How to Find an Equestrian Center

In order to locate an equestrian center or riding center, try using the Internet to perform a search for centers in a specific area. Discover helpful questions to ask to learn about a local riding center with help from an equestrian riding instructor in this video on equestrian centers and horse riding.

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Hello. My name is Chelsey Sawtell, and today we will be discussing how to find an equestrian center in your area and what questions to ask. The Internet is a great resource for finding a local riding center in your area. You can do any kind of search for riding center, riding lessons, equestrian facility and should get a list. Things to look for in a facility are a facility that deals with goals that you would like to obtain. Of course you're not going to find a barrel racing facility and learn to ride hunt-seat. Ask if you can come and visit the facility prior to scheduling your first lesson. Make sure that the facility is clean and the instructors appear knowledgeable before scheduling your lesson. If you don't feel as though the facility is safe or up to your standards, it's always best to move on, be safe than sorry. Things that you want to look for while viewing the facility are horses that programmed, or trained in the manor that you'd like to ride. Does the facility offer beginner horses or horses for the level that you are riding? This is very important as is a beginner rider, you would not want to be placed on a high performance, sensitive animal and expect it to learn your basic riding position. Are the horses fed and happy and quiet? Does your personality get along with the instructors at the facility? If you prefer a male teacher, do they provide one? Female? Do you prefer to be taught by someone substantially older than yourself or are you more comfortable receiving instruction from somebody more youthful? These are all things to look for while viewing the facility of your choice. The final thing to consider while picking an equestrian center is the footing of their arena. Is it all weather footing? Will you be able to ride after rains or in rain storms? Do they have a covered arena? Do they stop riding during certain months of the year when the weather gets cold or will they provide lessons year round? These are all things that you will want to consider especially if you have goals, goals of greatness to show or go on in the future because if you have to take off two months during the year before show season starts, it can be quite inconvenient. Some things to avoid are horses living, and adherently adverse conditions - mud, feces, anything else that could be considered unhealthy - sick horses. You, of course, would not want a verbally abusive or physically abusive coach, trainer or instructor, or anyone who feels the need to show dominance by abusing a horse in front of you. These are not things that are acceptable and probably should be reported to your local authorities.