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Choose a riding centre and ask questions before you go
Start with a lesson at a reputable riding centre rather than trying to arrange a ride informally. The British Horse Society (BHS) describes approved establishments as prioritising horse welfare and client safety, and it is worth checking a school’s current status directly rather than assuming it. The BHS guidance on learning to ride is the best starting point for understanding what a beginner course should look like.
Before you visit, contact the school and ask:
- What clothing and equipment do I need to bring?
- Can you lend a riding hat, and do you have boots I can borrow?
- What time should I arrive, and is there any paperwork to complete?
- Should the coach know about any health conditions or injuries?
- Will my first lesson stay at walk, or might I be offered a trot?
Most centres can provide a riding hat, and some can lend suitable boots, according to British Equestrian’s first lesson guidance. Confirm this with the specific school, because loan policies differ.
What to wear and bring
Dress for comfort and protection. British Equestrian recommends:
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- Low-Profile Design: This sleek, modern style equestrian helmet is built to effortlessly adapt to a variety of head shapes; the adjustable horse helmet includes a DialFit system soft touch dial that allows precise adjustment for the perfect fit
- Stylish Accessory: Available in a wide range of fun, fashionable graphics and colors, our equestrian helmets come in matte and glossy designs that make a bold statement; ideal for matching your horse's gear or expressing your unique sense of style
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- Footwear: boots with a small heel. If the school does not lend boots, bring your own closed, sturdy pair with a small heel.
- Clothing: long trousers or similar close-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Loose items that can catch on tack or the horse should be avoided.
- Layers: clothing suited to the weather, since you will be outside and will be standing still for parts of the lesson.
- Hair and jewellery: tie long hair back so it sits below the helmet, and remove jewellery that could catch.
Choosing a riding helmet
A riding hat must fit properly and be fastened for every ride, including the first lesson. The BHS recommends having a helmet fitted by someone with appropriate BETA training, rather than choosing one by size alone. It advises against buying a second-hand helmet, because hidden damage may not be visible, and recommends replacing a helmet after a fall, particularly one where the helmet struck the ground.
The BHS says an accepted safety standard matters more than a high price, and its guidance points to quality-assurance marks. Standards differ by country and by discipline, so confirm which standard your school and your local rules expect before buying. The BHS guidance is written for a UK context. The U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) first lesson reference sheet points U.S. riders to ASTM/SEI certification instead. These are separate systems, and neither should be treated as a universal rule. You can read the BHS hats and helmets guidance (last reviewed 2 January 2026) and the USEF first lesson reference sheet for the details that apply to each context.
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The BHS puts it this way: “Horse riding hats and helmets are designed to be as effective as possible at minimising any potential head injury, but as with all safety equipment, no hat can be guaranteed to protect every rider in every circumstance.” (The British Horse Society, helmet guidance, page last reviewed 2 January 2026.)
Arriving at the barn
- Check in at reception. Allow enough time to arrive before the lesson starts. If there is no reception desk, ask staff where to go.
- Wait in the designated area. Stay there until a member of staff tells you where to go next. Do not walk into a field, stable, or horse’s space on your own.
- Tell the coach how you feel. If you are nervous or do not understand an instruction, say so. A good coach will adjust the pace.
Approaching and handling a horse
Do not approach or handle any horse without staff guidance. When you are told which horse you will ride, ask the coach how to approach it and whether it has particular preferences.
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- Approach calmly and speak softly, moving toward the horse’s shoulder.
- Never approach from behind, where the horse cannot see you.
- Keep your feet clear of the horse’s legs and hooves at all times.
These are the basics British Equestrian sets out for anyone meeting a horse for the first time. Follow your coach’s instructions over any general rule, since the school knows its horses.
What happens during the lesson
A first lesson is led by the coach and builds in steps. British Equestrian describes help with mounting, handling the reins, placing feet in the stirrups, and holding a correct body position. A beginner may have someone leading the horse so that attention can stay on the commands rather than on steering. Exercises may introduce steering and speed control as the rider gains confidence.
