Riding lessons, as I've explained more fully in Why Take Riding Lessons, are the quickest way to learn to ride horseback. Many people have learned to ride by trial and error. But when you're dealing with something as large and reactive as a horse, you want to minimize the errors. Riding lessons do just that.

After you’ve found a riding stable you like, with a coach you want to work with, you'll need to book your riding lesson in advance.

You'll book either a single lesson, or you may be able to book a set of lessons. That assures the coach has a full class, and may give you a bit of a break on the cost per lesson.

Arriving

Show up about 15 minutes early. While some coaches will hand a horse already tacked up to a student, it's more likely you'll be learning to groom and saddle up as part of your lesson. You may even catch the horse in the pasture and bring it in. This is all part of riding, even though you're not actually in the saddle. Learning to groom and tack up properly is essential for your safety and comfort, and the comfort of the horse. Your coach will choose the right horse for you. Although it's okay to respectfully ask for a certain horse, your coach will know what horse is most suitable for the skill level you're at.

Preparing to Ride

You'll likely be expected to lead the horse to the ring or arena, or outside. Your first lessons should be in an enclosed space like a riding ring. Lessons in open fields and trails will be opportunities you can take once your coach feels your basic riding skills are adequate.

Depending on your level of confidence, athleticism and the horse being used you may be lead by an assistant, put on the lunge line or if the horse is trustworthy, able to ride quietly on the rail.

Your coach will help you get on the horse, likely with the use of a mounting block. Then, they will help you find the most comfortable and correct way to sit. This will involve adjusting the length of your stirrup leathers, where to sit, how to hold the reins and finally, how to cue the horse to move forward at a walk.

Warming Up

The first part of the lesson will be used to warm up your muscles, and if the horse is fresh, giving it a few minutes to get into working mode. During this time, you may be told to walk quietly. You may also do some exercises in the saddle. These are fun, and they also help with balance, flexibility and confidence. Don't be surprised if during your first few lessons, you don't go faster than a walk. Your coach will want to be sure that you are sitting securely, and fully in control before trying faster paces.

Learning

You may also be learning some horse lore and about the behavior of horses. The more you understand how horses think and communicate, the faster you will understand how to control them and enjoy your ride.

During the lesson you will be asked to halt, move on, and turn in various ways. You might be asked to ride in circles, serpentines or other schooling figures. You might ride the horse over a series of walking poles on the ground. All are designed to help you stay balanced and in control.

Cool Down

You'll have a short cool down period, and be expected to let the horse walk quietly. You may even dismount, and hand walk the horse briefly. Then it will be time to un-tack, brush off the saddle marks and either put the horse in its stall or turn it out. With the horse properly put away, your lesson is over.

Some tips for a good lesson are:

• Listen carefully
• Ask questions or for clarification if you don't understand something.
• Keep an open mind.
• Be willing to try new things.
• Always consider the comfort of the horse.
• Be respectful to the coach.
• Do a few stretches before you saddle up.
• Expect some soreness the next day as you wake up new muscles.
• Don't expect too much of yourself, or compare yourself with others in the lesson.