| Imagine donning your equestrian riding apparel, your | | | | equestrian riding lessons. Many horse-related |
| riding helmet, and your horse riding boots and sitting | | | | associations are breed specific. Thoroughbreds are |
| astride one of those sleek, gentle giants for the very | | | | the most popular horses used in English riding, although |
| first time. The perspective is amazing and the | | | | you will also find Arabians, Quarter Horses, Morgans, |
| communication that occurs between you and your | | | | Friesians, Hanoverians, and several others. You can |
| horse can be an incredible experience. However, being | | | | also find riding lesson information through regional |
| the large, powerful animals that they are, horses can | | | | organizations, veterinary associations, and equestrian |
| be dangerous. It is important to receive a solid | | | | magazines. |
| education in the basics of horsemanship to ensure that | | | | Using either community or professional resources and |
| you develop good equestrian riding habits and that | | | | guides will help you select a number of possible |
| your lessons are safe and enjoyable. That is also why | | | | trainers and barns to choose from. The next step in |
| the proper equestrian riding apparel, helmet, and horse | | | | selecting the best trainer for your riding lessons is to |
| riding boots are at least as important as finding the | | | | compare what they have to offer and the price you |
| best trainer. | | | | will have to pay. Most important, you should go and |
| There are countless resources and guides available to | | | | look at the barns themselves and see the trainer in |
| help you find the best barn and trainer for your style of | | | | action. Again, safety is paramount. There are specific |
| riding and your experience level. For the novice rider, | | | | criteria you can use to help you find the very best |
| information about equestrian riding lessons can be | | | | trainer. |
| found through riding schools and riding camps, nearby | | | | Making Your Choice |
| barns, horse associations, the local 4H/FFA office or | | | | Once you have narrowed down your selection of |
| club, large animal veterinarians, and your community | | | | barns and trainers, you must actually go to each barn |
| Parks and Recreation office. If you have never ridden | | | | before making your choice. Any barn that appears |
| before, there are several points that you must keep in | | | | unsafe, unclean or chaotic should be avoided. Observe |
| mind when using these resources to select a barn for | | | | the trainer as they give lessons. Are they friendly, |
| your equestrian riding lessons. | | | | supportive and calm or are they agitated, critical and |
| Community Resources and Guides | | | | loud? Do they require you to wear an approved riding |
| Your community Parks and Recreation publication can | | | | helmet, appropriate equestrian riding apparel, and horse |
| be an excellent place to start since they screen all of | | | | riding boots? If not, leave immediately. Proper |
| their participants prior to endorsing them. When riding | | | | equestrian riding apparel, an authorized helmet, and |
| horses, safety must come first, last and always. This is | | | | sturdy horse riding boots are crucial to your safety. |
| not a time for cutting corners or accepting less than | | | | Equestrian riding apparel consists of breeches that fit |
| the best. The riding habits you will develop initially will | | | | snuggly and a riding shirt that allows freedom of |
| stay with you. It is far better to learn how to ride | | | | movement without risking getting snagged. Horse riding |
| properly the first time rather than having to spend | | | | boots will protect your toes from heavy hooves and |
| years trying to unlearn incorrect and unsafe riding | | | | they will keep your foot in the proper stirrup position. |
| habits. | | | | Approved rising helmets are mandatory. There are |
| Your local tack shop, 4H and FFA clubs can also | | | | plenty of resources for purchasing your equestrian |
| provide you with the names of reputable trainers. The | | | | riding apparel and horse riding boots. You can drive to |
| phone book can give you a large selection of names | | | | your local tack shop or, for added convenience and a |
| and phone numbers, but you will have to work harder | | | | wider selection; you can make your purchases online |
| to determine which of these barns offers the best | | | | through a reputable retailer. |
| instruction, the safest conditions, and the best value for | | | | Choose a trainer who will provide you with a safe and |
| your money. | | | | enjoyable opportunity to develop good basic skills and |
| Professional Resources and Guides | | | | who requires you to wear the appropriate equestrian |
| Horseback riding, horse shows, and horse breeding are | | | | riding apparel, horse riding boots, and an authorized |
| big business. You can take advantage of the plethora | | | | riding helmet for years of safe, enjoyable and |
| of associations, organizations and publications available | | | | productive riding. |
| to help you select the best barn and trainer for your | | | | |