Where to start
Your child wants to ride. That is a wonderful thing, and it can feel a little overwhelming if you have never spent time around horses.
The good news is that you do not need to own a horse, buy expensive gear, or know any riding terms to begin. Most children start with weekly group or private lessons at a riding school that provides the horse and the helmet.
Types of lessons
Private lessons give your child the coach's full attention and are often the best way to build confidence early on. Group lessons cost less and are more social. Summer camps and Pony Club programs are a great way to try riding for a week before committing.
Ask whether the school teaches English or Western riding. Both are a fine place to begin. What matters most is a patient coach and a quiet, well-trained school horse.
How to tell if a riding school is safe
Visit before you book. A safe barn is tidy, calm and organized. Horses look healthy, alert and well cared for, with clean water and shelter.
Watch a lesson in progress. Riders should wear certified helmets and proper boots with a small heel. The coach should give clear instructions, keep riders at a sensible distance from each other, and stay focused on the riders in the ring.
Ask about coaching credentials. In Canada, look for coaches certified through Equestrian Canada or a provincial association, and ask whether the school carries liability insurance and has a first aid plan.
What lessons cost in Canada
Prices vary by province and region. Group lessons often range from about $40 to $70 per lesson, and private lessons from about $60 to $120. Many schools sell lesson packages at a lower rate.
Ask what is included. Most beginner programs include the horse and a loaner helmet. You may need to buy riding boots and, later on, your own certified helmet.
What your child should wear
A certified riding helmet that fits snugly. Boots or shoes with a small heel and a smooth sole. Long, comfortable pants such as leggings or jodhpurs. Layers for cold barns, and gloves if it is chilly.
Avoid running shoes, loose scarves, dangling jewellery and anything that can catch on equipment.
Safe riding school checklist
- Certified coach (Equestrian Canada or provincial association)
- Helmets required for every rider, every ride
- Quiet, experienced school horses suited to beginners
- Clean, organized barn and safe arena footing
- Clear rules for behaviour around horses
- First aid kit and an emergency plan on site
- Liability insurance and a signed waiver process
- Small class sizes for young beginners
- A coach who welcomes your questions
Questions to ask the barn
- What age do you start teaching children?
- Is the coach certified, and by whom?
- Do you provide school horses and helmets?
- How many riders are in a beginner group?
- What happens if a lesson is cancelled for weather?
- Can I watch my child's lessons?
Common questions from parents
What age can a child start riding lessons?+
Many Canadian riding schools accept children from around age 5 to 7 for pony rides or short lessons. Structured lessons usually begin around age 6 to 8, depending on the child and the program.
How much do riding lessons cost in Canada?+
Group lessons often cost about $40 to $70, and private lessons about $60 to $120. Prices depend on your province, the coach's experience and the facility.
Do we need to buy a horse to take lessons?+
No. Most riding schools provide school horses for beginners. Owning or leasing a horse usually comes much later, if at all.
How do I know if a riding coach is qualified?+
Ask whether they are certified through Equestrian Canada or a provincial equestrian association. Certified coaches are trained in safety, teaching and horse welfare.
Is horseback riding safe for kids?+
Riding carries some risk, like any sport. A certified coach, a well-trained school horse, a proper helmet and a well-run barn reduce that risk a great deal.
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