Preparing for horse riding lessons includes spending some serious time reflecting on what you hope to get out of the lessons. Are you a complete novice who hasn’t sat on a horse since a pony ride in the third grade? Are you looking to get comfortable on a horse before deciding if horse ownership is for you? Have you ridden before once or twice but now want to learn the “right” way to ride? Are you fairly experienced at casual riding and now considering entering the world of competitive riding? Questions like these can help focus your attention on what your goals are, and make preparing for horse riding lessons more effective.

When looking for an instructor, start by asking people you know who ride horses where they learned. If you know people who ride or just know people who know people who ride, chances are someone can point you in the direction of an instructor. If you have a local park or other facility that rents horses for trail rides, ask someone there whether they give lessons or know someone who does. Attending a horse show or inquiring with organizations such as the American Riding Instructors Association can also provide good leads for an instructor.

When choosing an instructor, keep your goals in mind and be sure to share them with any prospective instructors. If you are simply looking to become comfortable on a horse, an instructor who is a competitive jumper may not be a good match for you. Most instructors will allow you to observe one of their lessons, to see firsthand what their style is like. Be aware of safety related issues (are all the riders wearing helmets, is there a good ratio of instructors to students, etc) as well as the teaching style of the instructor.

Once you have decided on an instructor, be sure to review all of the stable’s administrative policies. Know what happens if you miss a lesson, what equipment is provided and what you will need to bring, etc.

When preparing for horse riding lessons, be sure to dress appropriately. This doesn’t mean you need to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a proper riding habit, but be sure your clothes are appropriate. Be sure your boots fit well and are appropriate for riding (the heel should be around 1” high). If the weather is cold, plan to dress in layers for maximum comfort.

Preparing for horse lessons properly will help ensure you find an instructor who is a good match for you and your goals. Dressing appropriately and knowing the policies of the stable will help ensure a good experience. Most of all, remember that preparing for horse lessons isn’t as much fun as the lessons themselves, but your efforts will pay off in the end.