All You Need to Know Before Your Child Starts Horse Riding
Horse riding is one of those wholesome hobbies where kids can get outside, stay active, and develop a love for animals. But it’s not as simple as buying a football and letting them loose in the park! If you’ve got a horse-crazy kid begging to learn, you might be wondering where to begin.
As a family with countryside roots and a history of stables on our own farm, we know how rewarding horse riding can be, especially for young children. So we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this equestrian world with ease.
What Age Can You Start Horse Riding?
First things first, what's the best age for a child to start horse riding? If your child dreams of galloping through the fields, you might be keen to get them going as soon as possible!
Usually, you need to wait until they are at least 4 years old before you can start their lessons. As a general guideline, you would usually expect:
- Pony Rides (4–6 years): At this age, children can enjoy pony rides or basic lessons that focus on balance and familiarity with horses. Ponies are smaller and less intimidating, making them perfect for young riders.
- Formal Lessons (7+ years): By age 7, kids have better balance, coordination, and attention span to handle more structured lessons.
Overall, the key is your child’s readiness. Are they excited to ride? Confident around animals? Willing to listen to instructions? If so, they might be ready earlier (or later) than expected. Always speak with the riding school to assess if lessons are a good fit.
There’s also no age limit to starting horse riding! Many adults take up riding as a hobby or to achieve lifelong goals.
Choosing the Right Riding School or Instructor
Equestrian sports are incredibly popular here in the UK, and there are plenty of riding schools dotted all over the country.
The brilliant thing is that horse riding is one of the most inclusive sports, with plenty of options for children and adults with disabilities. Organisations like the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) offer tailored lessons to ensure everyone can experience the joy of riding. With over 500 groups across the UK, there’s likely one near you.
What to Look For in a Riding School
There are a few things to bear in mind when picking the best riding school for your child:
- Certifications: Choose a school with instructors certified by organisations like the British Horse Society (BHS), The Pony Club, or The Association of British Riding Schools. If accessibility is a priority, look for schools affiliated with the RDA we mentioned just before.
- Facilities: Check for safe, well-maintained stables, an enclosed arena, and access to trails for advanced lessons. Happy horses are another great sign - they should look healthy, well-fed, and relaxed.
- Safety First: A good school will emphasise safety gear (like helmets) and ensure that beginners are matched with calm, well-trained horses.
All UK riding schools must be licenced by their Local Authority, which checks for compliance with animal welfare and safety standards. Licences should be displayed prominently at the school, so it’s easy to verify.
Booking a Lesson
When you call to book, the school will usually ask about your child’s experience to pair them with the right horse and lesson type. Most schools offer:
- Group Lessons: More affordable and great for socialising.
- Semi-Private Lessons: Small groups (2–3 riders) for a more tailored experience.
- Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions for focused learning, so are ideal for beginners or nervous riders.
The British Equestrian Where to Ride Directory is a great starting point to find licenced riding centres near you.
Tips for Visiting and Observing
- Watch a Lesson: Does the instructor seem patient and encouraging? Are the students engaged and having fun?
- Check the Horses: Are they calm, well-groomed, and treated kindly?
- Talk to Other Parents: Their feedback can give you insight into the school’s strengths and weaknesses.
Horse riding carries risks, like any sport, but proper training, calm horses, and safety gear greatly reduce dangers. A good riding school will ensure your child starts with the basics and builds confidence step by step.
The Cost of Horse Riding Lessons
One of the most common pressing questions is, how much do horse riding lessons cost?
In the UK, you can usually expect to pay between £20 to £50 for a lesson, depending on certain factors like duration, group or private lessons, location, and equipment hire.
To give you more of an idea, here’s a snapshot of prices at some UK riding schools:
- Dulwich Riding School:
- Group lessons: £37/hour.
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- Semi private lessons: £37.00 per 45 minutes
- Private lessons: £47 for 45 minutes.
- Bristol Riding School:
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- Group lessons: £18 for 30 minutes, for children (ages 4–13).
- Semi private lessons: £23 for 30 minutes.
- Private lessons: £35 for 30 minutes.
- Springbank Riding School:
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- Group lessons: £22.50 for 30 minutes.
- Semi private lessons: £27.50 for 30 minutes.
- Private lessons: £32.50 for 30 minutes.
