Riding clubs typically offer 30 to 50-minute lessons per session. For those considering learning horseback riding, some may feel these lessons are too long, while others might worry that short lessons won’t help them master skills.
Additionally, some people are unsure about what they will actually learn at a riding club, which can make them hesitant to join. While horseback riding may seem intimidating at first, reputable clubs will never ask beginners to ride at full gallop right away.
In this article, we’ll explore what you learn at a riding club, what beginners need to focus on first, and how frequently riders typically attend per month. Use this as a reference point.
What Do You Learn at a Riding Club?
What would you like to learn at a riding club? While riding technique—how to sit on a horse—is obviously essential, there are many other skills involved.
Learning at a riding club includes riding skills, horse grooming, tack fitting, horse communication, obtaining licenses, and even competing in events.
Initially, beginners learn how to groom horses and put on saddle gear. You might think the staff would handle these tasks, but as a rider, you are responsible for your horse’s preparation before and after riding. This means mounting and dismounting, as well as caring for the horse afterward, are all part of the learning experience.
Regarding riding skills, beginner lessons cover basics from how to ride, control commands like start, stop, and backward movement, to maintaining proper posture during exercise, including fast and light trots, show jumping, and dressage. Depending on your level, you can also earn licenses starting with the Level 5 license, which can be obtained with about three days of lessons. Progressing through Level 4 and 3 are possible with continued practice.
Once proficient, riders can participate in competitions organized by national associations or external events, and training for these competitions is also provided.
What Do Beginners Do First?
Reckless attempts by beginners to ride at a canter are rare, as doing so without proper foundational knowledge and skills can lead to accidents for both rider and horse.
Early lessons focus on horse grooming, leading exercises, giving commands, and balancing posture on a moving horse. These foundational skills help riders become comfortable with horses before progressing to more advanced riding. After mastering these basics, riders gradually move on to trotting and then to more advanced gaits over the course of about 20 to 50 rides.
Riders usually take around 1 to 20 lessons to reach trot comfortably, and up to 50 lessons to practice cantering.
Can I Take Lessons After Work?
Work schedules vary, but generally, it’s possible to take lessons after work. Many riding clubs are accommodating and offer evening lessons even once working hours are over.
If the riding club has an indoor arena, outdoor riding after sunset is not an issue. For outdoor venues, it may get dark during evening lessons, but many clubs have lighting to ensure safety.
Night riding offers a different atmosphere and can be a relaxing way to end your day. It’s also ideal because you don’t need to worry about attending other lessons afterward, and you can take your time to enjoy bonding with your horse after the lesson.
How Many Times a Month Do You Usually Attend?
How often you attend per month varies widely among individuals. Horseback riding is enjoyed by people of all ages, including retirees, students, working professionals, and homemakers. The amount of time they can dedicate varies greatly.
Some people can attend after work, while others go only on days off. Students might go after school or only during holidays. Because of this variability, there’s no definitive answer to how many times a month you should attend.
However, most riders who can attend several times a week tend to do one horse ride per session, whereas those with less frequent schedules might ride two or three horses in a single day. Horseback riding is physically demanding. Each lesson lasts about 30 to 50 minutes, and riding multiple times in a row requires good stamina. It’s important to consider your own physical condition when planning your schedule.
Summary
Lessons at riding clubs vary by facility. If you plan to keep riding consistently, it’s important to understand the club’s atmosphere and what you will learn. Even if what you learn is different from your expectations, it’s often difficult to cancel your membership immediately after paying the registration fee and dues.
Start by researching what skills are taught at the club, whether their beginner lessons are manageable, and how often others attend. For working adults, convenience is key—checking if they offer evening lessons can make a big difference. Knowing the club’s schedule for night lessons can also help you continue riding comfortably.
If you consider horseback riding as a hobby, find a club that matches your expectations and lifestyle.