Discover the Joy of Riding
At Ontario Equestrian, we offer programs for all ages and stages of development, to ensure riding is accessible to all and can be enjoyed for life.
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benefits of riding
Join a sport like no other, where all participants are welcome and the benefits are lifelong.
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Start riding
We know finding a reputable stable and coach for your first lesson can be overwhelming. We provide members with access to accredited stables that deliver national education programs.
Programs for NEW Riders
Ontario Equestrian works with coaches and stables to provide access to developmentally appropriate national education programs.
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This program offers new riders a FREE introduction to horses at participating Ontario Equestrian Stable partners.
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A FUNdamental equestrian skills program led by teachers/coaches, aligned with the needs of beginners aged 5-12.
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A national horse care and riding skills program, led by certified, trained coaches, equipping riders of all ages with best practices.
Start Riding with Ontario Equestrian
Become a member and find a riding school with a certified coach to get started and experience the excitement of riding horses.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Find answers to commonly asked questions about starting riding and becoming a member.
Before attending your first lesson you will need the following:
- ASTM Certified Helmet - Required by law for minors in Ontario and is strongly recommended for all adults. Riding helmets are specifically designed to protect against the types of head injuries an equestrian could experience, without interfering with their ability to ride safely. You can find one at your local Tack store.
- Boots with a heel - a half-inch to one-inch heel will prevent your foot from becoming caught in the stirrup. Make sure the boots you wear do not have a wide, thick sole, as these can make it difficult to remove your foot from the stirrup. Anytime you work around horses, boots should be worn.
- Fitted pants, preferably with no in-seam that can rub your legs. Avoid thin or loose-fitting pants, like leggings or jogging pants, which can be slippery on the seat of the saddle.
Avoid loose-fitting clothing, hoodies, jewellery or scarves, which could get caught while working around the horse or mounting and dismounting. Shirts should be tucked in for both safety and overall neat presentation.
There is no age limit for riding horses! Equestrian is an early-start, late specialization sport. Riders can start as children and ride or engage with horses for as long as they like. The therapeutic benefits to riding and working with horses, including the bond with an animal, experience in nature, stress relief, physical exercise and decision making skill development all contribute to the joy of riding.
There are two basic styles of riding – English, and Western.
English riding is the basic style of riding seen in the various events at the Olympics and includes many different disciplines from training on the flat to jumping and galloping. The saddles encourage the rider to be in much closer contact with the horse. English riders also ride with one hand holding each rein, using their hands (through contact with the reins to the horse’s mouth), their leg, and weight to guide the horses’ direction and impulsion.
Western riding is a style that has evolved to meet the working needs of the traditional ranching cowboy in the American West and includes disciplines from pleasure and trail riding to barrel racing and penning cattle. Western saddles are much larger and flatter providing comfort for riders who historically spent long periods of time driving cattle over long distances in the saddle. Western riders typically hold both reins loosely in one hand and steer the horse by laying the reins across the horse’s neck.
To begin riding, look in our directory for a riding school that has a certified coach or instructor and offers riding lessons with school horses (experienced horses people can learn on). look for a Stable that offers the Rookie Riders or Learn to Ride programs, to ensure you or your child gets a well-rounded education in horse care and riding skills right from the start.
Before signing up for lessons, you should visit the stable and watch a lesson to ensure you are comfortable with the facility, coaches and program. Equestrian lessons are for everyone. Regardless of your age or experience, lessons with an experienced and trained coach will enable you to develop correct skills in a safe environment.
Getting started in equestrian sport doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – it’s similar to many other sports. A good riding school has experienced horses and programs for beginners that start riders in group lessons, with simple riding equipment needed to start, including a good helmet and some boots with a small heel. Programs like Rookie Riders will offer children the opportunity to learn the fundamental skills required to ride quickly and in a group of like-minded students. Lessons can range from $50-75 per riding lesson, depending on the style and location.