At Country Hill the minimum age is 5 years old. However, we've had students step into the stirrups for the first time as adults. Recently, a Pilates instructor started riding again in her 70s, and she made great progress! 

A helmet that has been properly fitted to your head is the most important piece of equipment any new rider will need. (At Country Hill, we can loan new students a helmet temporarily from our collection for their first lesson.)

It is not wise to buy a helmet on-line or use a hand-me-down helmet or a helmet that is not sport specific (bicycle, ski etc.). A tack shop with experienced staff is required to find a well-fitting schooling helmet that is both comfortable and offers maximum protection. 

The young student in the picture is wearing all the appropriate apparel and equipment. Note that the helmet is worn when he is in the barn and that is considered a good safety practise for all but an essential one for children. He has riding gloves and a protection vest—a good idea for those who want extra protection. On his feet he has leather paddock boots, Blundstones, or a similar make of boot with a heel (no sneakers or open-toed sandals should be worn in a barn or riding). 

Clothing should zipper in the front and be layered on top if it's chilly. Pants must allow for easy movement but not be bulky. Seams inside leggings or jeans can rub against the rider's legs and saddle and should be avoided. 

The mount must be an appropriate size for the rider's height, weight and ability. Making this match should be a knowledgeable individual who knows the disposition of the mount. For beginners, a quiet pony/horse is best and one that is mature.

Horses are flight animals by nature and there is no such thing as one who is "bombproof." However, tried and true school ponies and horses who don't spook easily,  are gentle and easy to handle are best for new riders.  

An experience and certified NCCP Coach/Instructor who has had experience teaching beginners is best. To verify that the individual is certified check with Equestrian Canada and/or Ontario Equestrian. If you can't find the teacher's name on a directory with the federal or provincial sports body, then ask for proof of certification. Horseback riding is considered a high-risk sport, and it is up to you to consider carefully the qualifications of the person teaching your child or you.

New riders ideally should start in private lessons (not group) until their basic skills have been established. Private lessons are on-on-one and as such allow the Coach/Instructor to give the student undivided attention, hone his/her skills, and develop proper horse handling practises.

An equestrian centre that has an indoor arena and an outdoor ring that is enclosed is ideal for safe, year-round riding in our Canadian climate. 

Ontario Equestrian can be helpful in locating an equestrian centre near you and for answering many other questions parents of new riders have regarding this sport. 

There is no better time than now to start riding! Country Hill has a Learn to Ride package that is a 1.5-hour lesson with a qualified coach that can be given as a gift to a child or adult who has shown interest in the sport. Or buy one for yourself.

Go to the Contact tab and email us for availability, time, and pricing.

If this is a present, an age-appropriate horse-related gift will be given to the recipient courtesy of the farm with a gift card at no extra cost. 

When is the right time to start riding? There is no better time than now! Contact Country Hill Farm to book a Learn to Ride lesson or give one as a gift to a person you know who wants to start riding. 

Ontario Equestrian is our provincial sports body and a great recourse for new riders. A list of stables is published on its website. Ask them for qualified coaches and instructors near you.