What to Expect at Your First Riding Lesson [2026]

Taking your first horseback riding lesson is exciting—and maybe a little nerve-wracking. Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of your introduction to riding.

Before Your First Lesson

What to Wear

• Boots: Closed-toe with a small heel (riding boots ideal, but sturdy boots work)
• Pants: Long pants that don’t bunch (jeans work but may chafe)
• Shirt: Fitted, not loose (won’t flap and spook horse)
• Hair: Tied back if long
• Jewelry: Remove dangling earrings, bracelets

What NOT to Wear

• Sandals or open-toed shoes
• Shorts
• Loose, flapping clothing
• Perfume (can bother horses)

Finding a Good Lesson Program

• Look for certified instructors (PATH, ARIA, BHS)
• Visit facility before booking
• Ask about lesson horse temperament
• Check reviews and reputation
• Ensure proper safety equipment provided

What Happens in Your First Lesson

Ground Skills (Usually First)

You’ll likely start with:

• Meeting your horse: Introduction and petting
• Grooming basics: Brushing, picking hooves
• Leading: Walking beside the horse
• Tacking up: Putting on saddle and bridle

Mounting

• Always mount from the left side
• Use a mounting block when available
• Put left foot in stirrup, swing right leg over
• Sit gently in saddle

Basic Position

Your instructor will teach you:

• Seat: Sit deep, weight in your seat bones
• Heels: Down, with weight in heels
• Legs: Gently against horse’s sides
• Hands: Soft, holding reins without tension
• Eyes: Look where you’re going

First Movements

• Walk: Gentle squeeze with legs
• Stop: Sit deep, close hands on reins
• Steering: Open rein in direction you want to go

Common Beginner Mistakes

Physical Mistakes

• Gripping with knees: Makes you pop out of saddle
• Leaning forward: Puts you off balance
• Toes down: Foot can slip through stirrup
• Holding breath: Tenses your whole body
• Death grip on reins: Hurts horse’s mouth

Mental Mistakes

• Expecting to be perfect immediately
• Comparing yourself to others
• Feeling embarrassed about being nervous
• Rushing the learning process

Safety Essentials

Always Wear a Helmet

• ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmets
• Bicycle helmets are NOT suitable
• Proper fit is essential
• Replace after any fall

Basic Safety Rules

• Never walk behind a horse without warning them
• Always wear closed-toe shoes around horses
• Stay calm—horses sense your emotions
• Listen to your instructor
• Know where emergency exits are

Building Skills: What Comes Next

Typical Progression

What to Expect After Your First Lesson

Physical Feelings

• Soreness: Inner thighs, core, back—completely normal
• Tiredness: Riding uses muscles you didn’t know you had
• Good soreness: Should fade within 2-3 days

Emotional Feelings

• Excitement to ride again
• Maybe frustration at difficulty
• Connection with the horse
• Desire to learn more

Choosing Your Path: English vs. Western

English Riding

• Smaller saddle, closer contact
• Two-handed rein contact
• Leads to: dressage, jumping, eventing

Western Riding

• Larger saddle with horn
• Often one-handed (neck reining)
• Leads to: trail riding, reining, ranch work

Which to Choose?

• Try both if possible
• Consider your goals
• What’s available locally?
• Both teach fundamental skills

Costs of Learning to Ride

The Bottom Line

Your first riding lesson is just the beginning of an amazing journey. Expect to feel awkward and out of balance—that’s completely normal. Focus on having fun, building a relationship with your lesson horse, and trusting your instructor. Riding takes years to master, but the connection with horses makes every lesson worth it.

Sources: United States Equestrian Federation, Certified Horsemanship Association