Things You'll Need:
- Long Pants
- Riding Boots
- Riding Helmets
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Step 1
Find a competent teacher by talking to friends who have horses, visiting boarding facilities or looking in the yellow pages under Horses, Lessons or Riding.
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Step 2
Talk to the instructor. Ask what type of lessons he or she gives. Make sure the instructor knows you are a beginner and need a well-trained horse.
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Step 3
Ask the instructor about his or her riding experience. Does the instructor have formal training? Seek out an instructor who has taught riders of all levels so that he or she can help you as you improve.
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Step 4
Discuss your goals with your teacher. Do you just want to learn to ride so that you can borrow a friend's horse or so that you can go on a long trail ride?
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Step 5
Watch other riders taking lessons to observe your instructor's personality. Does he or she give instructions in easy-to-understand language? Is he or she patient?
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Step 1
Start with English-style riding, which requires more balance and is a strong foundation for all varieties of riding. Once you have mastered these skills, it will be easier to learn other riding styles.
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Step 2
Stick with it. Learning to ride a horse can be slow and tedious. Often you will feel like you are making progress, and other times you will feel completely uncoordinated. Don't give up.
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Step 3
If you are not happy with your progress, consider switching instructors. You have every right to find an instructor who meets your needs.
Comments
Vanessa22 said
on 1/11/2009 I need to find someone who can teach me for free...I can't wait! thanks for the great article :)
baybeyyy said
on 1/2/2009 Actually....you don't have to start with english lessons...I felt a lot safer learning to ride western! I now ride only english & jumping....
ditto said
on 2/6/2008 Actually, if you're looking to learn the basics of horse back riding, ask around, watch a few lessons of several styles, determine what you like. However, know this: Do not go into this wonderful activity with preconceived notions of individuals who have had time to decide for themselves. The decision is yours and yours alone: all styles have both competition and leisure to offer. When it comes to English or Western, don't listen to the preconceived notion that, "Western riding is designed for people to find comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down...quite different from English," to quote an earlier comment by stayinthesaddle. While this person most certainly has a right to their own opinion, both styles offer a wide array of recreation--whether it be 'comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down' or strict competition (of which both respected styles have more than their share)
ditto said
on 2/6/2008 Actually, if you're looking to learn the basics of horse back riding, ask around, watch a few lessons of several styles, determine what you like. However, know this: Do not go into this wonderful activity with preconceived notions of individuals who have had time to decide for themselves. The decision is yours and yours alone: all styles have both competition and leisure to offer. When it comes to English or Western, don't listen to the preconceived notion that, "Western riding is designed for people to find comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down...quite different from English," to quote an earlier comment by stayinthesaddle. While this person most certainly has a right to their own opinion, both styles offer a wide array of recreation--whether it be 'comfort on a horse from sun-up to sun-down' or strict competition (of which both respected styles have more than their share)
helenmelon said
on 8/5/2007 To Miranda, try the natural horsemanship way of riding and become a partner with your horse. The Parelli Method will help you improve your relationship with this horse and all others. HK