Learn to Horse Ride

Physically, it’s a great way to keep fit: an hour-long ride burns the same amount of calories as a 30-minute jog or cycle ride, not to mention the toning benefits (you will discover muscles you never knew you had). Perhaps more importantly, horse riding gets you outside, enjoying the countryside and is even thought, understandably, to have therapeutic qualities. The relationship between rider and horse is one that can engender respect, responsibility and trust, as well as mental alertness and teamwork.

Seven per cent of Brits (4.3 million) are riders and a whopping 43 per cent of us have an interest in some aspect of equestrianism according to the latest National Equestrian Survey. Horse riding is enjoyed by all ages – with the largest age group being those between 25 and 44, who account for 38 per cent of those who regularly ride, and on a wide range of budgets. It also one of the few sports more popular among women, with 75 per cent of regular riders being female.

Caroline Robertson, 30, started riding when she was 10, and was immediately hooked. ‘In 20 years I’ve had the odd short break but I always come back. A friend told me riding is in my blood, and I’d have to agree!’ she says. ‘I started by going to a lesson with a friend – we went on a little hack. After my friend gave up, I carried on with lessons for two years. It’s definitely the best way to get started.’

The British Horse Society (BHS) and the Association of British Riding Schools (ABRS) set the standards for riding schools, and it is advisable to find somewhere approved by one or both of these organisations. Their websites (bhs.org.uk and abrs-info.org) contain a comprehensive geographical listing.

‘Lessons are really the only way to get into horse riding,’ says Margaret Linington-Payne of the BHS. ‘But do your research. Don’t go into the first riding school you see, and the cheapest may not be the best. Visit plenty and see which one you like the atmosphere at. And check it is licensed – there are unlicensed schools out there.’

Riding schools must be licensed by the local authority, which sets a minimum standard for horse welfare and ensures centres have insurance. The BHS and ABRS go a step further by establishing quality standards in teaching, horses and facilities.

Once you have found a riding school you like, there are a number of learning options available, including private, semi-private and group lessons, as well as different hacks to get you out of the yard.

‘Often you can learn more in a half-hour private lesson than you can in a one-hour group lesson,’ points out Margaret. ‘But the most important thing is that you get on with your instructor. It’s very important to be taught well and it minimises any risk.’

The cost of lessons varies across the country. You can expect to pay £40 upwards per hour in certain places in central London, but only £15 to £20 out in the country. ‘There’s probably a direct correlation to house prices,’ informs Margaret.

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