Taking horseback riding lessons is beneficial for all – whether you are a beginner or experienced rider. Having an instructor to keep an eye on your technique and give you advice is invaluable if you are to improve as a rider. But how much does horseback riding cost?
If you have ever dreamed of learning or improving your riding skills, whether it be for fun or competition, taking horseback riding lessons with an experienced instructor is your first step.
There are lots of reasons for people to take lessons. Some just want to ride for fun, and for others, they want to compete, and still, others take lessons for therapeutic reasons.
You may be instructed on your own horse, or take lessons at a riding school where everything is provided.
It’s a common misconception that horseback riding is expensive. But, in reality, the cost can vary depending on several different variables..
Introductory lesson
You may find your first lesson with a new instructor will be slightly more expensive than the following ones. This can be because it will be a longer lesson which your instructor will use to determine your skill level and decide the best lesson plan for you going forward. Your instructor will also take you around the stables to get you familiar with your surroundings and the horses.
Horse Riding Group Lessons
Group lessons normally are given with a class of four or more students. Sharing your lesson with others will usually lower the cost of horseback riding lessons per rider. In group lessons, the price is normally around ten dollars cheaper. This type of class will usually cost around $40 per lesson depending on the length of the session.
Private Lessons
The cost of horseback riding lessons for a private lesson is almost always the most expensive option. You are paying for having the instructor’s undivided attention. For this lesson, you will pay around $65 for an hour’s session.
Semi-private Lessons
The cost of horseback riding for a semi-private lesson will be around $55. A semi-private lesson will usually mean no more than three riders for an hour-long session.
Package Deals
The cost of horseback riding for package deals will normally cost more upfront but it averages out at less for each lesson.
For example, The group price for a small group might cost you $55 for an hour-long session but if you prepay upfront you can get around thirteen lessons for around $600. This will save you roughly $116 or what equals a couple of free lessons.
Equestrian Therapy Group Sessions
You will find that a lot of people who deal with anxiety, stress, PTSD, and even substance abuse will take therapeutic riding lessons. There are actually programs that include horseback riding those who suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome.
Group lessons for those in need of therapeutic riding will normally cost about $40 for an hour-long session. For a private therapy lesson, it will cost around $50 for a half-hour session.
Western Vs English Riding
It is no different in the cost of horseback riding with the two main styles. But there are differences in the styles.
English-style riding normally includes things like show jumping and dressage and there is no horn on the saddle. While Western-style riding has a larger saddle with a horn and other components. This style is mainly for cattle roping and barrel racing.
Riders who do not know or haven’t decided which style they want to learn might wish to find a barn or stable that is capable of teaching both styles.
Ways to Save Money
The cost of horseback riding can be expensive.
Most people either hate it or love it. If you love it, it becomes a lifelong passion which may mean you’re hooked and need to find ways of continuing to pay for your training. Below are some ways that you can save money on your horse riding lessons.
Take Group Lessons
This is the best way to save money. Taking group lessons means there are at least four of you covering the cost of your instructor. You have some pros and some cons for group lessons.
The main con or drawback is that you don’t get the instructor’s undivided attention.
The pros are that the lesson will cost each rider around $10 less and it is always fun to ride with others. You may make friends and go riding together socially too.
Take Shorter Lessons
Consider asking your instructor for shorter lessons. You could still get lots out of them, especially if you give it all your focus while you’re in the lesson.
Work in Exchange for Your Lessons
If you are willing to work around the stables in exchange for some of the cost of lessons, there are some instructors who will give you as much as a 50% discount. If you plan to one day own a horse, this can be a great way to learn all the other work that goes into caring for a horse.
Your work will normally include cleaning the stalls, feeding the horses, walking the horses, and brushing the horses.
Why Are Some Horseback Riding Lessons More Than Others?
There are a few different things that will affect the cost of your lessons.
Location
The location of the riding school or stables will affect your cost. For instance, if the facility is located far from the city, then their property is probably cheaper, in turn, your lessons should cost less.
The closer to the city the riding facility is, the more expensive your lessons are sure to be.
Duration
The longer the riding lesson, the more expensive it is. If you would like to reduce the cost of the lesson, try taking half-hour riding lessons. This will lower your cost by almost half.
The Instructor
Your instructor’s experience and qualifications also factor into the cost. The better their qualifications and the more experience they have, the more the lessons will cost.
Key Factors to Consider About Your Horseriding Lessons
There are a few things to consider before you lock in your lessons.
How many lessons should I take?
The most highly competitive riders are still bein coached. There is nothing like having experienced eyes watching you, correcting your technique and helping you train your horse to the next level.
So, your horseback riding lessons may never end! Or you may get to a point where you feel confident and experienced enough to ride for fun on your own.
From there you may choose to take a lesson just every now and then to ensure any bad habits haven’t slipped back into your riding technique.
How often should I take a lesson?
In a perfect world one lesson a week is ideal. Once you decide that you really enjoy riding then you can increase it to 2-3 times a week if you’d like.
So, how much does horseback riding cost?
Unfortunately there is no easy answer and many factors go into the cost of your lessons. The cost of riding equipment and the cost of the upkeep on taking care of the horse can make horseback riding lessons a little more expensive than coaching in other sports.
But if you really love horses and seriously want to learn to ride, then the joy you will get from improving your riding and your communication with horses is definitely worth the cost.
Riding helps in keeping you physically fit, it helps children to learn positive skills. It can be therapeutic to many and for these reasons alone, it is well worth the price.