If you’ve set your sights on horse riding as your new hobby and you’re wondering what to wear, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve been advising equestrians on what to buy for the last decade, and I’ve helped kit out friends for horse riding, too.

Whether you’re shopping for a child who is learning to ride or you are learning to ride as an adult, I’ve put together this simple guide to essential clothing and equipment to make sure you’ll be safe and comfortable in the saddle, but look the part, too. I’ve explained what you need, why you need it and have suggested some budget-friendly options that are perfect if you’re testing the water with your new hobby.

What to wear horse riding: the essentials

The two non-negotiable items you will need are a well-fitting riding hat that carries the correct safety standards and a pair of boots with a smooth sole and a small heel. I would also recommend investing in a pair of riding gloves and a body protector in order for you to have a comfortable and safe experience.

You will also find you are more comfortable in the saddle if you’re wearing a pair of jodhpurs, breeches or riding tights – these are all types of riding trousers – rather than jeans or tracksuit bottoms.

There is no need to go for the most expensive and technical products out there immediately, as long as the items fit well and meet all the safety requirements. Here are some tips to you get started…

Riding hats

You should not get on board a horse without wearing a correctly fitting riding hat that meets the current safety standards. Most riding schools will provide hats for beginners to use – although there may be a hire free – but if you’re going to ride regularly it’s better to have your own.

We recommend visiting a tack shop that has a professional BETA-trained hat fitter, who can advise you on which hat is best suited to your needs, but I’ve included a few suggestions of hats that might suit the beginner rider to point you in the right direction. Plus, we’ve put together even more information about choosing a riding hat in our guide to the best riding hats, too.

As a beginner, it doesn’t matter which style of riding hat you choose – jockey skulls and peaked helmets are equally suitable. The main thing is that it fits your head and some styles are more suited to particular head shapes. Adjustable riding hats have the benefit of fitting for longer if you’re buying for a growing child.

Footwear

A horse standing on your toe is painful and can cause significant damage if you aren’t wearing suitable boots. It’s also really important that your boots don’t have too much grip, but do have a small heel to prevent your foot slipping through the stirrup.

There are two main types of horse riding boots – long boots or short (jodhpur) boots. A long riding boot prevents rubbing on your inside leg, but new riders can find long boots quite restrictive – plus they tend to be more expensive. Ankle-length jodhpur boots allow more flexibility at the ankle and are commonly worn with soft half chaps or gaiters to prevent rubbing on the inside of the calf.

Riding trousers

When choosing the right pair of jodhpurs, breeches or riding tights, you should prioritise how they are going to feel sitting in a saddle – how they look walking around should come second. Breeches are normally worn with long boots, while jodhpurs have a slightly different cut and are better with short boots. Riding tights are similar to gym leggings. I would recommend going for a pair of riding tights with a grippy seat, but for your first lesson the everyday leggings you’ve got at home will do the job.

Whichever style or riding trouser you choose, look for a pair that are made of a stretchy fabric with added grip in the relevant places like the knee and under your bottom. When starting out you can choose any colour, but I recommend avoiding white, beige or cream as these are normally worn for competitions and harder to keep clean.

Riding gloves

Seasoned riders often end up with callous hand, particularly between the little and ring finger, which is where the rein passes. To avoid blisters and to keep your hands clean, soft and warm in the winter, I recommend you wear a pair of riding gloves (but not mittens).

If you would like to take this option, it’s definitely worth investing in a pair of gloves that are manufactured specifically for horse riding – you can get summer riding gloves and winter riding gloves. They will be stretchy, grippy and reinforced in the areas where you hold the reins, but thin enough that you’ll be able to have a good feel of what you’re doing.

Body protectors

The best body protectors are designed to absorb the impact from a fall or kick from a horse and often makes an inexperienced rider feel more confident, too. Just as with riding hats, this type of safety equipment needs to be fitted by a BETA-trained retailer. Look out for the BETA level 3 (2018) standard – this shows that your body protector meets all the requirements of the European standard and if riding schools stipulate that you wear one, it will need to be up to this standard.

We advise you get one professionally fitted, but here are a couple of suggestions to point you in the right direction – or check out our guide to the best children’s body protectors if you’re shopping for a younger rider.

Other things to consider

Along side the essential horse riding kit, there are a few other things I’d recommend considering before you go for your lesson.

1. Long sleeves are recommended – wearing long sleeves gives you an extra layer of protection if you fall even if they’re lightweight, but sleeves will also help protect you from the sun.

2. You are likely to be outside at some point – even if your lesson is in an indoor (covered) arena, if the weather is bad you’re likely to feel the cold. If your lesson is in an outdoor arena, I’d definitely recommend wearing a light coat – you can always take it off. Avoid long coats unless they have a two-way zip as it will bunch up uncomfortably when you sit in the saddle.

3. Comfortable socks – if you’ve got long riding boots or are wearing short boots with chaps, choose thin socks that won’t bunch up under your boots as this will be really uncomfortable.

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Whether you’re five or 50, taking up horse riding can be a wonderful experience. Knowing how to find a riding school that will suit your requirements, or those of your children, is key to ensuring this exciting new adventure is a success. So what should you prioritise? Here are the important things for you to consider when choosing a riding school.

What facilities does your ideal riding school need?

The facilities at riding schools can vary hugely, with some having a single outdoor arena with a sole focus on lessons, while others have indoor schools, club houses and their own cross-country courses, and run clubs, social evenings, shows, exams and more. The right one for you depends on what you want to achieve.

Sarah Phillips, chief operating officer at the British Horse Society (BHS), suggests you do your homework to find out what facilities are available. If you have competitive aspirations or are looking to one day own your own horse, discuss with the school if they can help you to achieve this.

Many schools host low-key shows for their customers to participate in, while others have loan schemes where you can borrow a horse on a set day of the week to learn the skills of horse ownership. They may also run courses in horse handling and care, with exams to test your knowledge, alongside riding lessons.

Sarah says: “While one school might be perfect for you when you start to ride, there is a chance you may outgrow it as your riding progresses.” But equally, if your aspirations are more modest and you just want to enjoy your weekly lesson or hack, the school you start at might be suitable for you long-term.

Check the riding school’s license and approval status

Be sure that the riding school you’re considering is properly licensed. Local councils have a public register of licensed riding schools in their district, so it’s easy to check. Licensed riding schools have proven they have suitable qualifications and their horses are well cared for and suitable to be used to teach riding. They also have to have appropriate insurance in case something does go wrong.

Some riding schools also have BHS and/or Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) approval. If you are considering a career with horses, or want to obtain some equine qualifications, learning to ride at an approved school will allow you to do this.

Both the BHS and ABRS strongly recommend you choose a school that is accredited because it means it has qualified instructors as well as the appropriate safeguarding and health and safety credentials. This gives you the peace of mind that you’re in the safe hands of professionals, with suitable horses and ponies to learn on.

• Search BHS-approved riding schools
• Search ABRS-approved riding schools

Getting recommendations

A great way of finding out whether a riding school might be right for you, or your children, is to see what other people are saying about it. If you know people who ride, ask them if they can recommend anywhere.

If you don’t have an existing horsey contacts, you can do your research online. This will give you an idea of what people who have ridden at a centre have thought of the establishment. Though each person is different in their preferences, reading reviews may help you decide which ones to call and visit in person and which ones to skip.

The BHS and ABRS recommend visiting riding schools in person before you book in for a lesson. This allows you to get a feel for the centre. It’s also useful to watch a lesson to understand their teaching style.

Julian Marczak, ABRS President, believes that your initial reaction to a riding school is crucial. He says: “You’ll be able to tell a lot about the stables depending on if you’re greeted with a friendly reaction from staff and whether there is the impression of order and cleanliness.”

While as a beginner you may not be sure what to look for in terms of the condition of the horses, if you get a chance to look in the tackroom that can be informative. If it’s tidy and the tack looks supply and shiny that’s a good sign. Julian believes centres that keep their tack in good condition are more likely to care about the services they’re providing. As a result they are more likely to ensure all aspects of their business are primed for customer satisfaction.

The age difference

Some families like the idea of learning to ride as a group. The problem is that the requirements for children learning to ride is quite different to adults. While one school may be able to cater for you all, it’s unlikely to be during the same session as there are different teaching styles formulated for different age ranges. Equally the riding school that’s perfect for your children, might not be so well suited to you.

Julian recommends centres “keep adults and children separate when it comes to teaching”. This is partly due to safety, but also because teaching children requires a different focus “as you need to teach them, but also produce a good sense of fun”.

Sarah feels children thrive better in a riding school where there are lots of other riders of a similar age, with clubs and other events they can get involved in. In comparison, most adults prefer to “enjoy their ride and perhaps stay for a tea or coffee with their riding group, rather than join a club or work towards certificates”.

How far can you travel?

Another practical consideration is how far you’re willing to travel for your riding lessons – will you go further afield for that perfect riding school? Some schools are accessible by public transport, so should you not have access to a car, you can still manage to ride! Research the travel options for your preferred school to check that the travel works for you.

Whichever riding school you ultimately choose, we hope you will enjoy the wonderful experience of spending time with horses while learning how to ride.

Additional reporting by Harriet Page

Read more helpful advice on learning to ride:

Learning to ride as an adult – what you need to know before you get started

6 reasons children should learn to ride (in case anyone needs persuading)

Are you desperate for your children to learn to ride, but your partner's not so sure? Here are six reasons

What to wear horse riding: A beginner’s guide for those learning to ride

Horse & Hound’s beginners’ guide on how to ride a horse

11 tips to help you become a better rider and feel confident in the saddle

A mother who discovered the joy of being around horses and has introduced others to the equestrian world is sharing her story to shed light on how riding can be accessible and beneficial for everyone.

Ikram Alchane, from Preston, is a carer for her six-year-old son who has Down’s syndrome. She took up riding last year, aged 44, and has paved the way for others in similar positions to discover the same fun and benefits.

“Earlier this year, I joined a WhatsApp group for mothers of children with special educational needs. Inspired by the positive impact horse riding had on my own wellbeing, I decided to create a small group to give these mums – many of whom, like me, come from ethnic minority backgrounds – the chance to experience it too,” she told H&H.

“I came to England from Morocco in 1996 and whenever we drove in the countryside, I would get really excited when I saw horses and riding schools and wished I could learn, but never dared to ring anyone to ask. I thought it was a different world that I wasn’t allowed in, for so many reasons.”

A chance meeting with another mother became the first step on Ms Alchane’s journey into the equestrian world.

“She told me her daughter, who also has Down’s syndrome, rode with the Riding for the Disabled Association. It was completely new to me; she gave me the address and I contacted the school. I took my son along and it opened up a different world.”

She said her son did a few sessions, but is perhaps too young to enjoy it yet. So Ms Alchane decided to explore it further for herself.

“The thought of not going back to the riding school made me sad – I just felt at peace being there, so happy and relaxed,” she said.

“I asked the manager if they thought it was too late for me to learn to ride and she said, ‘Of course not!’ I booked a lesson and I’ve been going for a year and a half.”

Ms Alchane has since organised three sessions for other mothers from the WhatsApp support group, which have been a huge success.

