Jamie RamsayGiddy-up! Have you ever watched a cool Western or fantasy movie and felt envious of those riders galloping across massive fields and deserts? Well, I certainly have, but the main problem isn’t even that I don’t have a horse: I wouldn’t know how to ride one!
After all, horse riding is something that’s practiced both as a hobby and as a sport all throughout the world. From casual trail rides to full-on dressage competitions and racing, horse riding is something you should never attempt without proper guidance.
Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up the best horse riding lessons in Vancouver to help you get started. If you’ve got dreams of strutting along on a fine steed like I did, read on for some spots you might want to visit.
1. Wilde Style Equestrian
Address: 7255 Blenheim St
Contact Details:+1 604 404 4044, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Closed on Mondays
Don’t get spooked by the name– Wilde Style Equestrian has been a familiar spot for would-be riders all around Vancouver. This riding school became popular among locals for its in-depth lesson plans and a range of horses, including its mascot, Blueberry!
The school itself offers various training courses, from basic riding to more specialized programs. They rose to fame for their focus on training for show jumping competitions, with champion horses in their stables, even!
What immediately stood out to us was the location. We were able to find the center without having to drive around much.
We managed to get a glimpse of their sand-riding area for practicing riders. When we asked regulars about it, some were happy to report that the lessons there were easy to follow, set up to mimic dressage stadiums.
That being said, some told us that the horse care lessons weren’t as in-depth. They require some prior knowledge of the basics before enrolling.
A word of advice some regulars had for us was to book lessons early, as there were often limited spots for their full camps and programs.
My daughter has grown leaps and bounds
“Wilde Style Equestrian is a wonderful place where my daughter has grown leaps and bounds in her confidence as a rider. She has worked with Kendra for 5 years now and her love of horses and the sport continues to grow.”
– Ms. Dorothy Patzer, Google Review
I think this is a really great place
“I like the friendly vibe of this stable, and as someone who has ridden here for lessons as well as taken trail rides, I think this is a really great place to either learn as a beginner, come for a trail ride, or grow as a more experienced rider.”
– Ms. Hermione Flavia, Google Review
2. Riverside Equestrian
Address: 13751 Garden City Rd, Richmond
Contact Details:+1 604 271 4186, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Ask other riders to name a long-lasting riding school, and they might name Riverside Equestrian. Having been around for a whopping 45 years and counting, this school has steadily made its mark as a hotspot for would-be jockeys in Vancouver.
The center mostly offers lesson packages, with separate programs for children and adults alike. They even offer horse preparation services for riders who already know the basics of horse care and want to focus on riding.
When we got there on our visit, we were struck by the welcoming ambiance. The staff were very willing to answer any of our inquiries, especially about their horses and the lessons. We even got to watch some in action!
When chatting up other riders about the school, we heard a lot of praise for the lesson plans offered at the center. Most reported having individualized plans tailored to their riding experience, helping them tackle any problem areas.
On the other hand, a few riders did mention some dissatisfaction with the short lesson times. Most only last half an hour, which can be disappointing since the price tag on their lessons can get pretty high compared to other centers.
It’s been a really positive experience for me
“I’ve been riding at Riverside Equestrian for around 2 years and it’s been a really positive experience for me. Compared to other barns I’ve ridden at previously, this one has a great vibe and my favourite by far.”
– Ms. Anouchka Farrenc, Google Review
Always makes the lesson interesting and challenging
“I came to Riverside as a beginner rider 14 years ago. Absolutely love this barn, feels like my second home. Linda, the barn owner, is very professional and knowledgable, always makes the lesson interesting and challenging.”
– Ms. Tina Yang, Google Review
3. Southlands Heritage Farm
Address: 3208 W 51st Ave
Contact Details:+1 604 261 1295, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Known best as a hotspot for young riders, Southlands Heritage Farm came to our radar as a favorite among parents. Though originally popular as an event venue, it’s started to become a spot for riding lessons, as well.
Southlands Heritage had surprisingly robust horse care and riding lesson plans, going over everything from stable management to riding. The farm is home to both ponies and full horses, allowing for all ages to ride.
On our own visit, we managed to see their lessons in full swing. Southlands Heritage largely housed younger riders, making it a favorite among a few families we were able to observe around the area.
