What to Expect at Your First Lesson
Your first riding lesson is an exciting time, but there’s a bit of work that needs to be done before you hop into the saddle. There’s a whole lot more to horseback riding than the actual riding part. Horsemanship is a vital part of riding and one we take seriously as it is important to the safety of both horse and rider.
In your first lesson, you will meet all of our horses to learn about them and see which ones you connect with. This will help our instructor, Audrey, determine which horse is best suited to you as well. Some horses just get along better with some people. They have personalities just like you and me.
Here are a few things you can expect to learn in your first lesson:
How to halter and lead the horse
Rules of handling horses - don’t walk behind them without touching them, don’t make loud noises to scare them, etc.
How to groom the horse
The two different disciplines (English & Western) and what activities you can do in those disciplines
Audrey will also discuss your riding goals. Do you want to show and compete? Do you want to jump or barrel race? Do you just want to pleasure and trail ride? Do you intend on purchasing your own horse? This will allow us to tailor your lessons to you and your goals.
What to Wear
Your clothing and footwear is very important when it comes to safely working around horses. They have big feet and they don’t always pay attention to where they put them. Boots, either English paddock boots, English tall boots, or cowboy boots are the best option for footwear. These boots are made of durable leather and designed for riding. No fashion boots! They are not comfortable to ride in and the heels are often incorrect and unsafe. Not only are boots designed to protect your feet should a horse step on it, but they are also designed to come out of stirrups easily in the event of a fall. Please contact us if you need help obtaining affordable boots.
Tennis shoes and rubber boots do not offer the same protection as boots. While we are able to work with you in your first few lessons while you obtain boots, we will adjust the lessons accordingly for your safety.
Absolutely no flip-flops or opened-toe shoes may be worn by anyone in the barn area.
The other important aspect of what you wear is your pants. Jeans or breeches are preferred. Tights and leggings can be very slick. Shorts and jogging pants are uncomfortable and you may get rubs or bruises from the saddle.
Always dress for the weather. Remember you can always take off layers in the colder months. In the summer, we recommend t-shirts versus tank tops or a wicking sports top.
No dresses or skirts or anything that is flowy and can get stuck on a saddle horn.
Helmets are always required. You only have one brain.
If a rider comes to a lesson inappropriately dressed, the lesson will be adjusted to groundwork and horsemanship for the rider’s safety.
Read our New Rider Welcome Pack
We have one for regular paid lessons and one for free/discounted lessons. This provides more information about us as well as our cancellation policies, barn rules and more.