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- LIGHTWEIGHT LOW-PROFILE DESIGN - The Ovation Unisex Deluxe Schooler Riding Helmet features a streamlined helmet construction that provides a lightweight feel while supporting dependable protection and is suitable for arena training, schooling sessions, and regular horseback riding
- HIGH-FLOW AIR VENTILATION - Multiple high-flow vents promote steady airflow through the helmet interior to support rider comfort and help reduce heat buildup; This breathable safety gear for men and women is designed to help maintain ventilation during extended riding sessions
- ADJUSTABLE DIAL FIT SYSTEM - This protective horseback riding equipment features an easy-adjust rear dial system that allows riders to fine-tune helmet sizing for a secure fit; Extra-strong adjustment teeth support long-term durability and consistent helmet positioning
- REMOVABLE WASHABLE LINER - Soft interior liner provides cushioning while helping manage interior moisture; The removable and machine-washable liner of this unisex equestrian helmet helps riders maintain lasting freshness, comfort, and simple care between rides
- DURABLE OUTER SHELL - The Ovation Unisex Deluxe Schooler Riding Helmet features an easy-to-clean rubberized outer shell that supports everyday riding durability; Removable breakaway visors and an exclusive YKK adjuster clip and buckle help create a secure and comfortable riding setup
The BHS describes first lessons that focus on position and on feeling the horse move, with lead-rein walking as a common starting point. A first session may remain at walk, though a trot may be introduced depending on the rider and the session. Because the lesson varies with the coach and with your experience, do not expect every school to follow the same sequence.
- Mounting: follow the coach’s instructions for getting on. Do not dismount until you have been told to.
- Reins and stirrups: the coach will show you how to hold the reins and place your feet in the stirrups.
- Position: sit tall and balanced, with the coach correcting posture as you move.
- Movement and control: at walk, practise steering and stopping when the coach asks.
- Dismounting: wait for the instruction to dismount, then follow the coach’s directions to get down safely.
Comparing riding centres
If you are choosing between schools, these are the factors that matter most for a first lesson:
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- Improved Fit: This full coverage equestrian helmet is built to effortlessly adapt to a variety of head shapes; this horse helmet comes with a lightweight build that offers comfort and protection for tackling all your horse riding endeavors
- Matte-Finish Accessory: Available in a wide range of solid colors, our matte equestrian helmets are designed to make a bold statement; ideal for matching your horse's gear or expressing your unique sense of style while riding
- Maximum Ventilation: The seven large vents in this horse back riding helmet maximizes airflow keeping you cool and comfortable during long rides; also includes a removable washable headliner for easy effortless care and a fresh, breathable experience
- Versatile Use: Recommended for riders of all types, our equestrian gear include sizes suitable for men, women and children; use this all-purpose horse riding equipment for your riding lessons, leisure riding, equestrian competitions and more
- Instructor qualifications and supervision during the lesson
- Horse welfare and visible care of the horses
- Safety procedures, including how staff explain the rules before mounting
- Whether beginner equipment, such as helmets and boots, can be borrowed
- Lesson format and pace, including whether the first lesson is at walk
- Practical access, such as travel time and parking
Verify any specific centre’s current status with the centre itself. The BHS and British Equestrian guidance describes what a good beginner experience looks like, but neither can confirm an individual school’s standards on a particular day.
Evidence limits
The official beginner and helmet guidance cited here does not publish injury statistics suitable for quotation, and it does not measure how much safer a particular helmet or lesson format makes a rider. The advice reflects standard practice and the recommendations of the organisations named. It does not replace the instructions of your coach or the rules of the school.
The sources are UK-focused, apart from the USEF reference, so check the rules where you ride before applying them.
Quick Recap
Sources
- The British Horse Society, “Hats & helmets,” last reviewed 2 January 2026: https://www.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/riding-out-hacking/what-to-wear/hats-and-helmets/
- British Equestrian, “Your first lesson”: https://www.britishequestrian.org.uk/getInvolved/participation/your-first-lesson
- The British Horse Society, “Learning to ride”: https://prod.bhs.org.uk/go-riding-and-learn/learning-to-ride/
- U.S. Equestrian Federation, “First lesson reference sheet”: https://files.usef.org/assets/TZsjrbR98Jo/first-lesson-reference-sheet.pdf
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