How to Find the Right Lesson Barn

When you decide you want to start taking riding lessons there is nothing more overwhelming and frustrating than trying to figure out where to ride. I have people call me telling me they've called 10 barns and most of them either didn't answer or return the calls. A lot of times adult riders will be told the barn doesn't do lessons for adults for various reasons or that they just don't have room for a new rider. It makes it nearly impossible to find a good lesson barn, let alone one that's a good fit. Then when you finally get to visit the barn, whether it's to take a trial lesson or just to tour it's hard to know what you should be looking for in the first place.

I'm here to make that easier.

Here is my list of 5 things to look for in a lesson barn:

1. Safety is an absolute priority:

Riding is an inherently dangerous sport, so it is extremely important to make sure the instructor is focused on safety - making sure horses are a suitable match to the rider, tack is safe and maintained, and the facility is well maintained, and the riding area is safe. If something looks unsafe or feels not right, trust your gut because if it doesn't seem right then it's not going to get better.

2. Watch a lesson or take a trial lesson to see that the instructor’s style fits for you:

All instructors have their own style, and all riders have their own way of learning. It is extremely important to make sure the instruction style matches the rider’s way of learning. Keep in mind there are some things that are never ok for instructors to say such as things that are derogatory to you or another rider, to be abusive to a horse, or be unwilling to answer your questions making you feel stupid.

3. The horses are well suited for their job and in good condition:

You wouldn’t ask a surgeon to fix your car so why would you ask a horse trained for western pleasure to jump a course? The horses need to be trained for the discipline the rider is learning. They also need to be sound, healthy, and in the correct shape to do the job they’re being asked to do. If the horses are underweight, lame, or are trying to kick or bite you for doing basic things like grooming you should run (especially if it is all of these!).

4. The rider is taught the entire process, not just sitting on the horse:

This is definitely a preference of mine, but it is important that the rider learns to groom, tack, and care for the horse they’re riding. Riders should be taught the basics of care so that if they decide to have a horse in the future, they are ready to care for that horse. Being told the grooming and tacking process "isn't important" in a lesson or not being allowed to take part in the process is a red flag that you'll be missing some essential basics. Taking care of the horse is part of being an equestrian and a good lesson barn and trainer will encourage you to learn every part.

5. The trainer/instructor takes lessons or continues their education:

Continuing to learn helps instructors to teach better. If they are no longer riding, they should still be continuing their education in some way. An instructor needs to be able to explain things in several different ways, create new exercises, and solve problems riders encounter and the more knowledge they have the better they can do this. There is always more to learn; even Olympic riders take lessons. 

Finding a lesson barn means finding the right fit for you. Make sure to go to the farm and meet the instructor and horses before you jump into a lesson. If the barn gives you a bad feeling don't ignore that. You should always feel comfortable with your instructor and the horse because the right barn can make you into the best version of you as a rider and horse person.