Your First Riding Lesson: What to Expect
Thinking about your first horseback riding lesson? Whether you’re starting in our Petaluma arena or our new Santa Rosa/Fulton location at 2278 Woolsey Road, this is where the adventure begins. Get ready to swap sneakers for riding boots and discover the magic of being in the saddle for the very first time.
Beginner rider practicing in an indoor arena at Strides Riding Academy, guiding a white horse over ground poles during a first horseback riding lesson.
Welcome to the Beginner Rider Series
If you’ve ever dreamed of riding a horse but weren’t sure where to start, this blog series is for you. Over the next few weeks, we’ll walk you through everything from your first ride to barn etiquette and beyond. Whether you join us in Petaluma or our Santa Rosa/Fulton barn, you’ll have a friendly guide every step of the way.
The First Five Minutes – Stepping into the Barn
The moment you arrive, the smell of hay and the soft sound of hooves on the ground will instantly tell you you’re somewhere special. You’ll check in with your instructor, who’ll be your guide for the day. Our team loves working with beginners, so no question is too small (or too “silly”).
At both our Petaluma and Santa Rosa locations, we’ve created a welcoming space where you can meet your horse and get comfortable around the barn!
Meeting Your Horse
This is often the highlight before the riding even starts. Your instructor will introduce you to your horse and help you learn its name, personality, and a little about how to approach it. Horses are incredibly observant—they can sense your mood—so a calm, friendly approach goes a long way.
We’ll also show you how to safely walk around a horse and how to stand when greeting them. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
What to Wear
Make sure you arrive with your own closed-toe, sturdy boots with a small heel. This helps your feet stay secure in the stirrups. Avoid sneakers, sandals, or anything too bulky.
Pair your boots with comfortable pants (jeans or riding leggings work great) and a fitted shirt—nothing too loose that could get caught.
And yes, we provide helmets for your 1st ride, so you’re covered there.
Mounting Up
When it’s time to get on, your instructor will walk you through it slowly. We’ll hold the horse steady, adjust the stirrups, and make sure you feel secure before we even start moving. Mounting might feel awkward at first—kind of like climbing onto a moving couch—but you’ll get used to it.
Your First Few Steps
The first time your horse starts walking under you, it may feel bigger or more wobbly than you imagined. Practice keeping your heels down, eyes up and your instructor will be right there, giving you gentle cues.
Learning to Communicate
Horses don’t speak English (shocking, right?), so you’ll learn basic cues—how to signal a walk, how to stop, and how to turn. You’ll also learn how to use your body to guide the horse, not just the reins.
These are the building blocks for everything you’ll do in future lessons.
Ending the Lesson
When your ride is over, you’ll dismount with help from your instructor, then walk your horse back to the grooming area. This is your chance to thank your horse (they love a gentle scratch behind the ears).
You’ll also get to chat about how the lesson went, what you did well, and what’s coming next.
Ready to Start Your Riding Journey?
There’s nothing quite like your first time in the saddle—why not make it happen? If you’re ready to experience your own beginner riding lesson at our Petaluma or Santa Rosa location, click here to register for your introductory lesson.
Cute Horse Trivia of the Day:
Did you know horses can’t burp? Their digestive system is one-way, which means they rely on a healthy diet and careful feeding to stay comfortable.
Now that you know what your first ride will be like, it’s time to make sure you’re prepared before you even walk through the barn doors. In Blog 2 – Prepare Before You Ride, we’ll share exactly what to bring, what to wear, and the little things beginners often forget.