What do you need to start beginner lessons?

Sigma Force

Daughter will hopefully be taking up horse riding lessons, is there anything in particular that you have to get as a beginner eg boots etc. haven't a clue where to start. Also roughly what's the cost per lesson?

Green Hornet

Sigma Force wrote: »

Daughter will hopefully be taking up horse riding lessons, is there anything in particular that you have to get as a beginner eg boots etc. haven't a clue where to start. Also roughly what's the cost per lesson?

Usually the school supplies boots and a hat. I doubt you'll need to supply anything yet. If she keeps it up you'll probably need to buy her own hat, boots and back protector though. I wouldn't spend much yet until you're sure that she'll keep it up. Then the expense starts! Group lessons will probably be 20- 25 Euro per hour.

twomeys

Hi Sigma,

We have a tack shop in Killarney and Id agree with green hornet. You wont need to buy anything yet as she can use a tracksuit for now and the school will supply hats and as mentioned probably boots too. If she keeps it up first thing to get is a hat. We have heard of riding schools actually admitting that the hats fall on the ground all the time and they dont replace them. This is shocking. Jods and boots are also a good idea. This is for hygeine, safety and comfort. I cant give you an idea of pricing of gear as its not really allowed but I can say you can get all three for under a 99 euro so its not too expensive.

Lessons down our way are about 20 euro in a group and 40 for one on one. Most do the group lesson on a Saturday and its great for them.

Make sure the school you go to is Aire approved as this means they are insured, are trained and have the right amount of instructors to children. If you are worried about anything trust your gut, being in the trade Moms tell us stories of different yards all the time and we are horrified with some of them. Most areas will always have a good school or two so shop around and visit the yards yourself to see the facilities.

Regards,

Eoghan

sh1tstirrer

Group lessons in aire approved stable in Mallow are e16 for adult e13 for under 18 for half hour lessons that 9 times out of 10 last 3 quarters of an hour. Great value but then again there is a recession.

JennaJameson

The riding school will have the boots and riding hat. There's no need to buy anything until she is definitely interested in sticking with it, as gear can be expensive, especially for younger children who are still growing.

As for the cost of lessons, I ride in Cavan and pay €20 for group lessons and €25 for private, both for an hour. I really wouldn't consider paying any more than that unless it was for specialist classes like competition training, or if the instructor was particularly qualified or himself/herself a successful competitor.

It is definitely worth shopping around. I've ridden in three or four different riding schools and never paid more than €20 for an hour long group lesson.

FueledByAisling

If only I could move down to Mallow my life would be great

FueledByAisling

Also Twomeys/Eoghan has given great advice up there! When you're choosing the school to start your daughter in try get a friend of yours who already rides or some recommendations in here.

I started off in a not so great yard but I didn't know anything as I was only 9 and 7 years on I'm in a different yard but learning that some of my basics are completely wrong from bad teaching which really frustrates me as I could be a much better rider if I knew more and chose a better yard !