How Much Do Horse Riding Lessons Cost?


Written by:  Howmuchisit.org Staff

Whether you want to learn for fun or learn to ride competitively, horse riding lessons are an essential step to meet these goals.  Lessons can either be taught privately or in groups.

Horse riding around Crete by Marcus Povey, on Flickr
“Horse riding around Crete” (CC BY 2.0) by  Marcus Povey

How much do horse riding lessons cost?

The cost of horse riding lessons will depend on the number of sessions you purchase up front, if it’s private, the length, professional offering the lessons and the geographical lesson.

Private lessons will cost anywhere from $200 to $450 for one month, and this will normally include around three to five lessons.  However, this can vary, so be sure to check with your teacher to see how many lessons will be included with your payment.

If the instructor charges by the hour, be prepared to pay $45 to $90 per hour.  This price will depend on the instructor’s credentials, experience, and reputation.

For group lessons, the costs can vary anywhere from $150 to as much as $300.  Again, this is going to include a pack of three to five lessons.  Each facility, as mentioned, is going to vary with its package plans.

Greenlawn Equestrian, a professional we researched, had a list of their prices available on their website.  The prices here ranged anywhere from $120 for four group lessons to as much as $260 for four private lessons.  The more lessons that are purchased, the lower the price will be.  For example, 40 lessons purchased would cost $240 per month, while 12 lessons can cost $170 for a group setting.

Riding lessons for children under the age of five can cost $35 to $55 per half hour.  Thumbtack says the average cost is $35 to $60 per hour, with the average inside the $45 per hour range.

Some facilities offer day camps for kids and will usually be done during summer vacation.  During a day camp, the instructors will compile all the information the rider needs to know in one day.  These day camps usually last six to eight hours and can cost $80 to $200.  Because each camp is run differently, there may be some facilities that run a week-long camp for 2 or 3 hours per day.

MyHorseForum.com talked about the costs they had paid and the members that replied said they paid anywhere from $25 to $60+ per hour.  The thread, with more than three pages, talked about the length of their lessons, the type of lesson, where they were located and if anything else was included.

Type of LessonsAverage Price
Group$45 per hour
Private$70 per hour
Packages$400~ per 10

Horse riding lessons overview

The first time you meet with the instructor, he or she will evaluate your skill and decide where to start with your lessons.  From there, they will be able to determine exactly where you stand with riding.  Most novice riders will start with a basic walk/trot instruction, but it can be as advanced as jumping instructions.  As the rider learns more, the lessons can become more complex.  In general, you will learn how to handle the horse, how to groom, how to care for equipment and the riding basics.

In a group setting, an instructor will work more with the group rather than one on one.  They will give instructions for everyone to follow simultaneously, and may, therefore, not notice small mistakes that you might be making.

After a certain number of lessons, some stables can put on a show for friends and family to showcase what you have learned so far.

Most lessons last thirty minutes to one hour.

What are the extra costs?

No matter the situation, a riding helmet must always be worn.  Some stables will include an approved equestrian helmet while others may make you purchase one.  If you do not have one, most retail for $40 to $125.  Aside from the helmet, long pants and riding boots may be required as well.  A low-cost outfit should cost you no more than $250.

Most stables have horses designated for lessons; however, there may be times when you can choose a different horse for a premium fee.  All stables will vary.

Tips to know:

Most instructors will want you to take at least four to six lessons to get a good grasp on riding.  One lesson will not really accomplish anything.

To make sure that you are getting one of the best instructors around, be sure to check his credentials.  The ARIA (American Riding Instructors’ Association), for example, is a popular credential that many instructors hold.

There are advantages to private lessons as well as group lessons.  If you take lessons with other people, the cost will be less per rider.  However, you will not get the one-one-one attention.  A private lesson, while more expensive, will give you the instructor’s undivided attention.

Questions to ask your riding instructor

How long have you been riding horses?

How long have you been teaching?

Do you carry any sort of insurance?

Do you compete in horse shows?  If so, how do you compete?  How do you place?

Do you have any sort of credentials?

How many students do you teach?

How can I save money?

If you are not in need of immediate lessons, try taking lessons in the off-peak season.  When the stables are not busy, many professionals are willing to teach for a lower fee.

Usually, the more lessons you purchase with a package, the more that you are going to be able to save per lesson.

Some stables may offer free lessons in exchange for volunteer work.  Check with a few places in your area to see if anything like this is available.

Intro lessons are offered by most professionals and will be much cheaper than the regular lessons.  Sometimes, if you’re lucky, they may even be free.  Take advantage of these lessons to see if it’s something you want to get yourself into.

Call a few stables/instructors and see what they charge.  While you don’t want to focus solely on the price, it can offer an idea of what they are charging in your area.


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