What Should I Ask An Instructor?

How long have they owned and ridden horses?

How long have they been teaching riding?

Have they competed in horse shows, trials, or competitive distance rides? (You could ask to see awards.)

What is their specialty? Riding basics?  Western pleasure? English? Gaited? Trail?

Do they hold a current first-aid certificate?

How many students do they currently have?

How long have the lesson horses been owned? Beware if they brag of the great bargain they picked up at auction last weekend.

Do they offer private lessons or will you be in a group? (First time riders should have private lessons until they are able to competently control the horse.)