How much are horse riding lessons?

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Price guide

£30 - £90

low

£30

median

£59

high

£90

Low, median and high bar chart distribuiton

Last Updated on

How much is a horse riding lesson?

The cost of a horse riding lesson ranges from £30 to £50 per hour depending on factors such as the location, duration of the lesson, instructor’s expertise, and facilities provided. Some riding schools or equestrian centres may offer package deals or discounted rates for multiple lessons. It’s recommended to contact local riding schools or stables about their pricing and lesson options.

Price list for horse riding lessons

Horse riding lesson

Average price for children

Average price for adults

Private

£45 to £85

£45 to £90

Semi-private

*up to 3 riders

£30 to £50

£40 to £65

Group

*4 to 5 riders

£30 to £45

£30 to £50

*Prices are charged per person and hour

a woman teaching a kid how to ride a horse

Calculating horse riding lesson prices

Many factors influence the average cost of horse riding lessons. You should consider the following things as you prepare to jump into your horse riding journey. 


Number of riders

Horse riding lesson costs vary depending on the number of riders taking the class. Private lessons are usually the most expensive and can go up to £90 for adults, while group and semi-private lessons can go as low as £30 to £40 per person for an hour-long lesson.

The costs for an hour of private lessons can go three times higher because of the location. For example, London’s average horse riding lesson price is around £70 per hour. Private lessons can reach £145, significantly higher than the usual average of £45

For adult learners, private classes could help improve form and focus. However, some prefer semi-private and group classes to save on costs, learn from other students' performance, fine-tune their horse riding techniques, and monitor particular goals. This can also simulate show environments, which will be good preparation for riders.

 

Horse size and ownership

Chances are, students start lessons without their own horse and buy one as they get experience. Kids can begin with ponies, while adults can ride horses. Prices also vary if you take classes on a school horse or your instructor's horse or your own. 


Rider age

Private lessons, typically lead rein classes, are preferred for younger learners, while adults can pick among private, semi-private, and group lessons. To calculate how much horse riding lessons are for adults, add £5 to £10 to the base price for kids. Be clear about who's taking lessons to set accurate rates with your instructor.


Lesson duration 

The duration of the lesson also influences horse riding lessons cost. Classes can take 30, 40 or 60 minutes per session. The rate varies on your chosen duration for the lessons. 


Lesson type

There are different types of lessons on horse riding. Typically, you can find classes for casual learners, beginners, intermediate, and advanced riders. 

If you have some experience in horse riding, it's ideal to start with an introductory session to determine your current skill level and maturity regarding horse riding. Introductory lessons on horse riding usually start at £40 to £50 for half an hour

After the introductory session, expect to discuss mounting, balance and control, stopping and steering, and aids. The rate can increase if you want to learn advanced skills with a professional coach

What else affects the cost of horseback riding lessons?

Aside from the factors stated above, other minor details could ramp up horseback riding lesson costs. 

  • Hourly rates are more expensive during weekends and peak season than off-peak and weekdays.

  • Location can also contribute to higher prices since some stables, riding schools, and training centres are more expensive than others. 

  • The experience and seniority of the horse riding coach will also affect the final cost. Prices may increase if you take classes from a more experienced coach and for more advanced skills training.

Things to do before booking horse riding lessons

a man teaching a woman how to ride a horse

When looking for horse riding lessons, prices are one of the most important things to consider. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first ride:

  1. Always check if horse riding equipment, such as riding boots, hats, and body protectors, are included in the total fee. This will help you avoid unforeseen charges during the session.

  2. If you plan to take lessons regularly, ask if discounts are offered when buying block deals. Also, take note of cancellation, rebooking, or tardiness fees that might come with the purchase.

  3. Inquire if horse riding insurance comes with the lessons. If not, assess if this is needed, especially if you plan to ride horses regularly.

  4. Read up on ratings and reviews on coaches and ensure they have a good reputation.

Post a task for horse riding lessons

On Airtasker, you can quickly look up reviews on local coaches and book horse riding lessons with a professional instructor. Simply post a task and list the details Taskers need to know:

  • Your location

  • Your age (or your children's age if you're getting lessons for them)

  • Your skill level and experience 

  • Whether or not you have a horse

  • Your expectations 

The more information you share, the easier it will be to find Taskers who meet your requirements and budget. 

Find horse riding instructors, fast

Post a task

FAQs

Wear a good-fitting shirt or sweatshirt and tights or jeans that reach below ankle level. This will protect you from chafing, sunburns, or insect bites. Don't forget to wear a riding helmet and close-toed riding boots to protect your feet appropriately. Comfort and protection are the top two priorities in horse riding.

Cob horses and New Forest ponies start at £1,000 to £1,500, while the minimum cost of Hanoverian and Andalusian horses is between £4,000 to £4,500. Before buying a horse, make sure you can provide a suitable and safe place for them to live and a diet suited to their needs and activities. 

If you want to know more about the UK's rules for looking after horses, feel free to visit the government's farm and livery horses page. Note that failure to follow the Code of Practice set by the UK government on animal welfare could lead to prosecution.

This will depend on your goal and objective for horse riding (for competition or leisure), your budget, and your time. Often, riders can learn to walk horses after weeks of attending lessons. However, actual horse riding often needs more time and practice to master. On average, riders usually take one lesson per week.

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