What to Expect in Your First Lesson

The first riding lesson is all about building comfort, trust, and a sense of adventure.

At Wild Heart Riding School, we welcome every new rider with open arms (and friendly horses!). Here’s what a typical first lesson looks like:

A Warm Welcome:

Upon arrival, you and your child will be greeted by our instructors and introduced to the barn. We know that the sights, sounds, and even smells of a stable are new for many kids, so we take time to show them around, answer questions, and help them feel at home.

Meet Your Horse:

Next, your child will meet their lesson horse. Our horses are carefully chosen for their gentle nature and experience with children. We encourage kids to say hello, offer a gentle pat, and learn the horse’s name. This first connection is important—it helps build trust and sets the tone for a positive experience.

Getting Ready:

Before mounting up, your child will learn about the basic equipment: the saddle, bridle, and helmet. Our instructors demonstrate how to put on a helmet (which is always required), and explain why each piece of tack is important for safety and comfort.

Mounting and Dismounting:

With the instructor’s help, your child will learn how to safely get on and off the horse. We use mounting blocks to make this process easy and safe for little riders.

Learning the Basics:

The first lesson focuses on simple, foundational skills:

• How to sit in the saddle
• How to hold the reins
• How to ask the horse to walk and stop
• How to steer left and right

We keep things slow and steady, always at the child’s pace. The goal is to help them feel secure and in control, while also having fun.

A Short Ride:

Depending on your child’s comfort level, they’ll take a short walk around the arena, guided by the instructor or a helper. We celebrate every small success, from sitting up tall to giving the horse a gentle “whoa” to stop.

Cool Down and Goodbyes:

After the ride, your child will help lead the horse back to the barn, remove the saddle (with help), and offer a treat or a pat as a thank you. We encourage kids to ask questions and share how they felt about their first ride.

Parent Involvement:

Parents are welcome to watch, take photos, and cheer on their child. We love seeing families share in the excitement!