What to Expect on Your 1st Riding Lesson

Your first riding lesson! You’re excited, maybe even a little jittery, and you’re wondering, “What will it be like? Is there something I can do to get ready?” First of all, I can promise you it will be wonderful! If you have a love of horses, you are already well-equipped! Your first lesson will be a foundation for all your future riding! And we'll talk about some things you can do now to prepare ahead of time. Let’s take a look at a lesson overview!

Meet and Greet with Your Ride!

Here at Amazing Grace Stables, I will start you off with an often overlooked part of starting to ride, and that’s taking time to actually meet your horse. Horses can look large and intimidating, but take some time to look into their eyes and you'll see there is nothing but love and gentleness. Get the feel of their silky coat under your hand. I want you to be comfortable just being with a horse and pause a moment to breathe, to enjoy the first step of your dream with horses!

Handling A Horse On The Ground

Time to learn the basics of moving with a horse while holding the lead rope! We will take a walk with the horse - like walking your dog, just bigger! I'll be right beside you in every step! We’ll go over the safety rules for handling horses and begin building your confidence! You've got this!

Time to Mount Up!

Now the moment you’ve been waiting for has come! Time to learn the proper way to climb into the saddle and the correct position for holding the reins and riding! I will lead you as you focus on moving with the horse.

• Let’s Ride!

Que cowboy/cowgirl music! You are riding a horse! We’ll start on a lunge line and then build up to riding on your own - whether in your first lesson or the ones to follow. All of this will be done at your pace - because every step with horses should be fun and comfortable for you!

And that is the basics of your first riding lesson!

There’s nothing I love more than getting to see your smile as you take that first ride! One thing for certain, you’ll never regret following your heart and realizing your dreams!

Now, what can you be doing to prepare in the days leading up to your lesson? Here are a few tips and pointers so you'll be ready in every way!

Making Plans!

You’ve scheduled your first lesson! Hooray! Don’t forget to mark it on your calendar or phone! Make sure to leave plenty of time for travel so you can fully enjoy the experience. Whether you’re having a 30-minute or hour lesson, we may go just a little over that, so it’s best to have it on a day when you don’t have to hurry. Don’t want to rush the beginning of a dream! And should you realize at the last minute you won’t be able to make it, no worries! Just let me know so we can reschedule!

What Should I Wear?

Pick an outfit you can move around in easily. Be sure to wear long pants for your riding lesson; jeans are probably best, but any kind will work so long as it’s comfortable! Now, let’s talk footwear. The best thing for riding a horse will always be boots, which I recommend. But if you’re just trying out riding lessons, and don’t want to spend that money for boots until you’re sure you’ll continue, I get it. Just be sure to wear a more narrow, enclosed shoe that fits your foot well (not too loose, not too tight) - if it’s got a slight heel to it, even better!

Relax and Have Fun!

Remember what made you choose to sign up for these lessons! Keep your love of horses front and center in your mind. And know that while you are having a great time, you are also learning a new skill, and building confidence that will flow into all areas of your life!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into what your first riding lesson will look like and how you can prepare for its arrival! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out! I love hearing from you! And if you are just looking into this, and want to begin that journey with horses, message me today to schedule your first riding lesson with Dolly and me!

Happy Trails and I’ll see you in the arena!