with the information that you need to allow you to make an informed decision as to whether this is an expense you can afford.

• The horse. The horse itself is obviously the biggest initial expense, if you are considering the purchase of your own horse that is. You will need to do a significant amount of research, to find the best horse for your particular needs, as different breeds with different pedigrees will vary significantly in price, as well as temperament. You may wish to borrow a horse for lessons at the outset, until you become a more skilful rider.


• The equipment. After the horse, you will also need to consider the equipment required for you to ride it. This equipment includes saddles, bridles, riding hats and many other bits and bobs that any good riding stable will be able to advise you about.


• The lessons. Some lessons run on a course basis, in which you must pay for many lessons at the outset, occasionally for a discount. Others operate on a lesson by lesson plan, in which case you simply pay for lessons that you attend. Look for a riding stable with a plan that suits you and that fits into your own schedule, to allow you to enjoy the riding of your horse.

The speed at which you will learn to ride a horse depends on many different circumstances, one of which is simply how quickly you yourself are inclined to learn a new skill. The quality of the riding school and the lessons that you are receiving will also affect how quickly you are likely to learn to confidently ride a horse. Talking to a teacher at the riding stable will help you to get a better idea of how long it is likely to take you to learn, as it really is different for each and every person.

4. What kinds of horse riding exist?

There are many different types of horse riding you could enjoy. A few examples include dressage, show jumping, cross-country, eventing, Gymkhana games, and many, many more. Different riding schools will give you an introduction to different types of these horse riding activities, so consider which you are the most interested in and find a school appropriate to match your own desire.

5. What sort of horse riding community exists?

Becoming a member of a riding school will automatically introduce you to a community of horse riders; however there are other ways to get in touch with other individuals as fanatical about horses as you yourself are. The Internet is one such method of getting in touch with a horse riding community, as many different forums and blogs allow horse owners and riders to get in contact with each other quickly and easily. Alternatively, you could use the Internet to find any local horse riding community groups with whom you could meet to discuss joining.

6. How can I compete in a horse riding competition?

Competing in a horse riding competition is, unfortunately, something that you will not be able to do immediately after your first few horse riding lessons. It will take you some time to work up to the required level of expertise that you will need to compete. Don't give up though, because there are many different types of competitions at many different skill levels, so before long you could find yourself show jumping or racing your way to victory. Talk to your riding school about your desire to enter into a horse riding competition. They will be more than happy to guide you on the path to victory.

7. What is a horse holiday?

Have you ever dreamt of visiting some beautiful locations such as the Costa del Sol, Portugal, New Zealand or even Iceland? Wouldn't the trip be made so much more magical if you could explore these locations on horseback? With a horse holiday you won’t need to organise a thing; simply book your trip, turn up and you will be granted with the opportunity to explore the world around you upon a horse. Horse holidays are geared for anyone, from the absolute beginner to the total professional, so ensure you select the holiday that is ideal for you and your family or friends.

In Conclusion

Learning to ride a horse can certainly be expensive, so it is worth finding a riding school and trying out a few lessons to be sure that it is really for you. Becoming proficient in riding is both a useful and exciting skill, one that you will never forget, so why not consider getting in touch with your local riding school now, to see if learning to ride a horse is for you.

cc licensed flickr photo shared by mikebaird
cc licensed flickr photo shared by mikebaird
cc licensed flickr photo shared by colormepink

Rebecca L. Smith is a full time freelance writer based in the UK. She specialises in creating an assortment of articles on a range of different topics of interest.