Find a horseback riding instructor for good lessons. Get good advice on finding a riding stable for your child.
Safety
If you are interested in getting riding lessons for your child, the first and most important consideration is safety. Is your child old enough and coordinated enough to ride a horse? Many riding academies will have an age requirement. And while there are professional riders who start their kids out on a pony at age three, it's not really recommended to start your child in riding lessons before age five at a minimum.
You also want to consider your child's attention span and maturity. If he or she is unable to follow directions in kindergarten, then it's unlikely that a riding instructor will have better luck. The ability to follow directions is crucial to the safety of both horse and rider.
Money
The second step is to look deep into your pocketbook. Depending on what part of the country you live in, riding lessons can range from $15 to $30 or more an hour. If the price is too high for your budget, then you have two choices. You can veto the lessons or you can try to find a stable that will allow your little munchkin to work for part or all of his or her tuition. This is actually a good option even if finances are not a problem. Working for lessons teaches responsibility and your daughter (or son) will learn much more about horses this way.
Actual Riding Academy
Once you've decided finances, it's time to look into location. Ask around. Check the Internet. Not all riding academies can be found in the phone book. If you don't know anyone in the horsey set, check the classified section of your local newspaper and look for any horses for sale. You should find it under the pet section. Call a few numbers and ask them where they train and who they recommend for children's lessons. Get a list together and call the stable that looks the best (close by, good reputation etc.) to arrange for a visit. Try to go when there is a lesson going on so you can get an idea of the instructor's teaching style.
When you arrive, take a careful look around. Is the place clean and swept? Are there pitchforks strewn here and there or are all the tools neatly put away. Does the tack look clean and the horses look healthy? Even if you are not a horse expert, a sick animal is hard to miss. Check that the animals have shiny coats, no ribs poking out and seem alert.
The Instructor
When observing the class, note if the students seem to be having fun. Are they all wearing helmets? If you even see one person on a horse without a helmet, turn around and look for another barn. Safety comes first and foremost! Note if some of the students seem nervous or scared to do what the instructor asks. How is this handled? Are they encouraged to get over their fears, bullied into riding, or left to try it later when they gain confidence? Think about your child's personality and how your child would react to the instructor's methods. Also take note of how the horses are treated during the lesson. Is it respectful and responsible?
The Organization
Finally check for organization. Are the policies regarding lessons clear? Do they cancel lessons in bad weather and how do they handle make-up lessons? If you have to cancel a lesson, how much notice is required? Once you are satisfied that the stable is well managed it's time to sign up for some lessons. It's best if the first few lessons are private. They may be more expensive that way, but it's much easier and safer to jump-start a beginner with undivided attention. It also makes things easier if the student is a little nervous.
Trial Period
Take a few lessons and then see if you want to continue. Don't be afraid to switch stables if you think the first one you chose is not up to your standards. It takes a while to develop a relationship with a riding instructor and stable.