“Every time we finish a riding session, I see how uplifted, relaxed and energised these women feel. It’s become more than just a hobby; it’s a source of strength and joy,” said Ms Alchane, adding that the riding school has been brilliant.

“For some people, riding is something you get up and do day to day, but for a section of the community it’s a big deal and doesn’t feel within reach,” she said.

“I’m outgoing, I teach Arabic at the University of Manchester, and it took me so many years and so many conversations to get to this point, it must be even harder for others.”

Naseema Tutla went along and told H&H it “was the best experience”, that the group dynamic was lovely and that it was a chance for the ladies to gel over a shared experience they were enjoying for themselves.

“I felt like I was a child again – it was something I was doing for me,” she said. “I’m inspired and motivated to carry on myself, and also to encourage more people as well.”

Sumaya Ismail loves animals and the outdoors and said she has enjoyed being able to relax and focus on something that combines those elements.

“It was really positive and I can’t wait to go again,” she said, adding that such sessions are also breaking down barriers to make the sport more accessible. “The riding school has been amazing.”

Christine Pollitt, manager of Wrea Green Equitation Centre – the centre that hosted the sessions – told H&H welcoming Ms Alchane and her friends has been “fantastic”.

“To me, every person should have the opportunity for the delights of sitting on a horse or a pony,” said Ms Pollitt, who started the centre 44 years ago.

“Ikram and her friends never really had the opportunity to go out and perhaps see if they could ride. She’s brought them together, they come regularly now, and it’s been lots of fun.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Horse and rider training

Welcome to Horse & Hound’s training hub. Whether you are looking for techniques to improve your riding skills, insight from top trainers and riders on how to prepare your horse for a specific sport, or tips to help solve specific problems, you will find useful advice from experts to help.

Horse & Hound’s training exercise of the week

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Daily training inspiration

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If ponies fascinate your child, you may be weighing up the cost of riding lessons. Learning to ride is an experience like no other – there are so many benefits of horse riding for children and it’s a great way to encourage them to spend time outdoors.

However, many parents are put off by the cost of riding lessons – after all, horse riding is widely reported to be one of the most expensive hobbies. But is it true that horse riding is the most expensive hobby for children? How does it compare to other sports? And is it worth the investment?

The cost of riding lessons: is horse riding an expensive hobby for children?

If your child wants to get started with horse riding, your primary concern is likely how much you’ll need to invest in their new hobby. Firstly, before we look through your options, there are a few things to consider…

1. Location

The cost of riding lessons varies up and down the country, and you can expect to pay more to ride where property and income are higher. You might also pay more to ride at an urban equestrian centre, where wages and licensing outlay can be steeper.

2. Kit

With riding horses comes the cost of kit – there is a relatively prescriptive list of what to wear horse riding. It’s essential to wear an up-to-standard safety helmet and a pair of stout boots with a small heel (preferably a pair of riding boots), and it’s advisable to invest in a pair of breeches, jodhpurs or riding tights and a body protector.

You can economise on clobber by picking up second-hand riding clothing, but safety equipment must be correctly fitted and bought new to guarantee protection. That said, beginner riders can on the whole borrow or hire boots and safety helmets from the riding school.

3. Lesson time and type

Some riding schools offer peak and off-peak schedules, with peak time lessons in the most expensive category. Furthermore, the duration of your child’s lesson will affect the cost. Riding lessons tend to be from 30 to 60 minutes in duration – the longer the lesson, the greater the investment.

Riding lessons come in many forms – and not all take place in a riding manège…

• Taster and lead-rein sessions: some riding schools offer taster rides for younger children, which might be 15-20 minutes on a lead rein down a track and cost around £10 and up to around £30.
• Stable management: these off-horse lessons in care and management tend to last from 45 minutes to a whole day’s course. Somewhere in the middle, a two-hour course, costs around £30
• Group lessons: taking place in a manège with anything from four to 10 participants, group lessons are arguably the most financially accessible route to learning to ride. The cost per child starts at around £15 for 30 minutes at lead-rein standard, but it could cost up to £31
• Semi-private lessons: a more intensive session for two to three riders. Riders of a similar standard who can walk, trot and canter off the lead rein will benefit most from this lesson type. You can expect to pay from £25 per child for 30 minutes, but it could cost around £38 or more
• Private lessons: these lessons offer one-to-one tuition suitable for riders of any level. They are the most expensive lesson category – prices tend to start at £30 for 30 minutes, but can cost as much as £58.
• Club or own-a-pony mornings and days: half or full-day sessions for committed children who want to expand their riding and stable management skills. This can cost from £35 for a morning and includes riding and stable management tuition, as well as supervised time with ponies. A full day could cost around £70

At the lower end and the ability range, and with borrowed kit, a weekly ride could cost you as little as £10-£30 per week – not bad on paper.

The cost of riding lessons: is horse riding expensive compared to other sports?

Here’s where the situation gets a little more nuanced. As stated previously, a lead rein session could cost as little as £10. Compare this with a private tennis lesson, which could cost anything from £20 for one session, and a pony ride looks lighter on the wallet. However, many dance schools offer a three-week taster course from £10. To complicate the picture, class uniform often becomes compulsory if they enrol at the dance school after the course, meaning further financial outlay. It’s a similar story with martial arts classes. Once a taster course is complete, group lessons rise to a minimum of around £10 per child. Private lessons cost significantly more.

Group swimming and football lessons can cost as little as £3 for children aged five or under – this pales in comparison to the at least £30 you’d fork out for a 30-minute private riding lesson. Above all, though, any hobby can become expensive as a child progresses and commits to becoming proficient. A child who wants to play hockey casually in a group once a week is going to require significantly less investment than a child who trains in the week and plays competitively at weekends – there’s not only tuition but kit, time and mileage to consider, too.

The average child who can walk, trot and canter off the lead rein would likely want at least one 30 to 60-minute group lesson per week. They would probably want their own riding clothing, perhaps including a safety helmet. Weekly tuition could set you back £20–40 per week, while budget short riding boots and an up-to-standard safety helmet would cost around £100 together.

In summary, beginner lead-rein riding sessions and group lessons for a young child won’t have you feeling the pinch over and above other sports. But as your child progresses – and especially if they want to enrol at a Pony Club Centre for more activities, or want to loan or own a pony – the monetary and time investments can mount.

Are riding lessons for children worth it?

We have a rather biased perspective here at Horse & Hound – as passionate horse people, we all think it’s worth it! Be that as it may, here’s a list of factors that might give you a more balanced view…

• Time spent outdoors: all aspects of equestrianism constitute robust outdoor exercise, from mastering rising trot to mucking out a stable. In fact, even grooming horses counts as low-level physical exercise. Caring for and riding horses is an interactive and immersive way to spend time in the great outdoors that ups the heart rate, boosts fitness and conditions the muscles
• Form lasting friendships: whether it’s making friends at a weekly group lesson, own-a-pony days or at a pony camp, your child will meet and learn alongside children of all ages and share in the joy of horses together
• Learn important social skills: horses must be handled with calmness, care and consistency – skills your child will cultivate through exposure to them
• Offers a focus outside academia: learning to ride and care for horses isn’t just a great way to decompress from scholastic pursuits, these skills are also another string to your child’s bow that could open them up to various social, sporting and career opportunities
• Gain a lifelong skill: once you learn to ride, you never forget – it’s an accomplishment your child will carry with them forever
• Screen-free activity: with the rise of screen time concern among parents, having an activity that motivates your child to put down their phone or tablet could be a huge asset
• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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It’s never too late to start – but learning to ride a horse as an adult rather than as a child does give you a different perspective on the whole malarkey. Do any of these sound familiar…?

1. Cantering for the first time is better than getting a promotion at work (and just as daunting). The thrill of whizzing about on a horse is pretty much the same whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s just that adults are a bit more bothered about falling off.

2. Horsey shopping is a dangerous pastime when you’ve got a grown-up credit card with a grown-up credit limit. Did those expensive riding boots just fall into my online shopping basket – how did that happen? And now I’ve paid for them. Oops!

3. You feel like a teenager all over again. Being shouted at by riding instructors, coveting your first pony, checking with your newsagents every other day whether the latest Horse & Hound has arrived yet, like you used to do with Jackie – you’re 40 going on 15.

4. Parenthood doesn’t prepare you for your first horse. Sure, you know how to put a nappy on a wriggly baby, but how on earth do you use one to poultice a horse’s foot? Your baby just wails when he’s tired and fed-up – why can’t your horse do that, instead of bucking you off into a ditch? To be fair, though, you do end up cleaning up roughly the same amount of poo. Top tip – you definitely don’t need to burp your horse after he’s eaten.

5. It’s pretty humiliating being beaten in a walk/trot dressage test by an 11-year old on a Shetland. She did ride better than you, though, so fair play to her.

6. Falling off is scary. It happens to the best of riders, but while those people who’ve been riding for yonks take it in their stride, it can be, well, terrifying when it happens to you for the first time. B-b-but you could break something! And then who’d do the school run every morning? Take a deep breath – you’ll be fine.

7. However high-powered and efficient you are at work counts for nothing when you’re trying to master leg-yield in trot. For heaven’s sake, you’ve got an MA, PhD and once persuaded your line manager to organise a work jolly to Euro Disney – why on earth can’t you convince your horse to step sideways?

8. It can be demoralising when it feels like everyone’s a better rider than you. There’s no substitute for saddle time – and some of these people have had about 30 years more of it than you.

9. But there’s no better buzz than hacking out on a beautiful day, or successfully jumping a clear round at your local show – or hugging your horse at the end of it. You are officially a horse person now – welcome to this wonderful world.

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It’s hard being a novice when learning to horse ride — particularly if you’ve got horsey friends who just seem effortlessly good at it. But nothing in equestrian life is effortless — and if you asked your friends, they’d give you the following advice…

1. Hours in the saddle are what really counts. If you can afford expensive riding lessons with a great trainer, then wonderful — but the truth is that if you want to be able to ride, and ride well, you need to ride a lot.

2. Everything is easier when you are confident. Easier said than done, perhaps, but don’t rush learning to ride, don’t over-face yourself (or your horse) and your confidence will soon start to soar.

3. Be clear about what you’re asking your horse to do. That doesn’t mean getting angry or aggressive — it’s never a good idea to get into an argument with an animal that’s at least five times heavier than you are — but they need to know exactly what you want from them. Don’t let him off the hook just because he might prefer not to do it. You may think you’re being ‘nice’ but your horse just feels uncertain about what he’s supposed to do, and that’s not fair on him.

4. You don’t need loads of expensive kit when learning to horse ride. So long as you have the basics of what to wear horse riding in place, such as an up-to-standard safety hat, a pair of suitable riding boots and some riding gloves to protect your hands, you’re good to go.

5. All riding instructors teach slightly differently. Equally, some riders thrive on being bossed around, whereas others prefer gentle encouragement. If you’re unhappy with the way you’re being taught, or aren’t enjoying your lessons, then try a different instructor. It’s no reflection on either of you if it doesn’t work out. But don’t keep chopping and changing. It’s important to give each new training relationship time to bed in.

