What Does a Riding Lesson Typically Include?

What Does a Riding Lesson Typically Include?
Photo by Philippe Oursel / Unsplash

Whether you're brand new to horses or brushing up your skills, stepping into the arena for a riding lesson is an exciting experience. If you're not sure what to expect, you're not alone. Riding lessons are about more than just sitting in the saddle—they’re a blend of education, movement, connection and horsemanship.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect from a typical riding lesson:

Grooming & Tacking Up (Especially for Beginners)

Before the riding even begins, many instructors will walk students through how to groom the horse including currying, brushing, picking their hooves, and checking for injuries.  It is important for people new to horses to understand basic horse care as it affects the health and the actions of the horse under saddle.

Then, you'll likely learn how to tack up:

  • Placing the saddle pad(s) and saddle on the horse
  • Adjusting the girth
  • Checking the stirrup length
  • Putting on boots or leg protection for the horse as needed
  • Putting on the bridle and examining the fit

This is where you start to build that important bond with your horse—and learn how to care for them properly.

Mounting & Warm-Up

Once the horse is tacked up, you’ll head to the arena and mount safely (often using a mounting block). The lesson usually starts with a warm-up, which can include:

  • The instructor may walk with you on the horse using a lead line.  This is for your safety as you learn about the horse, tack and basic commands.
  • The instructor may stand in the center with a lunge line (which is like a long lead rope) attached to the horse – but you have more autonomy and will walk a circle around the instructor.
  • More experienced riders will walk laps without a lead or lunge line.
  • The instructor may have you do steering exercises.
  • Riders will move into more gaits as the warm up ends.

These early moments help you get in sync with your horse and allow both of you to loosen up.

Skill Building & Exercises

This is the core of your riding lesson. Based on your experience level, the instructor may work on things like:

  • Balance and posture
  • Steering 
  • How to utilize the rider’s natural aids (leg, seat, hands, voice)
  • Transitions between gaits (walk, trot, canter for hunt seat or walk, jog, lope for western)
  • 2 point position
  • Posting trot or sitting trot
  • Circles, serpentines, or pole work

In semi-private or group lessons, you may take turns or follow one another in a pattern. You have the added benefit of watching others ride and learning from them.  In private lessons, you’ll get more one-on-one feedback and tailored exercises.

Cool Down & Dismount

Just like athletes, horses need a cool-down. The last few minutes are usually spent walking the horse on a long rein to let their muscles relax and breathing normalize. Then, you’ll dismount and lead your horse back to the barn.

Untacking & Post-Ride Care

If you’re involved in untacking, you’ll remove the saddle and bridle, check for sweat marks or rubs, and give your horse another grooming session or a bath if needed. This part of the lesson reinforces responsibility and teaches the importance of aftercare.  You may also be responsible for cleaning your tack.

Instructor Feedback & Q&A

At the end, expect your instructor to give feedback on what went well and what to focus on next time. This reflection is a great time to ask questions, clarify techniques, or simply share what you loved about the ride.

Every Lesson is a Step Forward

Riding lessons aren’t just about learning to ride, they’re about developing communication, patience, and trust between horse and rider. From groundwork to galloping, each step builds your skills and deepens your understanding. Not every lesson will be a great lesson, but you will learn something every time if you pay close enough attention.

Whether your goals are recreational, competitive, or simply to enjoy time with horses, every ride teaches you something new.