How to Go Horse Riding for Free

Horse riding can be an expensive hobby, but getting involved with this wonderful activity needn’t cost the earth. With a bit of shrewd planning, there are plenty of ways to enjoy horse riding without even opening your wallet. The following information should give you some insight on how to ride without the associated expense.

Horse Riding on a Shoestring

Unfortunately for the amateur rider, there are few places around where you can generally learn the art of riding without parting with a little money. A trainer will generally expect some payment in exchange for his or her pearls of wisdom. However, there are ways of getting round this problem.

If you genuinely have a passion for riding, demonstrate it. Phone around local riding stables and offer your services around the stable yard, free of charge. Initially, it’s best not to ask for riding opportunities in exchange as this may seem a little too demanding. However, put some hard graft in, learn about grooming and feeding, and broach the subject of horse riding for free when the moment feels appropriate. As you will have assisted in the running of the yard for some time with no payment, the owner should feel duty bound to offer you some lessons, or at least give you a chance to ride some of the horses you have developed an attachment to. Obviously, this will not always be the case, but your newly acquired experience should provide you with the opportunity to work and ride in other stables in the local area.

Gain a strong working knowledge of horse owners in the local area, and try and exploit any opportunities where they may be struggling to find time to exercise their horse. For instance, if a horse owner is away for the weekend visiting friends or family, they may need some urgent care for their horse or herd. Offering to cover for them without payment in their absence (on the provision you can go riding) can be an effective way of going horse riding for free.

Finally, if you are an experienced horse rider no longer in a financial or practical position to keep your own horse, you could always consider offering riding lessons and specific training sessions for free, in exchange for a longer ride of the horse from time to time. Novices will be more than happy with this win-win situation.