6. Learning to horse ride is a bit like learning to drive. You think you know what you’re doing until you have to do it on your own for the first time. That first hack is like your first drive without an instructor, and just as intimidating…

7. You will never stop learning to horse ride. Initially, everything feels incredibly weird — unsurprisingly, as you’re telling your body to do something that perhaps doesn’t come naturally. Learning to sit to the canter, to ride with a contact, to keep your hands and legs still and in the right position ALL AT THE SAME TIME seems like an impossible dream when you start riding. And when you achieve it, you don’t reach that place where you’re just cantering effortlessly up a beach with the wind in your hair, executing half-passes for the fun of it. No, that’s the stuff of fairy tales. In real life, there is always something to work on.

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Research has shown that there are health benefits of horse riding, which can also help put a smile on your face.

Therefore, here are six reasons why adults should take up the sport.

Health benefits of horse riding

1. Exercise

Being active lifts our mood, reduces stress and anxiety, improves our physical health, and gives us more energy.

Megan Hawkins, former PR executive for the British Horse Society (BHS), states the health benefits of riding are proven in a study commissioned on behalf of the BHS. The study found that horse riding meets the intensity level of exercise recommended by government guidelines.

“The report found that just half an hour of horse related activity, such as mucking out, is classed as moderate exercise, while trotting exerts more energy than playing badminton,” says Megan.

2. Mental state

As well as exercise, spending time with animals is believed to raise levels of the mood-enhancing hormone serotonin, so it’s good for your body, brain and emotions.

Megan adds: “The report showed the psychological benefits of interaction with horses, with 80% of participants noticing a positive change in their mood after riding.

“Riders felt more cheerful, relaxed and happy for being active. It was discovered anecdotally that horse riding can play a role in managing negative feelings relating to anxiety and depression.”

Showing producer Natalie Reynolds says: “Riding is a well known stress reliever and can also help with confidence issues.

“It can be a huge achievement for the novice rider to even contemplate getting on a horse, let alone controlling the animal with their voice and body aids.”

Dressage rider Louise Bell says: “A good mental state is really important and riding does have the ability to make you feel better when other things in life are going wrong. However, don’t get on if you’re in a bad mood as your horse will be able to feel it.”

3. Core strength

In order to stay balanced in the saddle you’ll have to learn to use your core muscles.

Natalie says: “Riding physically strengthens the body, especially the core. It’s a full body workout and helps to increase our balance and improves our posture. It’s likely that your posture out of the saddle will improve the more regularly you ride.”

Louise adds: “Fitness is achieved by riding, but helped more so by working on core strength as that’s your anchor as a rider, especially in dressage. If you’re weak in that area you need to work on it — the body is an amazing thing and is the easiest to train so don’t be afraid to try.”

4. Burning calories out of the saddle

Whether you’re mucking out, grooming, pushing wheelbarrows or carrying buckets you will continue to burn calories once you’re off the horse and back at the yard.

Natalie says: “Working with horses is constant physical work, and for people who work in an office environment, it can be a great release for them.”

5. Friendly competition

Riding does, if you want it to, have a competitive nature and getting involved in competitions can lead to new friendships and a desire to do well. Once you start competing you’ll find dedication is the key to success.

“Dedication is what you need and there will be days when things go wrong, but the days when it goes fantastically well make up for the bad ones. If you keep your focus on your realistic goals anything is possible,” says Louise.

6. New challenges

There are always new challenges whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced rider.

“There’s always a new challenge whether it’s working with a certain horse’s personality and finding a solution or learning a new skill, such as show jumping. Horses never fail to challenge us,” says Natalie.

Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:

What to wear horse riding: A beginner’s guide for those learning to ride

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

One of the beauties of horse riding is that it is never too late to start, or return if you’ve taken a break. It can be done by anyone at any age – The late Queen was riding into her 90s – so if want to get in the saddle, don’t let age be a barrier when learning to ride as an adult.

“Even if you have never ridden before, you are never too old to enjoy the company of horses. Many riding schools can cater for tiny tots to riders in their 70s and beyond,” says a BHS spokesperson. “Learning to ride as an adult also means you are fully in control of your progress. The important thing to remember is to always listen to your riding instructors and follow their guidance. They will help keep you safe as well as nurture your skills.”

Most riding schools offer adult riding lessons which can either be private, semi-private or group lessons. Wellington Riding in Hampshire starts all new riders with 30-minute one-to-one lessons to gain confidence and learn the basics of how to ride a horse.

“Once the canter has been felt and riders can hold a rising trot they will typically move to a starter group for an hour to get more time in saddle. This also gives a social feel for riding and the adults like coffee and cake after a session,” says Rachael Corry, Wellington Riding’s marketing and sponsorship manager. “Whether you have never sat in a saddle and are wanting a new exciting hobby or you are returning to a lifelong passion, Wellington Riding is able to help.”

As well as offering lessons on the real thing, Wildwoods Riding Centre in Surrey has a mechanical horse, which simulates riding and is a useful training aid, particularly for beginners.

“Our secret weapon is a Racewood Dressage Simulator, which is bolted to the floor and won’t shy or buck,” says Wildwoods Riding Centre proprietor, Anthea Chambers.

“With the use of mirrors and the advanced software of the machine, you can learn to stay balanced in the saddle at all paces, which gives you a head start when you get on the real thing. We supply hats and boots so you don’t have to go out and spend a lot of money on the right kit and it is warm and dry so you won’t get wet and cold either.”

Gemma Gwatkin-Williams, who is 52, started riding again at Wildwoods Riding Centre three years ago.

“My riding journey has been one of start, long gaps, start, stop again, so I never really progressed as each time I had to almost start from scratch again,” explains Gemma.

“There are so many different opportunities now that weren’t around 20 years ago. One of the really useful things has been riding the mechanical horse. It has sensors on its sides, under the saddle and in the mouth, and watching on a screen, you can really see where you are going wrong and adjust yourself in real time.

“For me learning to ride again in my 50s is as much about learning to listen to horses and having a conversation with them as it is about improving my riding. It’s quite a challenge – I am having to work on rebuilding my confidence and my body isn’t quite as forgiving at 52 as it was when I was 18.

“Although I’m a bit more creaky and my core strength isn’t what it used to be, I have always loved horses and I have so much joy riding and being with them. It’s a real blessing to be able to take it up again after so long a gap,” concludes Gemma.

You might also be interested in:

Horse & Hound’s beginners’ guide on how to ride a horse

What to wear horse riding: A beginner’s guide for those learning to ride

7 things you wish you’d been told when you were learning to horse ride

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

I’ve put together some horse riding tips for beginners that should help whether you’re thinking about learning how to ride a horse, have recently started horse riding lessons or have been riding on and off for a little while.

I’ve been riding since I was young, and these tips will not only help you ride better, but they’ll help you get more enjoyment out of your time in the saddle, too.

Horse riding tips for beginners

1. Get kitted out

Wearing the right clothing for horse riding – especially a riding hat – will help keep you safe, which will in turn make you feel more confident. Specialist riding clothing is designed to make you more comfortable and secure in the saddle, so swapping your gym leggings to a pair of the best riding tights with a sticky silicone seat will offer you extra security and prevent you slipping in the saddle. Looking the part will help you feel the part – much of riding is about confidence, and feeling the part is the first step to better riding.

2. Find a good instructor

If you’re a beginner, find a riding school that caters for those learning to ride. The instructors at these establishments will regularly teach riders of your level and will have a wealth of experience teaching children and adults with a wide range of abilities.

3. Watch some videos

Spend some time browsing instructional horse riding videos on YouTube. Watching and listening to other riders learning and explaining will be great background information to take in when you’re not in a lesson where you’re more likely to get overloaded with new information. You’ll become more familiar with lots of equestrian terms you’ve not heard before, too.

4. Ask questions

Ask as many questions as you need. If you’re unsure what your instructor is talking about or you can’t feel what they’re describing, ask them to explain in another way – it might be that they just need to adapt to your learning style.

5. Get familiar with horses on the ground

If you’re new to horses and horse riding, it’s a good idea to spend some time with them on the ground. The more time you can spend with them, the better you’ll understand them and be able to read their cues. You’ll also feel more comfortable and relaxed in their presence, which will help you relax when you’re on board, too.

6. Be confident

Confidence comes from trust – trusting yourself, trusting your horse and trusting your instructor. If your instructor isn’t correcting you, have confidence that you’re doing the right thing. Trust your horse – he needs to feel this to trust you in return, which will build your confidence. Trust your instructor to help you progress at the right pace.

7. Sit up straight and keep your heels down

Having a good position on the flat is key when it comes to horse riding – and the best place to start is sitting up straight and keeping your heels down. This will help you adopt a good position in the saddle, which will help you stay secure in the saddle and in balance with your horse.

8. Look where you want to go

There’s a saying often used when you’re learning to ride – “if you look at the floor, you’ll end up on the floor”. Always look where you want to go – your head is the heaviest part of your body, so is a key part of letting your horse know where you want to go and keeping you balanced.

9. Develop a good position

Improving your position and working towards in independent seat in each pace will raise your riding game and help you become more secure in the saddle. This will help you when it comes to maintaining a good jumping position and dealing with unexpected situations, such as spooking.

10. Gain confidence in each skill before advancing

Don’t run before you can walk – or, in this case, canter before you can trot. Ensure you’re sufficiently confident in each skill before you try learning a new one. A good instructor will help you navigate through learning, practising and perfecting the skills you need.

11. Stay relaxed

It’s easy to say and not so easy to do, but do your best to keep calm – even when you’re not. Your horse will look to you for reassurance that everything is okay and will pick up on any nerves if you have them. Roll your shoulders back if you feel yourself starting to stiffen up and focus on maintaining a good position. If you often feel nervous, read our tips for nervous riders.

You may also be interested in…

Horse & Hound’s beginners’ guide on how to ride a horse

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Struggling with nerves? Boost your confidence and enjoy riding again with these helpful tips

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse riding is an activity that’s open to all ages and abilities, and you’re never too old to start learning how to ride a horse. While it’d be impossible to learn how to ride purely from reading a set of instructions – because it’s all about feel – they can give you an idea of what happens and how you can signal to a horse what you want to do, whether it be go faster, slower or in another direction.

Learning to ride is great fun, will help you keep fit and get you outdoors – here’s are the steps for a beginner.

How to ride a horse

When you’re sat on a horse, they can feel it every time you move. Imagine giving a child a piggy back – when the child adjusts their position you can feel it and it’s the same when you’re riding. It’s the adjustments in your position – your body, arms and legs – that give signals to the horse and let him know what you’re asking him to do. These are called aids.

Like people, every horse is different. While most horses are trained to respond in the same way to the aids you give them, some are more sensitive than others.

1. Mounting a horse

To get on a horse, you should first approach from the left-hand side. Step onto the mounting block and pick up the reins in your left hand, holding them with a bit of the horse’s mane.

Place your left foot in the stirrup and your right hand on the front of the saddle, press down in the stirrup straightening your left knee and gently lift your right leg over the horse’s back. Lower yourself down slowly before slotting your right foot into the stirrup on the other side.

2. How to sit in the saddle

Sit up tall and straight, holding the reins in each hand with a relaxed arm and slight bend in your elbow. The reins come from the horse’s mouth into the bottom of your hand between your little and ring finger, then pass through your palm and out over your first finger.