When we managed to chat up some of them, most regulars praised the flexible scheduling. A few went for 20-minute lessons, while some went for the full 45 minutes. This flexibility has saved the hassle of committing to seasonal camps.
That being said, a word of advice some parents offered was to sign up early. Southlands Heritage’s waitlist for riding lessons is quite long.
Additionally, you might have to settle in for a wait when booking lessons at the farm. They are a smaller business and thus have fewer horses.
It was the highlight of the summer and breaks
“We have been coming to the farm and taking riding lessons for about 7 years. We have done spring break and summer camps and it was the highlight of the summer and breaks for my kid. For the last year we have been taking a weekly lesson with Katie.”
– Ms. Karla T., Google Review
Coached me at every step of the process
“Loved my first experience of riding a horse thanks to my instructor Ainsley and my friendly, lovely horse – Daffodil. Ainsley was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. She coached me at every step of the process with valuable information.”
– Mr. Shu San, Google Review
4. North Shore Equestrian Centre
Address: 1301 Lillooet Rd, North Vancouver
Contact Details:+1 604 988 5131, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Closed on Monday and Thursday
Want to get into horse riding, but the weather is bad? Then you might want to try the North Shore Equestrian Center. NSEC got popular around the area as a favorite among amateur and experienced riders.
The center has programs available for everyone, from 8 years old and onwards. NSEC also offers various horse riding plans, from the basics to competition-level techniques. They even offer play dates for younger children who aren’t yet eligible for lessons!
Their lessons are also carried out in covered arenas, as opposed to open-air trails. We appreciated this, especially in the summer seasons. The extra roofing can help keep lessons going even against fickle weather.
Another particular draw to NSEC was their horse boarding services. Riders who already have their own horses can board their partners at NSEC’s barns, allowing for their use in lessons and saving on transport fees.
That said, some regular students we were able to speak with mentioned the strictness of the scheduling, especially for group lessons. Quitting the program also takes a two-week notice.
Some also mentioned wishing for more clarity on the instructors’ schedules, as private lessons can only be booked with specific instructors.
The horses are very well taken care of
“I’ve been riding here for years, it’s such a nice stables. My instructors are all lovely, and the horses are very well taken care of. Horseback riding is truly an INCREDIBLE sport to be a part of! I always look forward my lessons!”
– Ms. Alexandra Grant, Google Review
Getting to ride so many different horses is amazing
“I have been riding at NSEC for three years now and I love it, the experience of getting to ride so many different horses is amazing because if you go on to lease or buy a horse than it will be easier to learn how to ride it.”
– Ms. Taryn Fort, Google Review
5. Glen Valley Stables
Address: 1255 208 St, Langley Twp, BC V2Z 1T4
Contact Details: +1 778 710 1941, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Closed on Monday
Horse temperaments are an intimidating aspect of getting into horse riding. Luckily, riders we spoke to put Glen Valley Stables on our radar. It’s a rising stable for more nervous, first-time riders trying to break into the hobby without worrying.
Glen Valley got popular for its selection of regular horses for practicing and trail rides, all with different temperaments. These can range from calmer horses for first-time riders to more trained ones.
As it stands, Glen Valley largely offers trail rides. Private riding lessons are also offered separately at a higher price tag.
The students we did manage to speak to praised the lessons offered at the stable, coming at different difficulty levels depending on your experience.
Some especially liked the consideration for which horse would best fit them and which trails could help them get acquainted with their horse before getting into riding properly in an indoor arena.
However, there are only a limited number of horses available at any given time, given their rest times and days. As a result, there can be a pretty long wait to start riding after booking a lesson.
Matched me with a horse equivalent to my skill
“I was looking to fine tune my riding skills for a riding trip I have this summer. I told them I could ride, and they believed me and matched me with a horse equivalent to my skill level. Boone was very good, trustworthy.”
– Ms. Lorraine Stomperud, Google Review
Well trained and so well cared for
“I had such a wonderful experience at Glen Valley Stables! The booking process was super smooth as they responded promptly. The horses were clearly well trained and so well cared for, I had the best time and will definitely be back again!”
– Ms. Amber Wang, Google Review
