i want to take horse lessons, any ideas?

Answer 1

Ask other riders for their recommendations or check flyers at the local tack shop.Be prepared to spend some money.It's not cheap,but it's well worth it.I used to take lessons and I loved it.I can't afford to anymore.Good luck to you!

Answer 2

You can start by looking for a stable in your area that offers a lesson program. You can use Yahoo Local to start. Some stables have websites, but no matter what, before you book your first lesson you should make an appointment to go out and view the facilities. Even if you don't know anything about horses, you can check to make sure the facilities look clean, fresh water's always available, and the horses look alert and in good health. Only book a lesson at a stable that you feel comfortable at. And remember, lessons can cost anywhere from thirty to over fifty dollars depending on how long the session lasts and whether it's taught in a group or privately. Some stables offer discounts if you buy a package of lessons all at once, instead of buying them individually as you go.

Answer 3

First, you need to decide if you want to ride English or Western. Both have their ups and downs. I ride English, and I love it. It feels like you need more skills, as you just have the smaller, less supportive saddle, and you have a tighter rein. You also get to do posting trot and jumping. Western is also fun, it is more relaxing usually, but barrel racing and reining are very exciting.

If you are unsure, you can try to find a barn that does both, and try each out. I would start with English first, as it is the more challenging of the two, and if you can ride English, you can ride anything. (and don't take this the wrong way, I respect anyone who rides a horse, english or western, both take a lot of skill and talent, and both are a lot of fun!)

After you decide on the type of riding, I would go to a tack store and get recommendations of the best barns/instructors in the area. A simple google search will help you find tack stores.

When you are choosing a barn, you will want to take into consideration a few things.
-you want to pick a barn where the horses are well cared for. They have clean stalls. They are turned out when weather allows. They are well fed. You do not want to go somewhere where the horses are kept tacked up all the time and are constantly being ridden.

-You want an instructor who you are able to respect and take direction from, and has a personality that you like. There are some bad instructors out there, Ihad one who actually made me afraid to ride. But then I had an awesome instructor who got me back.

-Cost, lessons can be expensive. Check to see if you can buy blocks of lessons at a discounted rate.

-Private or group? I think private lessons would be best for you when you are starting out. That way you get one on one attention, and you don't have to worry about the others. These will be more expensive.

-Facilities? Depending where you live, you will want to go somewhere where you have an indoor so you can ride all year.
-Is grooming included in the lesson? You will probably want to learn horse care as well as riding skills.

-How long are lessons? Lessons are often an hour, but that may vary depending where you go.

-Helmets- are they provided or do you need to bring your own. Tack stores often have a variety in a variety of prices. I would recommend one of the ventalated ones, like the basic Troxel one, which is relatively inexpensive. The tack store can help you pick the right size.

You will need to have a pair of boots with a 1" heel on them for your lesson. Jeans are usually recommended. I wouldn't invest in any proper attire until you are certain you want to continue, and the discipline that you would like. I wouldn't wear a shirt you cared too much about, as horses do slobber some times! :-P

Good luck! Horseback riding is awesome!

Answer 4

go down to a few barns ask for the instructors qualifacations and ask to sit in on a lesson to see if its really for you. You'll need to decide to either start with english or western riding first.

Safety needs to be a concern to be adressed. Make sure that the horse is beginner safe and the instructor moves at a pace that is comfortable for you. Proper riding helmet and boots are needed.

Answer 5

ask drivers at the race track for info,,