Choosing a Horse Riding School: A Guide for Novice Riders

Embarking on horse riding as a novice is an exciting journey, whether it's for yourself or your children who've reached the delightful "Can I have a pony?" stage. The most important step to ensure a positive experience is choosing the right riding school.

Your progress, safety, and enjoyment greatly depend on this choice. This guide provides practical tips to help you select a reputable riding school tailored to novices.

1. Define Your Riding Goals

Begin by considering what you want from your riding experience. Are you looking for structured lessons on well-trained horses in an arena, or perhaps supervised hacks to simply enjoy being outdoors on horseback? If you aim to develop competent riding skills from the basics up, focus on riding schools that offer a progressive curriculum designed for beginners.

Clarifying your goals ensures the school you choose matches your expectations and riding ambitions.

2. Research Riding Schools and Accreditation

Compile a list of local riding schools and don’t just pick the nearest or the most advertised. Prioritise centres bearing recognised accreditations like the Association of British Riding Schools (A.B.R.S.) or British Horse Society (B.H.S.) approvals.

The A.B.R.S. focuses on welfare standards, training levels, and horsemanship within riding schools, while the B.H.S. oversees broader equine welfare and ensures approved centres are inspected regularly. Both maintain lists of accredited schools online, which serve as reliable starting points.

Schools with these accrediting logos demonstrate commitment to high standards in horse care and rider education.

3. Check Instructor Qualifications and Facilities

When you contact prospective schools, ask about instructor qualifications. Ideally, your instructor should be at least part-qualified with the British Horse Society, with a fully qualified instructor supervising the centre.

Consider the facilities too: Do they have covered arenas for bad weather? Are the horses well-suited and trained for beginners? These factors can affect your comfort and safety during lessons.

4. Understand Lesson Formats and Costs

Ask about the format of beginner lessons. For novices, lessons often start with lead rein sessions where an assistant accompanies you to ensure control and safety. Expect riding primarily at a walking pace, with gradual introduction to trotting as confidence grows.

Clarify whether lessons are group or private, lesson duration (usually 40 minutes to one hour), and costs involved. Group lessons are generally more affordable and great for beginners to socialise while learning.

5. Visit the Riding Schools

Arrange informal visits to shortlisted schools to see the facilities first-hand. Observe the condition and wellbeing of the horses, cleanliness of stables, and the state of tack like saddles and bridles.

Check if the school provides or lends safety equipment such as BSI Kitemarked riding hats, boots, and gloves. If not, you’ll need suitable footwear: plain-soled shoes or boots with a short square heel, and gloves with grip padding for better control.

Remember, a school's outward appearance might not reflect teaching quality or horse welfare. Some highly reputable schools operate from simpler buildings, while others with flashy facilities may not meet your needs. Trust your instincts when you visit.

Conclusion

Choosing the right horse riding school as a novice is key to an enjoyable and safe riding experience. Define your goals, research accreditations, check instructor qualifications and facilities, understand lesson formats and costs, then visit schools to find the right fit for you.

Take your time, ask questions, and ensure the school you select prioritises equine welfare and your learning journey. This thoughtful approach will help you or your children develop a lifelong love of riding.

For those looking to progress to owning or finding a horse after lessons, explore trusted sources like horses for sale to continue your equestrian adventure responsibly.