Please note these prices were correct at the time of writing. Refer to the school's official website for the most current pricing.
Extra Costs to Keep in Mind
- Equipment Hire: Some schools charge extra for helmets or boots if you don’t have your own.
- Show Fees: If your child participates in competitions, there may be additional costs for entry fees and transport.
- Advanced Lessons or Hacks: Lessons outside the arena or longer sessions might cost more.
Horse riding can feel expensive, especially if you're not 100% convinced it won't be one of those phrases we all know children can go through! But there are ways to help reduce some of the costs.
Many schools offer reduced rates for block bookings or sibling discounts. You could also begin with group lessons to see if your child enjoys riding before investing in private sessions or their own equestrian clothing.
Getting Kids Comfortable with Horses
For children new to horse riding, the size and energy of a horse can be a bit intimidating. So if your child is feeling a bit uncertain or they aren't used to being around animals, there are a few ways you can ease them in.
Start with Stable Visits
Before jumping straight into lessons, you could ask around your local area to see if anybody has a horse they would be happy to let your child come and visit, or look up stables that welcome members of the public.
Watching horses from a safe distance and seeing how they interact with people can help kids feel more comfortable. Over time, encourage small interactions like offering a treat or gently patting a horse’s shoulder (always with supervision).
You could also get some horse books from the library and watch YouTube videos to help them get excited.
Hands-On Activities
Giving children responsibility can work wonders for their confidence. If possible, you could get them to help the stables with:
- Grooming: Brushing a horse’s coat is a calming activity that helps kids bond with the animal.
- Feeding: Letting your child fill a hay net or offer a carrot can create a positive connection.
- Stable Chores: Simple tasks like sweeping or filling water buckets introduce kids to the care side of horse riding.
Learn Horse Behaviour Together
Horses have their own way of communicating, and understanding their body language helps kids feel more confident:
- Relaxed Ears: A calm, happy horse.
- Pinned-Back Ears: A sign of irritation - best to give them space.
- Swishing Tail: Could mean the horse is annoyed or brushing away flies.
By learning these cues, your child will start to understand and respect the animal’s boundaries.
Lead-Line Rides
These are a fantastic stepping stone to building confident riders.
With a qualified instructor or handler leading the horse, your child can focus on feeling safe in the saddle without worrying about controlling the horse. These short, guided rides build familiarity and trust, which will, in turn, mean more confident riders down the line.
What to Expect in the First Few Lessons
Starting horse riding is an exciting experience, but knowing what to expect can help your child (and you!) feel more prepared and confident.
- Getting to Know the Horse: Riding lessons usually begin with an introduction to the horse, and learning how to approach them safely.
- Learning to Mount and Dismount: Mounting for the first time can feel a little awkward (especially if the horse is tall!), but instructors will guide your child step by step. Dismounting is just as important, and kids will practice getting on and off safely before moving on.
- The Basics of Riding: In the saddle, the focus will be on helping get the best posture, as well as how to grip the reins correctly and gently guide the horse. They will also be taught simple commands; using voice cues and slight movements to signal “walk,” “stop,” or “turn.”
- Building Confidence at a Walk: Beginners typically start with walking, either with the horse on a lead rope or guided closely by the instructor. This stage is all about building balance and feeling at ease.
What to Wear for Horse Riding
We all know that kids are notorious for starting off incredibly enthusiastic about an extracurricular activity, then suddenly losing all interest. So at the beginning, you might choose to hang off kitting your child out with the gear - until you've confirmed they are ready to commit! Luckily, most riding schools will offer equipment hire, like helmets, so you don't have to invest in these straight away.
Once you know your child is sticking with it, we've rounded up a few pointers below to help you get the best clothing for kids horse riding:
- Helmet: This one’s a must. A proper riding helmet protects against bumps and falls, so investing in one that fits perfectly is worth every penny.
- Riding Boots: Boots for riding are specifically designed with a small heel (about an inch) to stop feet from slipping through the stirrups. Something like the Dublin Childrens Altitude Jodhpur Boots or Brogini Modena Piccino Easy Care Yr Boots Childs are great options.
- Equestrian Clothing: Jodhpurs or breeches are best, paired with a fitted top or baselayer. On colder days, add a weatherproof riding jacket.
