Asking How Much Does A Horse Riding Coach Cost?
You’ve been thinking about getting help from a horse riding coach. But, you would like to know how much does a riding coach cost. You’re not sure whether you can afford a riding coach or if you really even need coaching. Will having a riding coach help you or will you just waste your time and money?
It’s not a simple answer to the question “how much does a riding coach cost”.
How much a riding coach costs depends on how and where you take your riding lessons or training sessions. Do you want the riding coach to come to your farm? Can you trailer your horse to the coach’s facility? Do you prefer group, semi private or private sessions. Will you take lessons with your horse, a schoolmaster or a school horse?
Prices even vary depending on your location and how many coaches are available in that area.
Some riding coaches charge as little $20 – $30 an hour. Others charge over $100 for a 45 minute private lesson.
Why wouldn’t you just choose the least expensive riding coach?
Because, if you choose based on cost alone, you may be wasting your time and money. If the riding coach isn’t the right one for you and your horse, you won’t make the progress you want. You may even end up more frustrated and stuck.
You may not need a lesson every week. You may just need some help to get past a particular problem. You may need eyes on the ground, some fresh ideas or a new perspective once a month or every few weeks. These are some ways hiring a good riding coach can help you and your horse move forward.
Why do you need a riding coach at all?
Because you don’t know what you don’t know. Riding a horse is not like riding a bike. It’s possible to figure out how to ride a bicycle on your own. You find the right balance. You learn how to steer, to use the brakes and even how to change gears. If you make a mistake riding a bicycle, you could end up with some cuts and bruises. You might even do some damage to your bicycle. So you get it repaired or replace it.
If you make a mistake riding a horse, you can be seriously injured. You can cause physical and mental damage to your horse without realising it. It might takes months or years to become bad enough to be noticed. It could be something behavioural that requires sending your horse to a professional trainer to be ‘fixed’ or physical that requires an investment in veterinary care.
Are you stuck, struggling or not sure you’re doing things right?
Then, hiring a riding coach can help you get the results you’re dreaming of. Nothing changes until you change. You simply don’t know what change you need to make. A good riding coach will see what’s holding you and your horse back from achieving your goals. They’ll help you make the changes you need to get unstuck, stop your struggle and do things the right way for you and your horse.
Find out what results the coach’s current and previous students have had. Are those results similar to what you want to achieve?
Alternative Ways of Learning
What if you can’t hire a riding coach? Or you can’t afford weekly lessons? There are other ways to get the help you need.
Clinics: Take part in riding or horsemanship clinics at least once or twice a year. A good clinician will give you knowledge and techniques you can take and practice at home.
What if you can’t get your horse to a clinic? Can’t afford to take part in a clinic? Aren’t sure if the clinician is suitable for you? Auditing is a great way to learn.
When you go to a clinic, you’ll learn new techniques. You’ll meet like minded people. You’ll make new friends. You’ll expand your support network. All while having fun!
Virtual Coaching: With modern technology it’s now possible to get coaching by video and Skype. Submit a video of you working with your horse. Post it online (making it shareable only with your coach). The coach will review it and either get back know to you with feedback via email or face to face via Skype.
In my next blog post, I’ll give you tips about what to look for in a good riding coach.
Enjoy the ride.
Are you feeling stuck with your riding? Are you unsure how to handle your horse’s behaviour or training? Are you struggling with your confidence? Click the button below to apply for a free 20 minute connection call. We’ll jump on a call at a mutually convenient time. We’ll take a look at where you are now and talk about where you’d like to be. Then, we’ll get you started with a plan for moving forward – #CalmConfidentConnected
