Horse Riding for Beginners Course

What you'll learn

Learn to ride and build confidence in the saddle with our sport & fitness short courses in Sydney!

Always wanted to try horse riding but never had the opportunity? This beginner-friendly course offers a practical and supportive introduction to riding, designed for adults with little or no previous experience.

Across five weekly lessons, you'll learn the foundations of horse riding while becoming more comfortable around horses and developing an understanding of their behaviour and care. Most of your time will be spent in the arena, where you'll practise mounting, finding a balanced position, walking, steering and progressing towards trotting under the guidance of experienced instructors.

You'll also learn essential horse-handling skills, from grooming and preparing your horse to tacking up and providing basic aftercare. With riding boots and helmets provided, you can simply turn up ready to learn in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

Whether you've dreamed of riding since childhood, are returning to horses after many years away, or simply want to try something completely new, this course will help you build practical riding skills and greater confidence around horses.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Horse Riding for Beginners course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Understanding basic horse behaviour and body language
• Grooming and preparing a horse for riding
• Correctly tacking up and untacking a horse
• Mounting and dismounting safely
• Maintaining a balanced and secure position in the saddle
• Walking, steering and controlling a horse using basic riding aids
• Developing introductory trotting skills
• Providing basic care for a horse after riding

Course content

What will be covered in this Horse Riding for Beginners course?

During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:

• Understanding horse behaviour, body language and safe handling
• Grooming and preparing a horse for riding
• Identifying and using essential riding equipment
• Tacking up and checking equipment before riding
• Safe mounting and dismounting techniques
• Developing balance, posture and security in the saddle
• Walking and steering a horse
• Using basic riding aids for direction and control
• Introduction to trotting, depending on individual progress
• Untacking and providing basic aftercare

Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant progress, horse welfare considerations, and instructor approach.

Intended audience

Who is this Horse Riding for Beginners course for?

This course is suitable for:

• Complete beginners with little or no previous horse riding experience
• Adults who have always wanted to learn to ride
• People returning to horse riding after a long break
• Learners wanting to build confidence around horses
• Anyone interested in developing foundational horse riding and horse care skills

No previous horse riding experience is required.

Participants must be aged 16 years or over and weigh no more than 85 kg.

Course venue

Eastside Riding Academy

Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre
114-120 Lang Road
Centennial Park, NSW 2021

There is free on-site parking for up to two hours at the top of the property. Enter through the boom gate, which opens automatically as you approach. Turn left after the gate and follow the 10 km/h speed limit.

Tip: Google Maps may direct you to the Entertainment Quarter. Eastside Riding Academy is located in the suburb of Centennial Park and is not inside Centennial Park itself.

Traffic can be heavy around the centre, particularly during evenings and weekends. Please allow plenty of travel time.

Course materials

Equipment provided

The following riding equipment is included in the course fee:

• Riding boots
• Riding helmet

What to bring:

• Long socks to help prevent rubbing from riding boots
• Comfortable, flexible pants suitable for riding

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Weight limit: A maximum rider weight of 85 kg applies.
• Minimum age: Participants must be aged 16 years or over. This course is not suitable for children.
• Arrival time: Please arrive 15 minutes before your lesson to be fitted for riding equipment and complete the waiver if you have not already done so.
• Make-up lessons: One make-up lesson is permitted per five-week course where at least 24 hours' notice is provided. A medical certificate is required where less than 24 hours' notice is given.
• Facilities: Toilets, showers and a water dispenser are available on site.
• Weather: Lessons run in most weather conditions, with undercover stables and arenas and lighting for evening sessions. In the event of severe weather, Eastside Riding Academy will contact participants directly.
• Health and safety: Horse riding is an active physical activity. Please advise your instructor of any medical conditions or injuries that may affect your participation.
• Safety briefing: Participants must arrive on time to complete the required WH&S briefing. Late arrivals who miss the briefing may be unable to participate in that session.