The Cost of Riding Lessons

Want to learn horseback riding? You might be wondering how much you should expect to pay for riding lessons. Actually, fees for riding lessons are all over the board. There are a number of variables that figure into the prices. One is the area in which you live. Like most other things, the equine industry is subject to supply and demand. In other words, if a lot of people in your area are wanting to take riding lessons, but there are only a few riding instructors to go around, the riding lessons are probably going to be expensive. Riding lessons are usually more expensive in big cities than in smaller towns and rural areas, too.

Another aspect is the overhead. Stables with big fancy barns are going to have to charge more for lessons. Also, the success and training an instructor has had will affect the price he or she charges for instructions. You’re going to pay a lot more to be taught by a world champion than you would by Farmer Jones down the road.

Another thing to consider is what type of riding lessons you’ll be getting. Basic beginning lessons might be much cheaper than intense training for a specific discipline like dressage, jumping, polo playing, or barrel racing. One more thing to think about is private lessons versus group lessons, with group lessons being the cheaper of the two.

So how much should you expect to pay? I’ve seen group riding lessons from a reputable instructor for as little as $25 per hour, but you might have to pay more, depending on the variables already mentioned. Just remember – sometimes you get what you pay for with riding lessons.