What to expect at the first lessons

For riding lessons, plan on arriving early so your rider can find out who they will be riding and if needed to get their gear and horse ready. This also allows the rider relax a bit before they get on the horse and build the bond with the horse. Once your rider finds their stead they should start will a little grooming by taking a curry comb and brush to get any dust or dirt off the horse before putting on a saddle pad and saddle. This helps both of them bond before the ride and get to know each other.

Your first couple lessons to few lessons will be private with an trainer (unless you have chosen privates always) until your child becomes comfortable enough on the horse. Your child will need to be able to steer the horse and get the horse to move when requested. This will allow your child to be able to move around other students in a group class. The first several classes will be working on walking moving properly with other students in the arena with them. They will work on the basics leg position, body position, holding the reins, hand position, steering, how to move the horse forward in walk, and trot. These are the basics which need to be mastered.

Basics for Riding:

Leg Position: Your leg should be slightly bent at the knee on the flap of the flap. The ball of the foot will be on the stirrup and the heel should be dropped down toward the ground for stability.

Body Position: You should be tall in the saddle with shoulders back.

Reins: The leather part leading from the bit in the horses mouth to the riders hands. They should be in a closed finger with a thumb on top.

Hand Position: The hands should be just above the saddle and would make an "L" from the shoulder to wrist. There should be some relaxation in the arm

These are the basic things you would do when you are first starting to ride and the basis for everything else. The big take always are always to have heel down (heels positioned to the ground) this give you balance. Also remember to try to not to drop in the saddle that will hurt the horse's back.

The most important thing is that they enjoy the experience.