“It’s just one lesson a week.”
At the time, we had no idea how much this world would grow into such a huge part of our lives.
We weren’t looking to become a “horse family.”
We weren’t thinking about horse shows, imports, tack rooms, or show bills.
Honestly?
We were just looking for something healthy and positive after years in competitive soccer and toxic sports environments.
One riding lesson a week turned into two.
Two turned into horse shows.
And before we knew it, we were completely immersed in the horse world.
I don’t regret it for one second.
But I do wish someone had sat me down and explained the financial side of getting started.
So here is my honest breakdown for parents who are brand new to the horse world.
The Cost of Riding Lessons
What we started with:
- 1 lesson per week
- Around $300/month
As her interest and commitment grew, we increased to:
- 2 lessons per week
- Around $500/month
Of course, prices vary depending on:
- where you live
- lesson length
- discipline
- group vs private lessons
- trainer experience
But nationally, most riding lessons average:
$50–$100 per lesson
At first, this didn’t seem too overwhelming.
What I didn’t realize was:
the lessons are just the beginning.
Beginner Riding Equipment for Kids
At the beginning, Makenzie was still riding in soccer shirts because we truly thought this would just be a once-a-week hobby.
The good news:
You do NOT need expensive show equipment right away.
Most lesson barns start children in very basic riding attire.
Most Children Under 12 & And Riding Ponies Wear:
- paddock boots
- jodhpurs
- riding shirts
- gloves
- belts
And here’s the reality:
kids grow FAST.
I feel like we were buying new paddock boots every 3 months.
Paddock Boots
- Amazon: about $35–$60
- Dover Saddlery: about $60–$120
Jodhpurs
- Amazon: around $25–$40
- SmartPak / Dover: around $45–$80
Riding Shirts
- Amazon: around $15–$30
- Dover / SmartPak: around $40–$75
Riding Gloves
- Amazon: around $10–$20
- SmartPak / Dover: around $25–$45
Riding Belts
- Amazon: around $10–$20
- Tack shops: around $25–$50
Older Riders and Riders on Horses:
As kids get older or transition from ponies to horses, the equipment starts changing.
This is usually when tall boots enter the picture.
Tall Boots
Examples of common brands for Tall Boots:
- Ariat: around $250–$450
- Tredstep: around $300–$500
- DeNiro: around $700–$1,500+
And then you still need:
- breeches
- riding shirts
- gloves
- riding belt
- hair nets
- riding socks
Breeches
- Amazon: around $35–$60
- SmartPak / Dover: around $80–$200
Riding Socks
- Amazon: around $10–$20
- Tack stores: around $15–$30
- Hair Nets: Usually around $5–$15
The One Thing I Would NOT Cheap Out On For All Ages IS A Safe Helmet
This is one piece of equipment I personally believe is worth investing in.
Head injuries are no joke.
As riders advance, jump higher, ride greener horses, or become more competitive, the risk level increases.
Yes — kids outgrow helmets.
And yes — helmets are expensive.
But your child’s brain is worth protecting.
A hospital admission for a head injury far exceeds the cost of a decent helmet.
After watching my daughter experience a serious riding fall, I will never underestimate the importance of a properly fitted, quality helmet again.
Beginner Helmet Costs
- Basic Amazon helmets: around $40–$80
- Mid-range trusted brands: around $100–$250
- Higher-end helmets: $300–$700+
You do not need the most expensive helmet.
But I personally would prioritize:
- proper fit
- safety certifications
- reputable brands
Other Beginner Equipment You May Encounter
Some riders may also need:
- PR Equiformance posture bands/slings
- rainbow reins
- riding crops (dependent on horse being ridden)
- spurs (dependent on horse being ridden)
- half chaps
These smaller purchases may not seem huge individually, but they add up quickly over time.
Grooming Supplies
This part surprised me.
Our first lesson barn provided all grooming supplies for lesson students.
Our second barn required every rider to have their own brush kit.
The beginner grooming kit at the barn was around $20 and included:
- hoof pick
- curry comb
- hard brush
- Soft brush
- sponge
The quality wasn’t amazing, but it worked perfectly fine for getting started.
While using lesson horses, we were usually able to use the barn’s:
- fly spray
- soap
- hoof oil
- grooming products
But once we started attending horse shows using lesson horses, we suddenly needed our own supplies.
And trust me…
that opens the door to an entirely new level of spending that deserves its own blog post.
What I Wish I Knew
I wish I knew:
- how quickly this world grows
- how emotionally invested kids become
- how often equipment needs replacing
- how much “little purchases” add up
But I also wish I knew:
- how much confidence horses can build
- how much responsibility kids learn
- how healing the barn can be
- how special the horse community can feel
We started with:
“just one lesson a week.”
And somehow, it turned into an entire lifestyle.
If you are just starting out:
take a deep breath.
You do not need everything immediately.
You do not need the fanciest equipment.
And you absolutely do not need to have it all figured out on day one.
Most of us are learning as we go.
And truthfully…
That’s part of the journey.
Angie M Osborne 💜