Finding a Riding School
How to Find the Ideal Training Establishment for You or Your Child
Riding a horse for the very first time can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. Follow a few simple rules to ensure that you find the perfect riding school
Learning to ride can be an eye-opening experience. It can be exciting, scary, fun and fulfilling all at the same time. Your first few times on horseback can also be quite an unnerving and dangerous time as you figure out how to maintain your balance and how to control your steed. It is imperative at this early stage in your riding career that you are guided by a riding instructor that you understand, get on with and trust and that the training establishment is a safe environment. For somebody new to the equestrian world, it can be hard to know where to go for the best advice and training. However, there are a few simple ways of assessing whether the riding school you are thinking of attending is the right place for you.
Reputation, Reputation, Reputation
The best way to find a good riding school is through word of mouth and personal recommendations. Excellent riding establishments are usually well known throughout the surrounding area. The same rule goes for the bad ones. A bit of asking around and you will soon find out which schools fall into which camps! If you have any friends or relatives that ride then ask them where they had lessons.
Increasing numbers of stable yards are also advertising on the Internet and setting up their own websites. This enables you to check out the facilities, horses and instructors before you even head out to visit the establishment.
Qualifications are Key
All riding instructors should have some form of qualification. In the United Kingdom, riding instructors should possess qualifications from the British Horse Society (BHS) or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS). In the United States, it is recommended that you only accept lessons from someone who has received instructor certification from the America Riding Instructors Association (ARIA).
In addition to providing qualified instructors, riding schools in the United States and the United Kingdom must have a license which allows them to operate in that particular way. If you can’t see a license certificate displayed somewhere in the yard, ask the stable manager or instructor to present one to you. If they make excuses and are evasive when you push them, walk straight out of the yard.
Appearances are everything
There are a number of things that you should look out for when you first pay a visit to your prospective riding school. Firstly, are the stables clean and tidy? Do the people looking after the horses appear to know what they are doing? Do the horses look happy and healthy? Are there any hazardous looking objects lying around? If the riding stable instructors and staff are lax and careless when it comes to their own animals and surroundings they will probably extend the same courtesy to you and your safety.
Do You Feel Safe?
Safety should be absolutely paramount when deciding on a riding school.
You should be offered a well fitting helmet before you mount your horse. The riding hat should be in good condition and should not have suffered any damage. The riding school should also have advised you on the right gear to bring with you (i.e. well fitted trousers or jodhpurs, a pair of gloves and a pair of boots or shoes with a small heel).
The horses should be quiet and properly trained. They should not be overtired or lethargic but they should not be overexcited and naughty either. No riding school horse or pony should ever snatch the reins out of your hands, try to bite you as you get into the saddle or run away with you.
An Amazing Experience
Learning how to develop a partnership with an animal as forgiving and exquisite as the horse can be truly satisfying. If you have lessons long enough you will progress from an unsteady walk and trot to galloping full pelt across country fields and popping over jumps. One day you may even decide to focus on a competitive aspect such as dressage or three day eventing. Whatever your final goal, make sure that your learning curve is a safe and enjoyable one by choosing a reputable, licensed riding school.