Your thumb sits snuggly on top of the rein to maintain it’s length and prevent the horse from pulling the reins out of your hands. Your fist should be closed like you are holding a small bird or a child’s hand when crossing the road, so firmly but not tightly.

You should be able to draw a straight line from your shoulder, through your hip to your heel – and your heels should be slightly lower than your toes. Always look up and ahead of you in the direction you’re going and avoid looking at the ground.

3. How to ask a horse to walk forward

To ask a horse to go forward, you need to apply inward pressure on the horse’s side with your leg. Think of it as a squeeze rather than a kick. You can also use your voice to say “walk on” as most horses will respond to this.

4. How to ask a horse to stop

Making sure you’re still sitting up straight with your shoulders back, push your weight slightly more into your heels. Gradually increase the pressure on the reins with your hands – imagine you’re gently squeezing a stress ball.

You can also use your voice to say “woah” or “stand” – by saying it slowly and calmly your horse will know to come to a stop.

5. How to turn a horse

You can use your body position to ask a horse to turn in a particular direction. If you want to turn to the right, turn your head and shoulders in that direction. This will adjust your weight on the horse’s back as well as automatically move your arms and legs into the position that tells your horse to turn. Your right hand will come out to the right to guide him, while your left leg will encourage him to turn his body.

6. How to trot on a horse

The trot is the next pace after walk – it is like a jog. It’s bouncy, so most riders choose to do rising trot, which involves standing up in your stirrups slightly to lift your weight off the horse’s back, then gently sitting back down in time with the horse’s step. Learning to do rising trot is an important early skill all riders need to master to make riding more comfortable.

To ask your horse to trot, you first need to shorten your reins (by moving your hands closer to the horse’s head) as when you horse trots he will lift his head up – you want to prevent your reins becoming slack. Then, still looking up and ahead, you can apply pressure to your horse’s sides with your legs to signal your horse to trot. It might help to give him the command “trot on”.

To return to a walk, sit up straight and push your heels down. Gently increase the pressure on the reins and say “walk” slowly and calmly, similar to when you asked your horse to stop.

Safety when learning how to ride a horse

Horses are unpredictable and it’s essential that if you want to start learning to ride you do so in a safe environment, under the supervision of an experienced person and with the appropriate safety equipment.

Have a go at riding a horse

There are a few options available if you’d like to have a go at riding a horse. You can book a beginner lesson at a riding school – find a local one in our riding school directory.

Another option is to book onto a horse experience day. These are available all over the country and range from beginner lessons and hacks to medieval horseback archery experiences.

What to wear when riding a horse

If you’re thinking of getting into horse riding, you’ll need to think about what to wear horse riding.

If you’re going for a one-off experience, make sure you’re wearing something comfortable – leggings would be ideal – and some sturdy shoes. The experience provider should give you a riding hat and any other protective gear you need for the activity.

You might also be interested in:

Jousting to driving, meditation to trick riding – fantastic horse experience days around the UK

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Why the horse’s trot is the easiest pace to improve, plus other interesting facts

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

A chemical engineer who took up riding as a way to relax outside the lab has praised horses for helping him with his research projects, and recommends other professionals take up the sport.

Prabhuraj Balakrishnan used to go jogging with friends at Wythenshawe Park to unwind while studying for his PhD at the University of Manchester in 2012, and when he frequently saw riders in the park he decided to try a new hobby.

“Watching people hacking across the park sparked my interest in horses,” the 31-year-old doctor told H&H.

“I started going on hacks with Wythenshawe Park Riding Stables and it motivated me to learn more, so I started group lessons and later took up private lessons.”

Prabhuraj, who was a finalist in the Institution of Chemical Engineers young researcher of the year award 2020, said he soon realised riding has mental, as well as physical, benefits.

“My research meant I was always working in labs so I was looking for something different to do. I tried other sports but riding felt completely different. It builds your physical strength, but also your mental strength because you’re dealing with a 1,000lb animal,” he said.

“I used to feel rejuvenated after riding and believe relaxing at the weekend with horses led me to do well in my research.”

Prabhuraj has continued to take weekly lessons and particularly enjoys showjumping.

“The staff at the riding school are always so patient. To start with I would make so many mistakes and had numerous falls, and at one point thought maybe riding wasn’t for me, but they were always so nice and encouraging,“ he said.

“I would really recommend riding to other people who want to try it. It’s not like other sports where it’s just one person, you’re a team with your horse and you have to build that chemistry and it’s a good way to make new friends too.”

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If this is the year you’ve decided to allow your pony-mad child to get in the saddle for the first time, here is our expert guide to what clothes and kit they need to have. Going all out with a full wardrobe of children’s horse riding clothes can get expensive, so it’s best to start with the essentials and add extras over time.

The two essential bits of riding kit for children are a riding hat and correct footwear. Optional but advisable extras include a body protector, a pair of jodhpurs or riding tights, and riding-specific gloves. There is so much choice when it comes to riding wear for children, but it is really important that you choose products that fit well and comply with the current safety standards so they are safe and comfortable.

Children’s horse riding clothes: what beginners should wear

Riding hats

A helmet is the most important piece of kit and no child should be allowed to get on a horse without one. We also recommend that a helmet is worn whenever children are around or handling horses. Riding schools often have hats that you can borrow or rent for a one-off lesson before your child commits and needs their own.

When buying a hat, you should choose a hat that complies with a current standard, such as PAS 015 (1998 or 2011). Riding schools usually stipulate which they accept and whether they require a British Kitemark or other quality marks, as do Pony Club and other governing bodies, so it’s best to check this first. Understanding how riding hats are tested may also help you decide which hats might make your shortlist.

H&H recommends that all hats should be fitted by a BETA-trained retailer – find your nearest one here. Hats that have been professionally fitted can then be bought in store or ordered online, but you should never purchase second-hand as there is no way to tell if it has been dropped or the internal parts damaged. Any hat that has been dropped or had an impact in a fall needs to be replaced.

• Here is our guide to the best children’s riding hats. You can also check out our other guides to the best riding hats, best jockey skulls, best adjustable riding hats and riding hats under £100.

Footwear

Children’s riding boots need to be comfortable to wear in and out of the saddle with a suitably grippy sole, small heel and made of a hardwearing material. Real leather generally gives better breathability than synthetic options, but it requires more care and is often more expensive. Most junior riders find short (jodhpur) boots give them better control of their lower legs and a pair that has a zip front and/or elastic paneling will be easier to take on or off while still achieving a snug fit. Alternatively, long riding boots offer more protection to a child’s legs and may be preferred by some, or you can pair half chaps with jodhpur boots to reap some of the benefits of long boots without buying another pair.

• Here is our guide to the best children’s riding boots. You can also check out our guides to the best jodhpur boots, best long riding boots, best riding boots for wide calves and best riding boots on a budget.

Clothing

Jodhpurs are designed to keep your child comfortable and secure in the saddle – some even have grippy seats to prevent slipping. You can also opt for riding tights, which are designed more like leggings, are pull-on in style and also have the option of a grippy seat. Traditionally, competition jodhpurs should be white, cream or beige, but for everyday riding your son or daughter can choose whichever colour they prefer.

• Check out our guides to the best jodhpurs for children and best riding tights for children.

Gloves prevent friction burns and blisters from the reins and provides extra grip, while also keeping hands warm in the winter. The best gloves for horse riding have good grip on the palms but with minimal extra bulk so that your child can still feel the reins well. Normal winter gloves are not suitable for horse riding.

• Check out our guides to the best children’s riding gloves.

Body protector

A body protector is designed to absorb the impact from a fall or kick from a horse and can make an inexperienced young rider feel more confident. They are not essential for typical riding lessons, but many parents opt for their children to wear one.

Just like with hats, a body protector needs to be fitted by a BETA-trained retailer and should have a purple (2009) or blue (2018) BETA label, which shows it’s of the correct standard. The most comfortable body protectors are lightweight, well-ventilated and flexible so that the rider doesn’t feel hindered and is comfortable on and off the horse.

• Check out our guides to the best children’s body protectors for horse riding

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A novice rider who spent the first lockdown at a South African horseback safari centre had ridden 25 horses and was jumping 1m by the time he reached home — and is now continuing his showjumping career.

Saúl Castro Gómez and Susannah Shelley left their home in the UAE on 13 March last year, for a holiday at Horizon Horseback, in the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve.

“Then the world changed,” Saúl told H&H. “We flew to South Africa, and it was the week we were there that everything changed. We left for a week and ended up staying for four months.”

The couple were given the option to fly home early but did not realise how strict the lockdown would be, and then the UAE closed its borders.

“It was like a movie,” Saúl said. “They closed the borders at midnight, and if your flight landed after that, you were sent away. I don’t think any country knew what to do, under the circumstances.”

But of course there are far worse places to be stranded for four months than an African safari centre that also offers polocrosse, western games, jumping, cattle mustering and swimming with horses.

“It was a fantastic experience,” Saúl said. “We had a moment of uncertainty, then recognition, then we took advantage of being there.”

Both managed to keep working from the centre, while also riding twice a day. Susannah describes herself as a “happy hacker”, who has ridden for a number of years, but although Saúl rode as a child in his native Venezuela, where horses are “part of the culture”, he was still a beginner. “One member of staff at Horizon had jumped to 1.20m in Scotland, and evented, and one day she said: ‘Why don’t you try to do a jump?’” he said. “That day changed my story.”

Over the next weeks, a jumping course was created in the savannah, surrounded by baboons and warthogs, and Saúl progressed to jumping a metre.

The couple flew home on 14 July, with emotional farewells to the Horizon staff, and the intention for Saúl to carry on his showjumping. They found a trainer, Osama Zbibi, and his father Fadi Zbibi, at FZ Sport Horses.

“They’re now training us, and continuing what was born in South Africa,” said Saúl, who went to his first show last month — and jumped his first clear round — on a mare called Wilma.

“It was very special,” he said. “My mouth was absolutely dry but it was an amazing feeling.”

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Saúl would like to have his own horse, once he has more experience, and also has a dream of competing internationally.

“That would be amazing,” he said. “Without the pandemic, I’d never have discovered showjumping, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Susannah added: “We felt blessed to be able to spend our time on an extended stay at Horizon, and all there are now like an extension to our family.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rory Knight Bruce finds out how some of hunting’s leading lights learnt their skills in the saddle

IT was over supper in Herefordshire with former Four Burrow master and amateur huntsman John Williams when he said, with his customary modesty: “I had a famous father and a famous daughter; whatever happened to me?”

He was referring respectively to Percival Williams (legendary Four Burrow master and huntsman from 1921–64) and the successful National Hunt trainer, Venetia Williams. The answer, of course, quite apart from his own Four Burrow mastership (1955–77) is that, in 1988, he wrote Riding to Hounds. In short he offers the following advice: pay attention, walk rather than canter when you can, have “an eye for the country”, and the courage to jump what has to be jumped.

