The 10 Best Horseback Riding Lessons in Draper, UT (2024) (2024)

FAQs

What time of year is best for horseback riding? ›

FALL, THE BEST SEASON FOR EQUESTRIANS.

Some schools do offer courses for toddlers as the earlier a child gets introduced to a horse, the easier it becomes to be comfortable around them. That said, note that most horse riding schools or camps usually cater to kids aged 6 and up.

Horses are expensive to buy and maintain, and the cost of necessary equipment such as saddles, bridles, and other tack can add up quickly. The cost of feed, bedding, and veterinary care must also be taken into account. Additionally, those who wish to compete in the sport must pay entry fees and travel expenses.

Generally, riding three to five times a week is a good starting point for most adult horses. However, it's important to consider the horse's individual needs and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the rides as their fitness improves.

For some, it's age 55 or 62. For others, it's a milestone—typically 20 or 30 years. It isn't as cut and dry with horses. Neither age nor years under saddle are good predictors of an ideal retirement age, according to veterinarian Reynolds Cowles, founder of Blue Ridge Equine Clinic in Earlysville, Virginia.

There's no need to rein in your enthusiasm for horseback riding just because of your age. If you're someone who loves animals and the outdoors, even if you've never ridden a horse before, the health benefits of horseback riding are well within your reach.

Definitely not! The majority of riding schools can accommodate riders of all ages. And there are plenty of reasons why horse riding is a great hobby for children and teenagers.

Where to start? It has been my experience that for people taking 1 riding lesson a week, it generally takes approximately 2 years to develop enough competence that you can safely to all the basics of horse care and riding on your own (e.g. catch, tie, lead, tack up, ride, go down the trail).

To buy a horse, you can expect to pay between $100 - $10,000, depending on the horse breed's pedigree, how you are planning to use the horse, and your location. The average cost of a hobby horse is about $3,000. According to Seriously Equestrian, the most expensive horse breeds can cost up to $250,000.

Do horses even like being ridden? ›

Some horses visibly enjoy it, while others might find it annoying or even scary. Whether or not your horse enjoys it usually depends on a few things. How/when they were trained and conditioned and the relationship with the rider. Also, their health status is a big factor.

While equestrian experts and enthusiasts swear the horse feels no pain, I just can't bring myself to believe that yanking (even if it's only slightly) on a bridle feels good to them. As for riding, one article I read said that horses actually enjoy being mounted.

A good rule of thumb is to take precautions when the temperature is at or below freezing (32 degrees F), and if the temperature dips below 20-25 degrees F, keep your ride limited to light walk and trot work.

Most of the time, your mare's heat cycle will not significantly impact daily handling, riding, or groundwork. But sometimes, it can make working your horse more challenging. You might notice during your ride that she's more irritable, whinnying, jigging, dancing, or easily distracted and ignoring your riding aids.

This occurs from April to October in general, and results in a succession of cycles lasting 21 days on average. Each cycle consists of a very variable oestrus phase, when the mare is in season, lasting roughly 7 days (which ends with ovulation) and then a fairly consistent diestrus phase lasting 14 days.

In the racing breeds we start a little earlier (around 2 years of age) and the data doesn't show that starting these horses early is a problem. But, generally, 3 to 4 years old is a good age and the horse should be plenty mature skeletally for some riding.