I'm 26 now and every where I try to get into lessons it is way too expensive. Why is that? It's not even really popular, at least where I am, in Orange County, CA.
2007-02-20 10:06:28 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
The horse's keep alone can be very expensive--an owner needs to pay vet and farrier bills, buy feed and supplements, and buy necessary tack. Riding equipment can be expensive, especially if it's bought new. A riding instructor has to pay for all of these things in order to be able to give lessons on his/her own horses, pay for the upkeep of the facility, AND earn a living if he/she doesn't have another job.
If you want to ride and don't want to pay full price, maybe you could work out a deal with a local stable. In exchange for cleaning a few stalls, grooming a few horses, or cleaning some tack, you might be able to get inexpensive riding lessons.
2007-02-20 10:14:21 · answer #1 · answered by The Logophile 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, lessons and riding can be very costly. This is mainly because horses are expensive to keep, and schoolhorses earn their keep by being ridden in lessons. (Think of it as a job) You have to figure in the cost of feed, tack, shoes, vet bills, grooming tools, and hundreds of other miscellaneous items. I'm not sure how expensive the places you have been to are, but where I ride, the riding instructor charges....I believe $30 for half an hour. (way down here in GA)You also have to think about the fact that the instructor needs money too. If you are planning on someday having a horse, it is very worthwhile to take lessons. I took lessons for years, and just recently my riding instuctor has let me off on my own because she thinks I have been taught all I need to be taught. If you find somewhere with a good riding instructor, and you are serious about riding, it is completely and totally worth every penny. And don't forget...riding is also supposed to be fun and enjoyable, so make sure to find a stable that you enjoy riding at. If you don't have fun, you can't learn, and you might as well not even be there. Hope this helps, and HAPPY TRAILS! I hope you find what you are looking for.
2007-02-20 14:25:39 · answer #2 · answered by Madison M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The cost of keeping horses is VERY expensive and purchasing a good horse that is safe for people to learn to ride on is expensive.
Where I ride they charge $30.00 an hour for a group lesson. That covers the horse, the saddle and bridle (which are expensive, 100 bucks for the bridle and a few hundred for the saddle) the instructor, and a ring to ride in. I live in Virgina, about 30 minutes from DC. Here riding is pretty popular. Don't forget that horses eat A LOT, require lots of land to live on and need new shoes every month. How much are the lessons in your area?
2007-02-20 10:16:42 · answer #3 · answered by Karin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically it is liability issues. To pay for insurance and everything in case something goes wrong. Trainers also usually become certified now.
Plus, CA tends to be more expensive.
Dressage lessons in WI cost from $45- $100 for most trainers.
Also, could your skill level have gone up? Lessons are usually more for intermediates or even just adults.
When I started riding just basic english, about 10 yrs ago, lessons were $20 each. Now I am doing 1st level dressage on my mare, and lessons for the both of us run around $50 with a good dressage trainer, but she only does lessons on the side. My aunt, who is doing 3rd-4th level dressage, lessons are 80-100 in Wisconsin.
2007-02-20 10:39:28 · answer #4 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Horses are a luxury
2. Orange County is extremely expensive, especially in maintaining horses. And yes, it is very popular, even in Orange County, especially in the South Coast area. Los Angeles County, your neighbor to the North, has the largest horse population in the entire state, which definitely trickles into Orange and all the surrounding counties.
You could find a trainer to work for (working student) to earn some lessons.
2007-02-20 10:15:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I pay $50 a lesson and it is a big stretch. see if you can find someone willing to let you work for lessons, but be sure that you agree how much time earns a lesson in advanced. Lessons are exspencive b/c horses are exspenceve to keep! A good lesson horse costs about 5,000 dollars. i know it stinks but...
2007-02-20 10:46:05 · answer #6 · answered by KD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1) Group lessons are $35 but if you really want it for free you have to know someone. 2) English is for competitions such as jumping, racing, and dressage. Western is for Team penning, barrel racing, and other rodeo competitions. I prefer Western because its best for beginners since there is something you can hold onto if you feel like your gonna fall. 3) You should wear a casual t-shirt, riding pants, and long mud boots. =3
2016-03-29 04:48:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have ridden english since i was in 1st grade! (now i'm in 8th) Lessons have always been expensive that's just the way it is! Sorry!
But if your lucky you can find lessons for $35 each! Mine are $45 each!
2007-02-20 10:16:03 · answer #8 · answered by Brooke 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2017-02-09 00:40:33 · answer #9 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know. I used to own a horse, but my family had to give it away when my dad got cancer almost three years ago. It was soooo expensive. I wish i could get lessons again, but it's still expensive.
2007-02-20 10:19:10 · answer #10 · answered by Saintschamp10 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