If you have never learnt to ride then choosing a riding school for your child can seem complicated.
First and foremost, your primary focus must be on finding somewhere safe. Horses are animals and therefore unpredictable. If you are naturally wary of horses then this will be an advantage when selecting a safe and secure environment for your budding equestrian to flourish.
Step One – Finding A Riding School
It is always worth asking other parents if they know of a riding school they would recommend. Should their suggestion pass all the other criteria then you may find that travelling to and from the stables can be shared, or at the very least you will have someone to talk to during the lesson.
Sometimes well meaning friends may offer to teach your child on their pony but please decline, politely but firmly. The perfect riding school pony is a specialised animal and whilst the friend’s pony may be perfect for their child’s standard of riding would not be safe for your child to learn on. Would you suggest that a novice car driver learn to drive in a sports car?
It is possible that the school nearest to you will be...