It may seem like we are teaching you how to ride but… what we are teaching is actually so much more.

Two young students walk calmly alongside a lesson horse in the barn aisle at Strides Riding Academy. The image highlights hands-on horsemanship, responsibility, and confidence-building as part of kids’ horseback riding lessons that go beyond riding.

When you register your kids for horseback riding lessons, often you are simply looking for a fun activity. Perhaps your child has expressed interest in horses, and you figure, why not? If you are like me, you have probably tried all the other sports on the planet. My kids have done soccer (very short term!), t-ball, gymnastics, ballet, music lessons, even rock climbing.

Having kids of my own and running a kids horseback riding lesson program here in Santa Rosa, CA, I have been able to witness firsthand what these activities truly offer and why horseback riding lessons for kids are such an incredible choice.

You may think you are just registering for horseback riding lessons, but what you are actually signing up for is confidence, responsibility, resilience, patience, and joy… all in one.

If you have ever seen me, I am 5’3” (on a good day), which I didn’t think was short until my kids started growing taller than me! But as a young teenager and young adult, the confidence I gained through horses made me unaware of my size. I handled 1,200-pound horses that were not nearly as well trained as our current lesson horses as if I were six feet tall. The confidence in my energy allowed me to be in charge during sticky situations—my presence, not my size, mattered.

As a young adult, I encountered a few uncomfortable and intimidating scenarios where I literally stood tall and held my ground. Looking back, I sometimes wonder what I was thinking but, I wasn’t thinking. I was using the confidence horses gave me to keep myself safe and navigate situations that could have gone very differently. And it worked not just once, but several times.

Young women need to be able to stand their ground, and I am incredibly grateful that horses gave me that strength.

Horseback riding lessons for kids may seem harmless, but they are truly one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child. The kindness, compassion, and understanding that is learned through horsemanship for children does not come with a soft side that gets pushed around. Instead, it is paired with the ability to stand firm in who they are.

In today’s world, if there is one gift I hope to give my kids, it is the ability to be kind, compassionate, and understanding while also having a strong backbone. This is something I know they learn through horses.

A Thoughtful, Proven Equestrian Program Structure

I started Strides Riding Academy from a deep appreciation for what horses have taught me, and I have grown it into something I am truly excited to share with families in and around Santa Rosa, California.

One of the key differentiators of our program is our equestrian program structure, which has been designed, tested, and refined over more than 15 years. Our system teaches riders through a methodical, sequential process so students get the most out of every lesson both in the saddle and during horse care lessons for kids, where they learn responsibility, respect, and proper horsemanship.

I intentionally designed this structure so I could clearly measure what our students are learning from their horseback riding lessons. I am not hoping or guessing at outcomes, I have a system in place. When we go through the program together as a team, students consistently gain confidence, skill, and a strong foundation in horsemanship.

Learning That Goes Far Beyond Riding

One of the most rewarding parts of running kids' horseback riding lessons has been watching students grow not just as riders, but as people.

I have had the privilege of seeing hundreds of kids begin their journey with us, dive deeper into the program, and take those lessons far beyond the barn. Many of those kids are adults now, and I see them living with kindness, compassion, and the confidence to stand their ground in real-world situations.

Seeing that is the greatest gift of all.

If you are considering horseback riding lessons for kids in Santa Rosa, CA, I cannot say enough about how impactful this experience can be. I have watched it shape my own life and the lives of so many children who have come through our program.

Let’s work together to set kids up for a successful future—one where kindness, compassion, responsibility, and confidence guide them to become the best versions of themselves.

FAQ: Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids

Do kids learn more than just riding?

Yes. While riding is an important part of the experience, kids also learn confidence, patience, responsibility, communication skills, and emotional awareness through working with horses.

Why is horse care part of riding lessons?

Horse care teaches kids respect, empathy, and responsibility. Grooming, tacking, and daily care help children understand that horsemanship goes beyond riding—it’s about partnership.

How do kids build responsibility at the barn?

Through consistent routines like feeding, grooming, cleaning tack, and caring for equipment. These tasks help kids learn accountability and pride in their work.

What skills are taught off the horse?

Off-horse skills include horse behavior understanding, safety awareness, teamwork, leadership, and proper barn etiquette—key components of well-rounded horsemanship for children.

If you’re ready to explore horseback riding lessons for kids in Santa Rosa, CA, we would love to welcome your family to Strides Riding Academy. Our program is designed to support children at every stage—whether they are brand new to horses or ready to grow deeper in their riding and horsemanship journey.

Families can ride with us at our Santa Rosa location, and we also offer lessons at our Petaluma location, making it easy for North Bay families to find a program that fits their needs.

Start by scheduling an intro lesson here:

If you have questions or need clarification, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help guide you and your child every step of the way.