| Learning horse riding is always a very enjoyable | | | | personalities, most should be friendly and happy to |
| experience, however, you should understand that not | | | | meet you. |
| all horse riding schools are the same. Just like in any | | | | 3. The Condition of the Tack |
| other business there are some goods that you should | | | | It is essential that the tack and equipment for the |
| look for and the bads you should avoid. When looking | | | | horses is in good condition. The saddles and bridles |
| at a riding school to take lessons, it is important to look | | | | should be fitted to each individual horse, and all of the |
| carefully at the facility before committing. Keep in mind | | | | straps should be in good repair. If the barn provides |
| the following things as you assess a riding school. | | | | brushes, they should show signs of being cleaned |
| 1. The Overall Condition of the Facility | | | | regularly and should be easy to access for all riders. |
| While most riding schools will not be top-notch facilities, | | | | Some barns require that the riders clean tack after |
| it is important that the stables be kept in good condition. | | | | each lesson. If this is the case there should be |
| The barn should be clean and the stalls mucked on a | | | | adequate space to clean the tack, and soap and |
| daily basis. The outdoor arena should have decent | | | | sponges for the purpose. |
| footing and should be well fenced. If there is an indoor | | | | 4. Quality Horse Instructors |
| area it should be free of dangerous implements that a | | | | Not all riding instructors are the same. Take the time to |
| rider could get thrown into, and be in good condition. A | | | | watch a lesson or two to see what the riding |
| viewing area should be available for parents or visitors. | | | | instructors are like. While certification is nice, some |
| The paddocks should be well fenced with no barbed | | | | excellent instructors are not certified, while some |
| wire, and in good repair. There should be enough | | | | terrible instructors are. What is more important than |
| parking to manage the riding lesson crowds. | | | | certification is that you and the instructor get along, and |
| 2. The Condition of the Horses | | | | that you learn well from their teaching style. |
| School horses may not be the fanciest animals out | | | | 5. Clear Rules and Guidelines |
| there, but they are hardy souls who should be well | | | | A quality horse riding school has clear rules and |
| cared for by the facility for which they work. The | | | | guidelines for the use of the horses and equipment. |
| horses should all be in good flesh with healthy coats | | | | These rules should be posted around the facility and |
| and happy expressions. Ideally they should have lots of | | | | should be given to you when you inquire. Make sure |
| turn-out when not being used in lessons, and should not | | | | that the rules are things that you can work with, and |
| be worked more than 2 lessons a day. While some | | | | that they are adequate to keep you safe. |
| school horses may have less than pleasant | | | | |