When thinking about starting horseback riding lessons or even just spending an afternoon on a trail ride, there can be a lot of questions if you’re brand new to horses or if it has been a long time since you’ve been around a stable. Whether you are looking for casual trail rides through the countryside, a horse-themed birthday party, or equestrian training, we have rounded up a list to help you!
What riding gear is needed?
- Boots
- Heeled boots are preferred.
- Long pants
- Helmet
- Most stables will have helmets to borrow. Ask when you make your plans to visit.
How much do horseback riding lessons cost?
- Lessons typically run between $30-$50 an hour.
- Most lessons include 30 minutes of training and 15 minutes before and after for horse care including grooming and tacking.
- One-on-one lessons are recommended for beginners.
- Group lessons are typically available for more intermediate or advanced riders and also great for socializing and getting to know other riders.
10 things to consider when choosing where to take lessons
- For what ages are lessons available? What experience is needed? Are the lessons geared to beginner riders or advanced riders?
- Are discounts offered for referrals or advance paying? Some stables will offer bundle packages for monthly lessons.
- How long are lessons? What are the expectations during lessons? What is included in lessons?
- Do you want to compete in horse shows? Does the stable train for them? Is competition required for riders? Plan for additional costs for competing.
- Are you looking for a riding community? If you are looking for a rounded experience ask about other opportunities to get to know other riders like open houses or clubs.
- Can parents stay to watch during lessons?
- Are lessons offered year-round? Are the stable and arena areas heated?
- What style of riding do they teach? Is it the style you want to learn? Ask about English versus Western.
- Get to know the instructor. Ask about background and credentials. Can you see you or your child learning from the instructor?
- Tour the facility and observe lessons. Is the facility clean? Do they have safety rules? Are the staff and stable hands friendly? Observe the horses. Are they well behaved? Are there a variety of different horses – young for more advanced riders to older, mature horses for beginners?
Horseback Riding Lessons
- Amethyst Academy, 5098 Oak Ridge Rd, Larsen
- Cedar Ridge Stable, W14471 Dartford Rd, Ripon
- Circle E Equestrian Stables, 651 Industrial Park Avenue, Hortonville
- County Line Stables, 2008 County Line Rd, DePere
- Copper Leaf Stable, 4538 Gibson Lane, Green Bay
- Footloose Farms LLC, 6508 N. County Rd. J, Reedsville
- Rose Tree Farm Lessons at Lance Hayes Stables, 136 Ferdinand St, Neenah
- Legacy Performance Horses, N4555 State Highway 76 Shiocton
- Lucky Stables, 6976 Woodenshoe Rd, Neenah
- My Fantasy Farm, N3342 Willow Rd, Pulaski
- NEW Heights, W1421 County Rd. VV, Seymour
- Oneida Creek Equestrian, W1409 Culbertson Rd, Seymour
- Wisconsin Equestrian Center, 2486 Old Martin Rd, De Pere
Trail Rides
- Camp LuWiSoMo, W5421 Aspen Rd, Wild Rose, Wisconsin
- Kurtz Corral, 5712 Howard Lane, Sturgeon Bay
- Lee Lake Riding Stable, 9070 Lee Lake Rd, Pound
- Lonely T Ranch, N1987 Winchester Rd, Hortonville
- Mountain Meadows Ranch, 13807 Whiffen Lane, Mountain
- Wild Wild West Campground and Corral, 9495 WI-54, Amherst
Ponies
- Pony Playce, N2757 Alphorn Ln, Appleton
Donkey & Pony Trekking
- Rainbow Ridge Horse Camp, 3536 County M Sturgeon Bay
Clydesdale Horses
- Larson’s Famous Clydesdales, W12654 Reeds Corners Rd, Ripon
Overnight Weeklong Summer Camps
- Camp Anokijig, W5639 Anokijig Ln, Plymouth
- Crossfire Ranch, Cato
- Wild Wild West Campground and Corral, 9495 WI-54, Amherst