That is the theory, but in practice, how did so many who hunt actually learn to ride to hounds? For myself, it started when I won the Derby. It does not matter that this was a Donkey Derby at Belstone on Dartmoor, where you encouraged your mount with a carrot on a long bamboo cane and kicked him, legs flapping like a tadpole. I wish I had read then another essential book, Riding from Scratch by Martin Diggle, published in 1987 and full of practical advice for achievable improvement.

“It is physically and mentally impossible to ‘learn to ride’ overnight,” Martin wrote. “Indeed, if one were to ask top horsemen from any sphere, ‘Are you still learning to ride?’ It is likely that they would all have the honesty to answer in the affirmative.”

“THE HOUNDS WILL TEACH YOU”

THIS is certainly the view of Lauderdale master and huntsman Claire Bellamy, who was brought up on Dartmoor.

“I am still learning every day and it is the hounds that will teach you,” she says.

Before moving to the Scottish Borders, Claire Bellamy was kennel-huntsman to Mike Weir at the Dartmoor for 10 seasons.

“He was very old-fashioned, seldom spoke unless it meant something and always had gleaming old tack and saddlery. I am a bit like that myself today,” she says.

But her early hunting life was, she says, instrumental in her career. Aged 10 she was breaking-in show ponies for her mother.

“I would meet up with my friends at Ivybridge, with no saddle or bridle, just a halter and mane, and ride the ponies across the moor for hours,” she remembers.

At 12 she was allowed out without any chaperone with the Modbury Harriers. Her mother’s words, when she asked what to do, still ring in her ears: “Just stick with the hounds.” She has done so ever since.

Thomas Scott, master and huntsman of the Border, and widely recognised as one of the best across country, is another huntsman brought up in the old ways.

“We never spent any money on our horses or our rugs. They were just hessian, left over from the war,” he recalls. “I have spent much of my life hunting in leggings, a big coat, and a horse on some string.”

Sometimes, he would be joined by the hill shepherds when hunting in their area.

“Their horses never had shoes,” recalls Thomas. “They couldn’t afford them and we weren’t going on any roads. To them, a horse was a horse.”

For those who hunt in Ireland, many have stories of their early years which could come from the pages of a Roddy Doyle novel. Michael McGrath, now in his 11th season as joint-master of the Fingal Harriers, is no exception.

“I was privileged to grow up on our dairy farm north of Dublin in some of Ireland’s finest hunting country,” says Michael. “My father attended the local cattle marts and would often bring us home wild ponies to break in. Then we would wait for whichever hunt was nearby – the Fingals, Ward Union or Meath foxhounds – and join in. This is where I, and my brother Seamus, found our passion for hounds, horses and hunting, all at a very young age.”

Michael’s first job on leaving school was to drive the deer cart for the Ward Union staghounds. His mentor was their former huntsman, Charlie McCann.

“We grew up hearing of the legendary days of hunting,” recalls Michael.

His first horse proper, Smithie, he bought from the Smithfield Horse Fair in Dublin, where it was trotted up in a back street. To the purists, such a “catch as catch can” approach may seem the stuff of romance and story books. But, it shows the spirit that dwells within to go hunting by whatever means that budgets will permit.

LEARNING FROM MISTAKES

QUORN professional huntsman Ollie Finnegan looks back to his Meath childhood for his early hunting knowledge. From a racing background, he was hunting from the age of three with the Meath foxhounds, and cites huntsman John Henry senior and whipper-in “Speedy” O’Rourke as mentors.

“As a child we were chucked on our ponies and away we went,” he recalls. “We never wanted to come home.”

John Henry said to him one day: “You will go your own way, and do things your own way, but learn from our mistakes – and don’t make them.”

Heythrop joint-master and huntsman, Charles Frampton, modestly says he thinks he is not a particularly good rider.

“It was while hunting the Stowe Beagles that I had my lightbulb moment that I wanted to ride to hunt hounds, not just to follow hounds,” he says.

To this end, in his gap year, he was second horseman to Captain Wallace on Exmoor, where he was brought up, and hunted 146 days. Credit must also be given to his mother who, in Charles’s childhood, brought him home a pony from the Quantock sales in the back of her Land Rover.

“Quantock, as he was named, would frequently set sail in a straight line over two miles with the Blackmore Vale,” he recalls. “A brilliant pony, but probably not up there with the current guidelines on health and safety.”

Another essential element, alongside having a hunting mentor, is to – if possible – have a hunting companion. They may alert you to dangers and encourage you to greater feats.

One day, with the North Ledbury, my companion was Grand National jockey Ronnie Hyett – third in 1980 on Pilgarlic – his company much enjoyed by me. I hunted three horses that day.

“I see you ride long,” he observed at tea, himself, as a race rider, used to riding short.

“Ride long, live long,” a Quorn farrier had once told me, and I have always done it.

International event rider Harry Meade, who runs successful pre-season one-day hunting courses in Gloucestershire, now in their 16th year, has a different take on this.

“Shorten your stirrups. If they’re comfortable hacking to the meet, they’ll be too long when you get galloping and jumping,” he says.

I do it the other way round, shortening them slightly as they stretch, but each to their own.

Martin Scott, a mainstay of the Duke of Beaufort’s, has been on several of Harry Meade’s courses (which will run again this year, from September).

“I owe so much to the Pony Club, followed by an advanced riding course with the Household Cavalry,” says Martin. “But these courses, and all their patient instructors, did not try to change my dreadful style but gave me the confidence to still be hunting in my 73rd season. And my best riding advice? Always have a neck strap.”

“I love teaching these courses at all levels,” says Harry. “They are a bit like getting your eye in on clays before the shooting season.”

Completely bereft of jargon, Harry inspires confidence in his pupils, who come from all over Britain.

“The courses are fast-moving, a journey of personal self-discovery if you like,” he says.

He aims to change no more than three things in a person’s riding habits.

“But these are things that will make you feel, ‘Yes, I can do that,’” he continues.

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

BERWICKSHIRE joint-master and huntsman Gareth Watchman was so determined to go hunting as a 10-year-old that he got his father, Gary, to buy him a pony.

“You’d better have someone to go with you,” said Gary, who then went on to be field master for the South Durham for seven seasons, and master for 10. Gareth, meanwhile, rose up the ladder of showjumping to international level, competing at the Horse of the Year Show and in Europe.

“Hunting definitely gave me the balance to achieve what I did,” says Gareth.

On one of his earliest days hunting, on Katie, his dun pony, he took a fall over a wall.

“I learned from that day forward to sit up straight,” he recalls.

Martin Letts, joint-master of the College Valley and North Northumberland since 1964, was inspired to a hunting life while a schoolboy at Marlborough College, where he followed the nearby Tedworth foxhounds.

In his memoirs, he recalls the huntsman, George Goodwin, as: “a kind man, adept in nursing schoolboy interest in hounds and in their care.” One element of Goodwin’s conduct, however, need not concern us.

“A lighter moment for vulgar boys came when George rose in his stirrups and watered a bramble bush at considerable range from his saddle.”

If I had a hunting tip, which has always stood me in good stead, it is to be early. If you can’t be early, then be earlier still. What hardship is it to share coffee from a flask – and perhaps a small “fence reducer”, and take in the gates and gaps, the signposts and church spires, while waiting for the master, huntsman and hounds?

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This exclusive feature is also available to read in Horse & Hound magazine, 18 March 2021 issue

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A nine-year-old girl who got into riding when lockdown brought a halt to gymnastics has raised £500 for her own pony, and charity, by making and selling soap and candles.

Belle Nicholls had no time to ride before the coronavirus pandemic hit, as she dedicated three hours, three times a week, to her preferred sport.

But when all indoor activities ceased, and remained off limits when outdoor sports could restart, she had time to try riding instead.

“We gave it a go and she fell completely in love with it,” her mother Heather told H&H.

“Everything else went by the wayside; it was all she wanted to do. And it wasn’t just the riding; she loves grooming, mucking out and everything to do with looking after them.”

Before long, Belle was talking about a pony of her own, but mindful of the commitment, Heather said she should wait long enough to ensure she was still keen.

She was then offered the chance to take on loan the pony she rode at the riding school, which Heather said “solidified” her passion.

“She’s just in love; winter hasn’t put her off at all,” she said.

The fundraising came about after Belle made herself a lip gloss, and a visiting relative asked if she could make another for her to buy, then she found videos online, on making soap and candles, which she has since been selling.

“Belle said ‘we could save this and I could buy a pony’,” Heather said. “She’s so committed; she’s raised about £500 so far.”

Belle also saw the local Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary was appealing for support so she has donated £50 of her hard-earned money and sponsored a donkey.

“She’s done so well,” Heather said. “She’s probably on target to buy a saddle, if not the pony yet!”

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Heather said she and her husband will probably wait until Belle is in secondary school before they look to buy her a pony, and that they will boost her earnings when that time comes.

“It’s not just about the riding, it’s all animals; she loves them,” she said. “But it’s dressage she’s really interested in, that’s what she wants to do.

“She’s fabulous; she does whatever she puts her mind to.

“This was all because of lockdown but it’s lovely for a little girl and it’s become a real family affair; there’s definitely no looking back.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Not all of us were ‘born in the saddle’, and often we had to wait for life to quieten down and children to leave home before we could really get stuck into horse riding. If you’re a bit later on the scene, here’s what to expect…

1. Your instructor (a mere ‘child’) spends patient hours trying to get you to mount correctly. Her cheerful chant of ‘one, two, three…..and spring!’ is all very well in theory, but in practice your spring seems to have well and truly sprung. You can get your foot in the stirrup (using both hands), but your left knee is so outraged at being asked to take your full body weight for the first time in years that your ‘one, two, three….spring’ turns into more of a ‘one, slip, scramble, aaargh…thud’.

2. After two months of agony, someone finally takes pity on you and tells you about padded riding pants. You fall on their neck in gratitude, sobbing.

3. You really can’t believe that it’s possible for human hip flexors and hips to get into that position. You find muscles, the previous existence of which you’ve never suspected, and every single one of them hurts. Your instructor (a slender, athletic 20-year-old) gives instructions like ‘Just put some more weight into your knees’, as though it’s all very easy and there’s no risk of you walking like a crippled crab for several days afterwards.

4. You’re so upset that you didn’t start riding when you were a child and thus missed out on all the cute equestrian gear that you buy yourself a special sweater with a unicorn on it. You no longer care what people think.

5. Every ride over two hours long is carefully examined for ‘suitability’, i.e. access to loos or at least some nice thick hedges.

6. When anyone drops their whip or a glove or it’s really your turn to open the gate, you pretend you’re having trouble with your horse in case someone asks you to get off and get back on again from the ground.

7. Cold dark mornings, dirty fingernails, breeches covered in hay, permanently cold feet, no money… honestly, your only regret is that you didn’t take up riding years ago.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

With the coronavirus pandemic forcing most people to work from home, abiding by lockdown rules, and a proportion of those furloughed too, some people have taken to learning a new skill. The following people have learnt to ride during lockdown, and we think their progress is remarkable. Plus, don’t miss the rider who has embraced a new discipline, despite having previously maintained she hated it...

“I am a mounted police officer in central London and have had my step children live with us throughout lockdown — they live in Qatar normally. My step daughter is 12 and this is the first time we have had her for a long enough period of time to allow me to teach her to ride. For the first month we had access to a share pony twice a week but I really wanted her to be able to progress as much as possible through lockdown so I loaned a pony from a friend.

