If you are new to riding, learn about the various disciplines by reading, watching videos and attending shows.

By increasing your knowledge of the basics of each of the riding disciplines you will not end up wasting money taking lessons learning a style of riding you may not choose to pursue. All disciplines require the rider to be able to ride with good balance at the walk, trot and canter. By getting instruction in basic balanced seat riding before moving on to more advanced work such as jumping, dressage or western performance you will make faster progress over the long-term and will minimize the potential for injuries.

Before committing to lessons ask to watch a lesson or two. This is preferably a lesson with students who have a skill level similar to yours and then one with students who are more experienced. Watching advanced students is fun but it won’t give you as much insight into the instructor’s ability as it will by watching people who have skills similar to yours.

This also gives you an opportunity to evaluate the instructor’s teaching style to see if it is a good fit for you. People learn in different ways so it is important to work with an instructor who can relate information to you in a way you can understand and apply. For example, some people are visual learners who find it helpful to see a demonstration of a movement while others may find detailed verbal descriptions and analogies easier to understand.

Finding a barn that offers several instructors who work together gives you exposure to different teaching styles and skill sets . This provides different perspectives on your riding, without making you feel like you are "cheating" on your favorite instructor.

Know your own goals before seeking an instructor.

Do you ride for pleasure? Or are you interested in competition? While these goals are not mutually exclusive, schooling with an instructor who is not interested in showing won’t be as useful to you if your heart’s desire is to compete every weekend. Ditto for someone who is interested in the pursuit of riding as an art or for enjoyment but not as competitive sport. You will get the most out of your lessons by finding an instructor who has goals that are in sync with yours!

Invest in the proper clothing for the sport.

This means an ASTM-approved and SEI-certified riding helmet and proper footwear at the very least. If you decide to continue riding in a particular discipline, invest in the corresponding attire. You will get more from your lessons by wearing clothing that is intended to help keep your leg and seat in a correct position. Paddock boots and half-chaps or tall boots with breeches for the English disciplines, or jeans intended for riding with full chaps for Western riding will make it easier to keep a correct position and influence the horse while preventing rubs that can cause discomfort!

Save your questions and comments for the end of the lesson.

Although people learn in different ways, constantly asking questions during your lesson can be counter productive. Sometimes the instructor needs to just have you follow directions to get you to a place where you and the horse are working together. Focus on following directions and save the questions for a walk break or the end of the lesson. You may find they are already answered! If you are taking group lessons but think you could benefit from more intense instruction ask your instructor for a private lesson. Many people find a combination of group and private lessons are helpful because they offer the best of both worlds.

Leave your distractions at home or work. Don’t bring them with you into the arena.

Sure, this is easier said than done but you owe it to the horse to be relaxed. If you have trouble clearing your mind, arrive 20 minutes earlier than you need to so you can relax before you begin tacking your horse. Then learn some simple stretching and breathing exercises that can be done on the ground or while walking your horse on a long rein. The most gifted instructor in the world can’t help a tense, unfocused rider. If you are physically tired for some reason, ask for a walk lesson or use the lesson as an opportunity to review your progress and set goals for the next several months.

Practice what you’ve learned between your lessons.

Your weekly lesson is just one part of the total learning experience. If you don’t own a horse ask your instructor if practice rides are available on school horses. For most people, learning to ride requires lots of time in the saddle. You can safely repeat many of the same exercises you learned in your lesson during your practice rides. And if you are in doubt about which exercises would be most beneficial to practice ? ask your instructor!.

Leave your ego at the door.

The students who get the most out of lessons are the ones who are open to learning. If your instructor suggests a longe line lesson or work on the basics you may be surprised by how much your riding will improve. Occasionally going back to the basics, which are the foundation of good riding, is important for everyone.

Work with an instructor who is still learning, too.

Riding is an art as well as a science. An instructor who is continually working to improve his or her own riding and/or horsemanship by taking lessons is improving both their riding and teaching skills.

For most riders, horses are a source of joy and relaxation. Don’t get caught up in comparing yourself to other riders who may have different goals, fitness or confidence levels, horses or whatever. Your riding lesson needs to be a positive experience and if it isn’t, you are not getting your money’s worth no matter how gifted your instructor is. While it is appropriate for an instructor to challenge a rider to stretch beyond his or her comfort zone occasionally, it should not ever be done with ridicule or sarcasm.

Riding is a tough and demanding sport and there are no shortcuts. Good riding is developed over time and requires a big commitment of time, patience and practice. One of the best things about riding as a hobby is that you will always be learning so it is important to enjoy the journey!

Bonus Tip:
Attend clinics given by experts in your discipline. Whether you ride dressage or Western pleasure, we are lucky to have access to many experienced clinicians in the Midwest. Audit fees are typically very reasonable and a day spent watching an expert work with others can be very enlightening even without sitting on a horse!