Perhaps your family went horseback riding one day, and now your child is eager to gain further knowledge regarding horses. It could be due to your child reading Black Beauty or watching a horse-related movie. Regardless of how it happened, your child is now interested in taking horseback riding lessons.
There are numerous places available to teach horseback lessons for both kids and adults, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider. Riding a horse is a fantastic way to connect with nature and can be both exhilarating and therapeutic.
If your kids are beginners with no previous riding experience or if they have some experience with pony rides and are looking to enhance their skills, you will definitely be able to find a suitable facility for lessons. And it might be beneficial for you as well!
In and around Los Angeles, we have compiled a list of 7 facilities that provide horseback riding lessons. By enrolling in these lessons, you will have the opportunity to learn from skilled instructors, explore scenic locations, and cultivate a profound admiration for these magnificent creatures.
Take Horseback Riding Lessons at 7 Facilities in LA
Connemara Ranch
400 Kanan Dume Rd., Malibu, CA
(619) 494-2348
In addition to providing Ocean View Trail Rides, Connemara Ranch also offers horse riding lessons for riders of all experience levels. These lessons are available for one hour and are priced at $100, with a minimum age requirement of 10 years old.
Epona Riding Academy
11127 Orcas Ave. Barn B, Lakeview Terrace, CA 91342
(818) 568-2373
Epona Riding Academy is a business owned by women, with the aim of not only improving your riding skills but also enhancing your horsemanship abilities. Epona focuses on the English Hunter riding style and Equitation. Private lessons have a duration of 30 minutes, while group lessons last 45 minutes.
Hansen Dam Riding School provides horseback riding instruction and horsemanship education for individuals ranging from four years old to adults. The school offers private, semi-private, and group lessons. Students advance through five levels of instruction. The first lesson, which lasts for 30 minutes, serves as an initial introduction to horse riding and general knowledge about horses. Additionally, the school organizes summer and holiday camps.
Hillcrest Ranch
11630 Zelzah Ave., Granada Hills, CA 91344
(818) 388-6048
Located at the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountain Range, Hillcrest Ranch is a horse boarding facility that prides itself on being a welcoming and nurturing environment for families. With a history spanning over four decades, it is known as a small and inclusive establishment. Lessons cater to both children (aged 5 and above) and adults.
J Bennett Farms
Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Barn A
480 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 232-1072
Bennett Farms provides lessons to riders of varying skill levels and focuses on instructing Saddle Seat and Western Riding techniques. The lessons are conducted individually for a duration of 30 minutes. The cost per lesson is $75, and there is an option to purchase a package of 6 lessons for $425. Bennett Farms does not operate on Mondays.
Jigsaw Farms
1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Jigsaw Farms offers English and Western lessons in addition to their Trail Rides. The riding program aims to give beginner riders a strong foundation and create a supportive community for all riders. The initial step for every student is a private evaluation lesson. Young Riders have special lesson options such as Mommy/Daddy and Me (for children aged 3 and above) and Tiny Tots (for young riders who have progressed from Mommy/Daddy and Me). Evaluation lessons are not necessary for Parent and Me sessions.
Oceanview Performance Horses
Portuguese Bend Riding Club
40 Narcissa Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
(424) 250-0130
Oceanview Performance Horses provides Western Riding instruction with the objective of assisting riders of every skill level in building confidence with their horses, whether on the ground or in the saddle. The lessons, which encompass grooming, tacking, and riding, last for approximately 60 minutes and are accessible to individuals of all ages and proficiency levels. Additionally, Oceanview Performance Horses offers private and group lessons for 2-4 participants, along with custom lessons tailored for birthday parties and Scout troops.
Red Velvet Ranch
34354 Martingale Lane, Acton, CA
(661) 234-4440
Red Velvet Ranch presents itself as a hassle-free method to establish a bond with horses. This business, owned by a woman, provides both private and group lessons, each lasting 1 hour. Rates and the option to make reservations can be found online.
The Basics of Showing in Western Pleasure
Most breed and open circuit horse shows include Western pleasure classes. Horse owners looking to have more enjoyable experiences with their horses often choose the pleasure class as their first endeavor in their show career. Although the class routine is not overly complex, novice participants often feel bewildered and let down by their initial lack of success. The following are the fundamentals of Western pleasure competition and the attributes that the judge seeks in a victor. Contrary to popular belief, Western pleasure is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Horsemanship, similar to dancing and gymnastics, requires dedicated time and study in order to evaluate differences among dance couples and gymnasts performing floor exercises. Judging a supposedly “simple” class like Western pleasure turns out to be quite complex. During a Western pleasure competition, each horse and rider team showcases three gaits in one direction, then reverses and repeats the same three gaits in the opposite direction. Additionally, they must also demonstrate their ability to back up. The three gaits in question are walk, jog, and lope. Scoring such a seemingly straightforward task can actually be quite challenging since Western pleasure involves technicalities. Many riders participate in Western pleasure competitions without truly comprehending what judges consider when selecting winners and assigning rankings from first to last place. In a pleasure class, only the horse’s performance is evaluated, while the riders are assessed in horsemanship and equitation categories.
The judge poses a set of questions about each horse’s journey in the pleasure class. If you are unsure about the meaning of any of these questions, it is unlikely that your horse is behaving correctly. To address this, conduct research on the specific topic or seek assistance from someone to clarify it for you.
The criteria that the judge considers when looking for a winner.
Are the horse’s gaits correct? Is the horse displaying proper shoulder ‘lift’? Is the consistency of the horse’s performance evident, with each stride being the same as the preceding and following ones? Does the horse move smoothly and collectedly? Does the horse give off a pleasant impression, with a consistent frame and a natural head carriage that is neither too high nor too low? Does the horse possess a slow and natural movement or do the gaits seem forced? Assessing a class of exceptional exhibitors is easier compared to a class with no clear winner. How would you differentiate between a horse that fails to execute all three required gaits and one that attempts to buck or bolt with its rider? Which should receive a higher placement? Sometimes, good manners can be the deciding factor between earning a fourth-place ribbon or a first-place trophy. Familiarize yourself with the regulations, but simply knowing them is insufficient to secure a victory. Enjoy the process and participate in a few practice shows; consider volunteering as a ring steward for a judge at a local open show. Every world champion started from the beginning. Best of luck and enjoy!