“This has led to the most wonderful bonding time for my step daughter and I, watching her grow in confidence and ability has made me so proud. We hack out together on adventures — I feel like I am 12 again! She is able to canter with me in open spaces which was my goal!” — Charlotte Powell

“My daughter, Amelie, aged 10, learned to ride in lockdown. My mum’s elderly ponies have been living with us for three years and it took a pandemic to spark her interest and get them out of retirement. We took them for walks to start with and then it grew from there!” — Alex Compton

“I’ve learnt to ride on one of my mother’s horses during lockdown. I have been on many trips out with him to Thetford Forest and sponsored hunt rides, once they restarted.

“While also learning to ride I’ve learnt to drive as well. Even competing in a driving trials competition and have slso been on many socially distant trips out on the carriage with my friends” — Owen Embleton

“My name is Alison McFarlane (Ali) and I’m 30 years old. I met my partner, Cat, who owns two horses in July 2019. Things went well, I met both her horses and sat on her cob Gypsy before I left the country for work. I had ridden a horse once or twice when I was about nine years old on a pony trek, but knew absolutely nothing about them! If anything I was quite wary and nervous around them.

“I left Scotland in the middle of December 2019 to work in Hakuba, Japan for four months as a ski instructor. While I was away Cat asked if I would like to move in with her when I came back to Scotland and, having resided with my parents up until that point, I eagerly agreed.

“With the fast moving pandemic and borders being shut, I decided to curtail my trip and arrived back in Scotland on 22 March 2020. After navigating my way through busy Tokyo and Dubai Airport I was anxious about seeing my mum who has asthma with potential spreading of Covid-19, so Cat picked me up from the airport and took me to her flat. Then lockdown was announced! We went from not seeing each other for months to being with each other 24/7.

“My income before I went away was working at a dry ski slope in Edinburgh as a ski instructor and also as an usher in two different theatres. Of course that was all gone and I had very little furlough money having been away over the winter. I got quite down about it, but then Cat took me to her yard and started giving me lessons on Gypsy. That was in April and now we are in August. I now know how to walk, trot and canter but it hasn’t always been easy! I fell off once and was limping with a bruise for a while after, I got a fright when Gypsy spooked twice in a row and lost my confidence for a couple of weeks as well. However, horse riding has pretty much seen me through lockdown, got me out the flat when I didn’t feel like it, allowed me to bond with an animal more than I ever have before and I’ve taken achievement in learning a new sport!

“Gypsy has been the best horse to learn on during this time. She has looked after me well and also challenged me at times! She may not know it, but she’s been a hero!” — Ali MacFarlane

“My daughter Myia, who’s only three years old, started to ride in March as we had gone into lockdown and schools and nurseries where closed, with just walking around on her pony. Over lockdown she learned how to trot and hold her reins, she attended her first show, coming first out off a large class of ponies. Myia’s sister Ella, who is five years, old also rides and has also progressed in her ridding. Myia just loves ponies and loves being around them. It was her third birthday on 17 July and we have just bought her a new show pony for next season. She will continue to ride over the winter, with hope that we have more shows next season” — Andrea Latto

“My mum (59) has started to ride mostly while in lockdown. Before this she had sat through hours and hours of lessons I and my brother has had as well as volunteering for British Eventing. She had 10 lessons at a local riding school and her final one was the week of lockdown.

“When we went into lockdown, lessons stopped and we made the decision that it wasn’t a good idea for her to ride my pony, but mum is great on the ground. The pony went lame and mum spent the first six weeks of lockdown learning to long rein and lunge during my pony’s recovery period and keep him busy. When restrictions eased and lessons could resume, we made the decision that mum now knew my pony well enough that she should try a few lessons on him with our yard manager and she hasn’t looked back since!

“In such a short space of time mum has gone from only walking and trotting in a school to now hacking and schooling on her own, and she’s now looking to do her first ever dessage test in September and start jumping!” — Franki Clapham

“My daughters aged eight and nine have learnt to ride over the past nine weeks due to not being able to go to school and Covid-19. A friend’s outgrown New Forest (Nutmeg) who has been there done that has taught them so much, including cantering, riding without stirrups, jumping and last week each completing a walk/trot dressage test with them finishing second and fourth!

“All this has been made possible by the daughter of my friend, who is 16 and had her GSCE’s cancelled, so has been teaching the girls twice a week and taking them out to hack. The is a great thing to come out of these unknown and tough times” — Jacqueline Morrall

“I met my boyfriend Jorge in April last year and he shares the same passion for animals as me, and took a very quick interest in the horses as they are a massive part of my life! He is Portuguese and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years and has never been around horses in any way before meeting me. He is 22 and works as a team leader in one of the leading textiles companies.

“He had a sit on my mare, Nia, at the back end of last year, but as she is not a novice we thought it would be better he had a riding lesson at a local riding school. We chose Carrington Riding School and on finishing the first lesson I wasn’t sure he was telling me the truth that he has never ridden before because he was so natural and took to rising trot straight away on his first attempt.

“He then got the riding bug and wanted to learn so we decided to look for horse on loan for him that would be more suitable than Nia, and found the most perfect horse — Red an 11-year-old in February this year whom we love so much! Red hasn’t done much himself so they have been learning together, but he is a saint.

“Jorge then started to have lessons each weekend over lockdown with my riding instructor Leanne Cunningham on Red, and even she was in awe of his natural position and ability to pick everything up so quickly. He is now jumping my mare over small fences and is confident to do so and wants to continue in jumping and cross-country” — Charlotte Maddox

Article continues below…

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Something slightly different

“I didn’t quite learn to ride during lockdown as I have ridden all my life, but I have taken the combination of lockdown and incredibly hard ground to turn my hand to dressage! I am 41 this week and was born to a horsey mum, so we have always had horses at home. I have always been a hacking/some hunting/some showjumping/some cross-country kind of a girl. This has all been low level riding club stuff and I had intended to really work on my jumping over lockdown.

“I am a full-time science teacher and mother of two, and although I worked every day from home during lockdown and was in school one day a week, I found that with neither me nor my kids being in school, I was finished earlier in the afternoon. With this new found time, I planned to nail the jumping. But the ground was too hard, so my cunning instructor started drip feeding me dressage! I have never bothered with dressage and maintained I hated the idea — turns out I actually like it!

“I went from first lesson to first test at my local riding club in three weeks! I didnt want a caller so I managed to miss out two movements, my boots broke and I missed the bell to go in! I thought it was a total car crash but we got 64.4% and finished second. This was the first dressage test for me and only the second for my horse. The judge gave some lovely comments and I was thrilled that the bits I knew I had ballsed up came through on the marks and comments, so I knew I was at least thinking along the right lines — I even got an eight for something! I have no clue whatsoever about dressage but I have an amazing instructor and the most wonderful sharp little cob — I call the arena a dressage tank!

“We have our second test on Sunday and then another in two weeks where I will do intro and prelim. I never thought I would enjoy dressage, but lockdown gave me an opportunity to learn something new and I’ve really enjoyed it. I will absolutely keep it up, even when the ground is soft enough to jump again. It’s my mission to see how far I can go knowing absolutely nothing whatsoever about dressage” — Hannah Pattinson

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There’s a reason why 2.7million people enjoy horse riding in the UK and that’s because it’s great fun, a good way to stay fit and it gets you out and about in the countryside.

Learning how to ride and spending time with horses isn’t just good for your physical health — studies have shown it’s a great way to boost your mood and improve your mental health, too.

People of all ages and abilities, and those with long-standing illnesses or disabilities also reap the physical and mental health benefits of horse riding.

So where do you begin when finding out how to start horse riding?

Where can I go horse riding?

Finding somewhere to ride can be a bit daunting with so many centres to choose from, but help is at hand. Horse & Hound have a list of places to have riding lessons near you to choose from.

Another good source of information is the British Horse Society (BHS).

“The BHS has over 600 approved riding schools across the country,” says the BHS. “Our Approved Establishments have horse and pony welfare along with client safety and satisfaction as priorities. All establishments are insured for public liability and comply with the latest health and safety legislation, so you can rest assured that it is safe and well run, leaving you free to just relax and enjoy yourself.”

Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the qualifications of the instructors, and which instructors teach beginner riders. A friendly atmosphere is important, and watching a lesson can be a good guide. Even if you do not know much about horses, you will be able to judge if they are nervous and highly strung, or quiet and relaxed.

“Riding centres should have a variety of horses to cater for the type of rider they specialise in teaching,” adds the BHS. “For a beginner, the horses and ponies need to be steady and experienced. All equipment should be in good condition and clean.

“Your local British Horse Society approved centre will ask your height, weight, and about your past riding experience, if any, when you book, to ensure that you are matched with a horse that is right for you. Novice riders should stick to short treks (commonly known as hacks) to begin with, as even gentle riding at a walking pace will exercise your muscles. More experienced riders can look forward to exploring further afield in the saddle, and perhaps aim at becoming ride-fit for an entire holiday spent on horseback.”

Is there an age limit for horse riding?

Horse riding is open to nearly all ages and abilities. Most riding centres will take children who have reached school age, but check with your local centre to find out if they are insured to teach younger children, too. There is no upper age limit.

Do you need specialist clothing or your own helmet?

The most important item when working out what to wear horse riding is a well-fitting riding hat. Most riding centres will have hats in a variety of makes and sizes that they can loan to novice riders for their first lessons. Footwear is also important, and riding boots with a slight heel that cover your ankle are ideal, as they will prevent your foot slipping through the stirrup, or becoming rubbed and sore.

Jodhpurs or breeches (trousers specially designed for riding) are useful but for beginners, a pair of strong trousers without a seam on the inside leg will be fine, as a seam can pinch your leg while in the saddle.

Wearing riding gloves is advisable to help avoid blisters while getting used to the reins. Wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a jacket that is fastened so that it doesn’t flap, or a sweatshirt will help to ensure that you are comfortable on your ride.

How much do horse riding lessons cost?

This really does depend on where you go, and how long you ride for, but lessons and hacks generally start from around £20 to £30 per hour.

For more information or to find an Approved Centre, visit the BHS website.

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Working in the construction industry, Neill Collom had never considered riding to be his kind of exercise, confessing he thought it was more of a “girly” sport.

However, the 55-year-old has found himself eating his words, 10 months on from his first riding lesson, which ignited a newfound passion for horses.

Along with his wife, Justine, who has also rediscovered her childhood love of horses, Neill has been having regular lessons.

But it hasn’t stopped there, the pair now own a horse each and Neill has learnt to trot, canter and jump, and has recently competed at his first ever horse show — pretty remarkable considering this time last year, horses barely crossed his mind.

Neill and Justine’s adventure into the unknown started last summer when Justine was inspired to do a beach ride at Studland Bay in Dorset, however the couple were told they’d have to be confident riders at canter — which they weren’t.

“We spend our summer weekends in Dorset, so I found a local riding school, Lulworth Equestrian Centre, and booked a lesson with the owner Carolyn Gale,” explained Justine. “I could tell as we dismounted at the end that Neill had really enjoyed the experience, so we quickly booked up for the following weekend.