- Accessories: Riding gloves improve grip and protect the skin from blisters, so less complaining from your little ones about sore hands! You can also pick up some half chaps, which are worn over boots to protect lower legs and prevent rubbing against the saddle.
If you need a hand with choosing, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our team, who will be happy to offer further suggestions.
Incredible Benefits of Horse Riding for Kids
Riding often takes place in beautiful outdoor settings, giving kids a chance to enjoy fresh air and explore the countryside. It’s a fantastic way to disconnect from screens and reconnect with the natural world.
It is the kind of outdoor activity that is packed with physical, mental, and social benefits that can positively shape your child’s development. It can also build valuable life skills and a positive, can-do attitude from the responsibility.
Physical Benefits
- Core Strength: Balancing in the saddle works the core muscles, helping improve posture and stability.
- Coordination: Controlling a horse while steering, stopping, and maintaining balance sharpens reflexes and coordination.
- Fitness: From walking alongside a pony to mastering a rising trot, riding is full-body physical exercise disguised as fun!
Mental Health Benefits
- Confidence: Tackling challenges like learning to trot or jump helps kids believe in themselves.
- Focus and Discipline: Following instructions, staying calm, and working with an animal teaches patience and responsibility.
- Stress Relief: Spending time with horses has a calming effect, helping kids unwind.
Social Benefits
- Teamwork: Whether it’s group lessons or helping at the stables, horse riding encourages kids to work together and communicate, which boosts their social skills.
- Friendships: Shared interests build bonds, and kids often form lasting friendships in riding schools or clubs.
- Empathy: Care of horses teaches kindness, understanding, and respect for animals.
Something that's important to note is that not every child will stick with horse riding forever, and that’s okay. If your child loves horses but isn’t as interested in riding, there are plenty of other ways to stay involved. Activities like grooming, feeding, or even volunteering at a stable can deepen their bond with horses without the pressure to ride.
Younger kids might also might just enjoy horse-themed toys like LeMieux Toy Ponies or hobby horses, which keep their love for horses alive in a playful way!
Tips for Parents Who May be Unfamiliar with the Equestrian World
Stepping into the equestrian world can feel a bit overwhelming if you’ve never been around horses before. From the terminology to safety concerns and the cost of lessons, there’s a lot to take in. But don’t worry - you don’t need to be a horse expert to support your child!
These tips will help you get started with confidence:
- Learn the Basics of Horse Care: Familiarise yourself with terms like tack (the gear used on a horse, like the saddle and bridle), posting (a technique used in trotting to rise and sit in rhythm with the horse), and gait (the way a horse moves, including walk, trot, and canter). You and your child could even challenge each other to learn together!
- Join the Community: Kids horse riding is as much about the people as it is about the horses. Chat with other parents at the riding schools - they’re often a goldmine of advice and can recommend everything from tips to keep the little ones motivated to second-hand equipment.
- Ask Questions: Riding schools can feel like a world of their own, with unique routines and terminology. Instructors will be more than happy to explain what you or your child should expect if you're unsure about what's happening, so please do ask.
- Be Prepared for Mud and Mess: Horses aren’t exactly tidy creatures! Horse riding lessons often involve muddy boots, hay-covered clothes, and the occasional horse slobber. Keep an old blanket or towels in the car for the way home.
Summary
Starting your child’s horse riding journey is a big step - and an exciting one! It’s a chance to introduce them to a world of confidence-building, outdoor fun, and a deeper connection with animals. We know it can feel like there’s a lot to learn, but every rider starts somewhere, and you’re already taking the first step by exploring the possibilities.
If you’re still unsure about anything, we’re here to help. Drop your questions in the comments, and we’ll make sure you feel as prepared as possible. Or, if you’re ready to get going, take a look at our kids equestrian clothing for everything from helmets to jodhpur boots, with everything your little rider needs to feel confident in the saddle.
About the Author
With her extensive firsthand experience of farm life and a keen eye for quality, Sarah Holland's advice on womens country clothing reflects her genuine appreciation for the joys and comfort of rural living. Whether it's a smart tweed jacket for a formal occasion or durable wellies for muddy walks, she knows what works for life in the countryside. Sarah loves sharing her knowledge and insights to help others discover the perfect attire for their outdoor lifestyle.