English Riding Lessons

So, you've done all of your shopping and equipped yourself with the proper English tack and riding gear. But you can't just mount up and expect to ride. English riding is a sport that takes practice and dedication. If it is something that you are interested in, sign up for some lessons and let an expert teach you the ropes. If you don't know where to find a good instructor, here are some suggestions:

• Go to horse shows and ask around
• Ask a friend who is taking lessons for recommendations
• If you know of a stable in the area, stop in and ask for recommendations
• Look in the yellow pages
• Contact a local, regional, or national club and ask for suggestions

When you find an instructor that catches your interest, be sure to ask about certifications or accreditation that they may have. While some of the best instructors do not hold any certifications, the ones that do are trained in areas such as coaching, training, and first-aid. If you opt to go with an instructor that is not a certified coach or trainer, it's in your best interest to choose someone who is certified in first-aid. Additionally, you might want to pop in on a few of their existing lessons to see how things are run before you sign up.