“Over the following weeks, I watched Neill grapple with position (which was ape-like!), leg aids and rising trot, plus nightly tutorials on You Tube.”

While Justine had previously worked at a yard, Neill was a complete newcomer to the sport, yet Justine admitted her husband is now “outshining” her. “I am just getting to grips with canter, while he is jumping and has done his first show — I am a very proud wife.”

Neill is now the owner of “complete gentleman” Moonlight, a seven-year-old Irish dapple grey gelding.

“A friend, who owns a yard, agreed to support us in the early days to ensure ‘Moonie’ was well cared for,” said Justine. “It was a baptism of fire — we learnt to ‘DIY’ with no previous experience and in the depth of winter.

“Neill just rode and rode, taking Moonie out hacking (having never ridden on a road before) and riding him in the school. He taught himself to canter and then, to my surprise, he began to attempt jumping too.”

Neill added: “I was surprised with how physical riding actually is. To start with I couldn’t grasp it all and I really struggled. I thought I was never going to be able to do rising trot.”

However, perseverance paid off for Neill, who throughout the winter would be up at the yard riding Moonie around the sand school, gradually improving his riding.

“Moonie and I have learned together, because he’s only seven,” said Neill. “He has been such a good boy, even when I’ve got a bit heavy handed, he figures it all out for me. Canter was particularly messy to start with but I plugged away and established some balance and control.

“Being in charge of such a big animal is a powerful feeling, and I’ve really enjoyed it.”

The couple had never attended a horse show before, so Neill’s debut in the ring was understandably a daunting prospect for them both and Neill admitted he was “a bit nervous” beforehand.

“Moonie was a star and he loves to jump,” said Justine. “They finished fourth, which for a mature man, who has been riding for under a year, is amazing — they have a wonderful relationship.”

With Justine now having also purchased a “nice and quiet cob” for herself to ride (pictured, above), the pair stable the horses at Lulworth Equestrian Centre during the summer and drive the 150 miles each weekend to ride out together.

“I really wish I had started riding earlier in life,” said Neill. “I do feel like I’m having to rush things now because I don’t have as much time on my hands.

“My advice for others thinking about taking up the reins later in life is, if you want to do it, then get on and do it now — don’t wait. Also make sure you find yourself the right horse, and don’t worry about hitting the deck.”

Justine concluded: “I think it’s really important that men don’t discard riding as a sport. It may be a female-dominated hobby but men should not be excluded — they should be encouraged.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

In her new book Pony care: A complete guide to buying and caring for your first pony, Alison Pocklington looks at what you need to consider before taking the plunge and buying a pony for your child

Choosing the right time to buy a pony is difficult and will very much depend on the parents’ knowledge and experience or that of a friend or instructor who might be willing to help.

A child who comes from a horsey background will often have had a pony bought for them at a very early age, or sometimes even before they are born! This is fine when the parents themselves have the experience of riding and looking after horses. In this situation, the horses and ponies usually live at home and the child grows up watching the parents. This does not apply for a child who has learned to ride at the local riding school once or twice a week. Here are some questions to consider and advice on gaining the necessary information and knowledge before buying a pony.

What level of rider should the child be?

When coming from a non-horsey background, I would not advise buying until the child is riding quite competently off the lead rein. This is because a young child being led around is often quite happy and confident, but that can often change when the lead rein comes off.

The best place to make this transition is at a riding school in an enclosed area with a qualified instructor, not in the middle of a big field or going down the road with an inexperienced mummy or daddy. A riding school pony tends to know his job and will help the child develop the skills required to ride off the lead rein. This may not be so easily done riding a pony alone. The child needs to be confident enough that they are not relying on parents to be holding on every stride. A nervous child will often result in a nervous parent, the two combined can cause the pony to become unsettled. This could very quickly result in the child losing confidence and deciding they do not want to ride anymore.

Therefore, I would advise that the child is happy to walk, trot and canter in the arena and an open space on a well-behaved pony before purchasing.

Does the child always want to ride?

Consider in the last two years how often your child has ridden. Have there been periods when he or she has ‘gone off riding’ and decided that they want to have a break. Are they put off in winter when it’s cold and wet? Would they sometimes rather give it a miss because they are tired or their friends are doing something more exciting? If this is the case, then owning a pony is not for you and it is much better to continue riding weekly at the riding school where the twenty-four-hour and seven-day-week commitment is not necessary.

What other hobbies does the child have?

If your child is involved in lots of other sports and hobbies it may not be the right decision to look into owning. Younger children tend to follow what they are good at. If they are particularly sporty or interested in dance or drama, you may find that you are spending a lot of money on a pony that only gets ridden twice a week due to other activities. If this is the case, it makes more sense to save money and continue to ride at the riding school.

School days

Consider the amount of time your child has on a school day. As they get older, the pressure of school work increases. Being able to ride after school becomes more challenging during the winter months as daylight hours are shorter, unless you are fortunate enough to have access to an indoor or floodlit arena.

Time of year

When deciding to buy a pony, the time of year should be taken into consideration. At the end of autumn, ponies can often be bought cheaper. Many people will not want to keep a pony whose rider has lost interest, or one that has been outgrown, throughout the winter months.

The cost of keeping a pony can increase during these months as it is often necessary to stable and feed. While buying can be cheaper, it has the disadvantages of costs and short, cold winter days to look after him and ride. This can very quickly put your child off. If a pony is going to misbehave it is more likely to do so when stabled more and the weather is colder.

Buying in spring and summer may mean the pony costs a little more but the new experience of becoming an owner will be much more pleasurable in better weather conditions and longer daylight hours. The start of the summer holidays is ideal as there will be plenty of time for the child to ride and get to know their new pony.

Friends with ponies

The thought of owning a pony is very exciting – in reality, it is also hard work. Children are less likely to find it a chore if they are around friends who also have ponies. The mucking out, grooming and other activities can become fun, even on a cold winter’s evening. More often than not, it is when children reach their teenage years that they give up riding if they don’t have friends sharing this mutual interest.

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Stable management

Knowledge and experience in caring for a pony is more important than the level of riding. The perfect pony can soon become a nightmare if managed incorrectly. The child who rides weekly at a riding school may often have a pony handed to them that is groomed, tacked up and ready to go. After the lesson the pony is then taken away to be dealt with. This is often the case as it is easier for the riding school to have experienced staff do the job than to supervise half a dozen children running around trying to tack up ponies.

Health and safety has a huge influence on what yards will allow clients to do with horses and ponies. Unfortunately, this system does not help your child learn and gain experience. There are numerous books and DVDs to help with learning about stable management, but putting this into practice is not so easy and should initially be done under supervision.

More accidents occur on the stable yard than in the arena; even the smallest pony is capable of causing severe injuries to a child or adult if care is not taken.

It is therefore essential that both child and parents gain some experience before buying. This can be done in a number of ways. Some riding schools may offer ‘pony days’ or even ‘pony camp’. This is where the child is given the opportunity to spend the day with a pony and, along with riding lessons, they will carry out all the tasks required to care for a pony on a daily basis. It may also include some formal lectures on feeding, shoeing and health issues.

If the riding school does not offer this in a group situation, it is worth asking if something can be booked in privately.

Some equine colleges or British Horse Society (BHS) training yards may offer stable management courses.

These are more suited to adults and teenagers.Contact the local Pony Club or Riding Club to see if they have any pony days or training days. They may also be able to put you in contact with a freelance instructor who could offer some training.

Tell your riding instructor that you are considering buying a pony and ask if it would be possible to spend some time at the stables, watching and helping. This used to be very common and one of the best ways of gaining experience. Unfortunately, due to health and safety regulations, many establishments are now wary of doing this because of the amount of supervision required.

Having a friend who already has a pony is ideal. Spending time watching and helping is lots of fun and educational. It is also advisable for the parents to be involved.

Another option is to look for a yard that offers full livery. The pony will be cared for by experienced staff that are usually happy for you to be involved. This is a great way to learn and get supervised hands-on experience until you are confident to look after the pony by yourself.

Pony Care: A complete guide to buying and caring for your first pony by Alison Pocklington

Price: £16.95

Visit: quillerpublishing.com

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Fancy picking up a riding lesson while doing your online food shop?

Well aspiring equestrians can now add it to their shopping lists as Aldi launches discounted lessons alongside its new Specialbuy horsey clothing range.

The supermarket is offering 30% off private lessons at two riding schools as part of its “Rein It In” campaign to encourage people to return to riding or introduce their children to the sport.

Aldi, which is also the official food supplier to Team GB, has linked with Summerhouse Equestrian in Gloucester and Parbold Equestrian in Lancashire to offer private lessons from £21.

“We have seen an increased interest in our lessons over the years, but historically, it has been seen by many as an expensive hobby,” said Parbold Equestrian owner and instructor Nicola Bennett.

“We know that riding is now losing the ‘elitist’ tag and is more affordable, and Aldi’s partnership will encourage people of all ages to come and have a go, or return to riding. Who knows, maybe we will find a budding international event rider to join our team!”

The discounted lessons will be available to buy online from 9am on 8 April — there will be a limited number, which will be sold on a first-come first-served basis.

Aldi’s latest equestrian range is available to pre-order and will be in stores from Sunday (8 April).

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“At Aldi, we believe that cost should never lead to compromise,” added Julie Ashfield, joint managing director for corporate buying at the supermarket.

“Our competitively priced equestrian clothing ranges have proven extremely popular in the past, and this year, we want to go one gallop further in making horse riding more accessible for all.

“By offering discounted riding lessons for all the family, we hope that parents across the UK will be able to introduce their children to the sport, or have a go themselves.”

A 30-minute private lesson at Summerhouse will cost £25.20 for adults and £23.30 for children, and at Parbold this will be £21 for adults or children.

These can be booked at www.summerhouseequestrian.com/aldi  and www.parboldequestriancentre.co.uk/aldi

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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Are you desperate for your children to learn to ride, but your partner's not so sure? Here are six reasons that should convince him or her in a flash

Childhood is full of exciting stories and role-play games, so learning to ride and ‘playing ponies’ can add a new dimension to your child’s experience of these four-legged friends.

To prove our point, we’ve compiled six reasons why getting children off the sofa and into the saddle not only brings a great variety of physical, mental and social skills, which bodes well for them in the future, but how riding can instill many other qualities in children.

A life long love of horses brings different rewards at different stages of childhood, but aspiring to be the next Charlotte Dujardin can be a great motivational tool for feeding their enthusiasm and achieving their dreams.

1. Fitness and Health

Any type of sport brings physical health benefits and riding a horse or pony isn’t any different.

According to Public Health England’s 2015/16 latest child obesity figures, 19.8 per cent of children aged 10-11 were obese and a further 14.3 per cent were overweight. The figures also showed that 9.3 per cent of four-to-five year-olds were obese and another 12.8 per cent were overweight.

The importance of getting children outdoors first starts with the physical advantages, and given the figures — it’s clearly important to get them involved as young as possible.

Megan Hawkins, PR Executive for the British Horse Society (BHS), says: “Horse riding is a great way to get your children outside in the fresh air and keep them active.”

British Show Pony Society (BSPS) judge, Fiona Dymond, adds: “I like that when my children come home from school they don’t sit in front of a screen, but go out and ride or groom their ponies. I think this is much healthier for them both physically and mentally.”

2. Lifelong well-being

The older a child gets involved in a specific sport, the less likely they’ll consider it as an important part of their lives, and the less chance you’ll have of securing their interest as they progress into adulthood.

“Right from the outset riding offers great lessons in life,” says eventer Lucy McCarthy (née Wiegersma). “The value of perseverance and dogged determination, hard work, the rewards of empathy, how to deal with disappointment and losing, while also experiencing the sweet taste of success are all aspects that come into play.”

3. Making new friends

Getting your children out into new environments is a great way to help them make friends. Riding can lead to social-life benefits and meeting new people that could develop into life-long friends.

Show rider and producer Natalie Reynolds says: “The friendships gained within riding disciplines are often life long, and it can be beneficial that children have different sets of friends to only their school friends.”

4. Confidence booster

Learning to ride and care for an animal that’s twice their size can really empower children. It’s a great way to boost their confidence through encouragement and compliments, highlighting areas where they’re gaining new skills and rewarding them for showing improvement in these areas.

“I think teaching children to ride can be a wonderful way to bring out confidence and it can be a life long skill and passion,” says Natalie. “My three-year-old son Luke has a pony, but I’m conscious that I don’t push him too much.

“I’ll never force him to ride. Sometimes he’s just happy brushing him or helping to muck out, and that’s okay. Other days he’ll ask me to ride and I hope his confidence continues to grow. He’s truly made a great friend in his pony and this is important too.”

Megan adds: “Riding is suitable for all ages, and especially for children with special needs, interaction with horses can really help build their confidence.”

5. Learning life-lessons

Riding is great for instilling an attitude in children that success and rewards comes off the back of hard work.

“Looking after a pony is hard work,” says Natalie. “When I was a child my parents weren’t particularly horsey, so I learned at the local riding school where there was a strict policy of mucking out and grooming before you were allowed to ride. I whole-heartedly agree with this philosophy. Riding was a privilege if you completed your tasks and it really made you work for it and made that ride much more enjoyable and worthwhile.”

Dealing with animals also helps children put others first. Lucy says: “If more people understood that someone else’s needs have to be considered alongside and often before your own, the world would be a much kinder place.”

Natalie agrees: “Being around horses also teaches children about responsibility, kindness and compassion.”

6. Responsibility

The overall care of horses, including feeding them and keeping them healthy teaches children about caring for others. “Dealing with horses helps children develop respect and discipline. It teaches children how to respect and care for another animal,” says Megan.

Lucy adds: “Learning to look after and ride a pony gives kids a sense of responsibility and accountability that stands them in great stead as they grow up.”

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If your child is keen to learn to ride, but you're struggling to find a centre who caters for tiny tots, have a look at our list of riding schools who take children under five

1. Stag Lodge Stables, London

Pony Park Lessons for three to six-year-olds. 30-minute lesson – £25 weekday/£30 weekends.

A pony park lesson is a 30-minute lead-rein lesson in Richmond Park. These are lead-rein sessions, with a trained instructor leading one of the school’s Shetland ponies. The lessons include walking and trotting, and may also include on-pony games such as ’round the world’, but will not include cantering.

Visit: ridinginlondon.com

Telephone: 020 8974 6066

2. Freshfields Equestrian Centre, Shropshire

Lead round sessions. Four-years-old and above. 30-minute lesson for £25.

During lead rein sessions riders have their own personal helper as well as an instructor to help them start riding.

Visit: ridingschool.org.uk

Telephone: 01630 652495

3. Feather Bed Stables & Riding School, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Two-years-old and above. Tots Ride – 15-20 minutes for £15. Sunday Morning Tots session – 30 minutes for £20. Kids Club for £35.

The school teaches young children how to handle and care for ponies. The kids’ club allows children to be involved in grooming, tacking up and caring for their pony before and after they ride.

Visit: featherbed.co.uk

Telephone: 07974 374854

4. East Devon Riding Academy, Branscombe, Devon

One-to-four-year-olds. Pony Playgroup for £6.95 and individual 15-minute lesson for £14.95.

Pony playgroup is a parent and toddler group offering a varied programme of indoor and outdoor games, activities and experiences. It is suitable for children who are walking, up to four years of age. Two small ponies are available to groom and ride in an individual lesson.

Visit: ridingacademy.co.uk

Telephone: 07771 903220

5. Checkendon Equestrian Centre, Reading

Two-years-old and above. Walk in the Woods — 30 minutes for £24. Individual lessons from four-years-old — 35 minutes for £23.

The half an hour walk in the woods includes children being introduced to their pony and taught how to mount and hold the reins. Depending on ability, children can walk on or off the lead rein through the woodland.

Visit: checkendonequestrian.co.uk

Telephone: 01491 680225

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6. Learn with Smartie, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Eighteen months and above. Tiny tots are taught on a one-to-one basis for 10 minutes. £13 plus helmet hire.

During a lesson the child is introduced to one of the ponies and progresses to sitting in the saddle before going for a gentle walk around the arena.

Visit: learnwithsmartie.co.uk

Telephone: 07866 602074

7. Quarrington Stables, Sleaford, Lincolnshire

Four-years-old and above. Pony days – 9-4pm for £45. Group lesson for an hour for £20.

Pony days start at 9am and include a break for drinks in the morning and a packed lunch/picnic at lunchtime in the paddock, which includes some fun games.

Telephone: 07884 231361

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (13 April 2017), where we find out what the perfect age to learn to ride is

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

When we stop and think, we have a lot to thank our horses for; whether it's dealing with failure, pushing our boundaries or teaching us what fun really means. Kathleen Kear, equine manager at Many Tears Animal Rescue in Carmarthenshire, has put pen to paper to share those thoughts about the horses she has ridden — starting in a riding school to horses she's owned and also taught with

Dear Taran,

Thank you for teaching a seven year old how to dream. Thank you for creeping into her mind, just before she fell asleep and carrying her down bridlepaths and across beaches, through fields of carrots and over the clouds, until the morning arrived. Thank you for letting her clumsily sit on your back, once a week in her class and showing her that dreams can come true. Your lessons led her to keep following her dreams and always believing in them.

Dear Prince,

Thank you for teaching an eight-year-old that it’s OK to fail. Thank you for showing her that it’s OK to be scared, for teaching her that sometimes you fall, that it can really hurt, that it’s OK to cry but that as soon as you can, you should get back up and try again. Your lessons led her through great adventures in her life, failing lots of times but always standing back up as soon as she could.

Dear Spring,Thank you for teaching her what it’s like to push past fear and fly. Thank you for showing her that even though she feels scared, if she digs deep, she can reach past that fear. Thank you for carefully jumping over those fences. I know that you thought they were small but you taught the 10-year-old sitting on your back that she could achieve anything if she really believed in herself. Your lessons helped her to keep finding belief, even when it seemed impossible.

Dear Woody,Thank you for listening, for trotting when she asked, hearing her when she praised you and blowing warm air against her cheek when she kissed you. Thank you for working with her and showing her what teamwork felt like. She spent her life believing in great leadership, mentorship and wanting to support those around her.

Dear Chrissy,Thank you for teaching her what commitment is. Thank you for showing her what it is to work hard before the sun has risen, that she can still be beautiful with calluses on her hands and that heavy rain might make the day harder but that she should still step outside and dance. Thank you for teaching her about planning her time, taking responsibility, how to make goals and what it is to stay loyal, even when those around her doubted its worth. Thank you for listening to her when she got picked on and for staying by her side. Your lessons helped her to become one of the most loyal people you’d ever meet.

Dear Hail,Thank you for teaching her what fun really is. Thank you for showing her that sometimes all it takes is laughter and the world becomes a different place. Her life took her down some difficult roads but she craved joy and made sure that she found it.

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Dear Spike,

Thank you for refusing the jumps at her first big event and getting eliminated. Although she cried she learnt that ego has little use. Thank you for winning the puissance and teaching her what success could feel like. Thank you for galloping across country, leaping over picnic benches, through hedges and down drops that stood taller than she did, for letting her experience adrenaline firing around her body, while tears were blown from her eyes. Thank you for showing her what it meant to have success without ego, to have rosettes but also humility. Your lessons stayed with her, throughout every part of her life.

Dear Grace,

Thank you for keeping her first student safe. While she proudly stood in the centre of the school, teaching your rider, she learnt about how to empathise, how to build confidence in others and that teaching was her passion. Your lessons led her through a life with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and never ending desire to teach.

Dear horse…. Thank you.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Pony Club camp, fancy dress competitions and mounted games, these early riding days are where the best memories are formed.

From five-year-old Eva Tierney winning her first trophy and seven-year-old Mia Byrne tackling a cross-country course, to Billy Grigson, 10, and his incredible jumping pose — we are sure these gutsy young riders will be stars of the future!

And what a lot of fun one can have riding as a child, we loved the picture of Lily Pullein, eight, with pony Mabaroan Tinkerbelle — her grin from ear-to-ear says it all.

Thanks to H&H readers for sending in these fabulous photographs of their little ones riding.

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Pony Club camp 2014 – in pictures

Does life get much more fun than when you’re at Pony Club camp? It’s certainly hard to beat. Take a look at Pony Clubbers up and down the country enjoying their camps this summer — whether it’s splashing through the water, clinging on up a step, mastering the musical ride or enjoying the long-awaited prize-giving.

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There’s no quicker way to cheer yourself up than the sight of a wobbly foal — the limbier and fluffier the better. And when we asked you to send us pictures of your recent foals, they came thick and fast. Take a look at this exciting lot… You won’t be disappointed on the cute factor.

Riding holidays of a lifetime: in pictures

If you are yearning for a break, take some inspiration from these pictures of your latest riding holidays — from spotting game in Botswana to riding along the beach in Wales.

Mother’s Day 2014: Celebrating top horsey mums in pictures

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A little help from a little horse: in pictures

3 mini musketeers on a crusade to make patients smile in the North East.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

ANOTHER summer of events designed to introduce people to riding has been planned by the National Riding Festival — and this time the emphasis is on getting adults on horseback.

The number of adults taking up riding is on the increase, according to the British Horse Society (BHS).

Chris Doran of the BHS said: “Riding centre proprietors say that, despite the credit crunch, they are busy all week, not just when children are off school. The publicity riding has had, through people like Madonna and Katie Price, has done it no end of good.”

The National Riding Festival was set up in 1998 by the British Equestrian Trade Association to address a decline in riding. This year’s events started in May and run till late August.

Festival chairman Jane Holderness-Roddam said: “There are now more than four million people regularly involved in equestrianism — that’s almost twice as many as when we held the first festival.”

Since 1998, organisers claim the events, which include discount voucher schemes, have attracted an estimated 16,000 new and lapsed riders.

This year the festival includes open days at riding centres where adults can take part alongside their children.

A spokesman for the National Riding Festival said: “We want to appeal to every rider to encourage a non-riding friend or lapsed rider to take up the reins. We all have a part to play in conveying how life-enriching riding can be.”

Visit: www.nationalriding festival.co.uk

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (2 July, ’09)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now