Group or individual lessons for 10yo beginner

[Brian9600]

My daughter has asked to start riding lessons and I wondered whether anyone had a view on group v individual lessons.

I rode quite seriously when I was younger and remember always had individual lessons- I associate group lessons with plodding round a school just following the pony in front. But maybe that’s unfair. Also not sure whether an hour’s individual lessons might be too taxing for a 10yo.

She’s keen to progress as quickly as possible, fwiw.

I'd go with group lessons to start with just because individual lessons can be a bit full on. Once she's got to grips with things a bit she could have some individual lessons to focus on particular issues - jumping, cantering etc. Group lessons are more fun as well I think and you can learn a lot from watching others have a go, plus make friends.

Round here, group lessons which are 45 or 60 minutes. Individual ones tend to be only 30 mins max.

Plus, the thing about following the pony in front during lessons.....sometimes you are the pony in front.

I’d start with group lessons to get the basics then move on to individual lessons (perhaps once she’s a able to do a decent riding trot and sit a canter). After that I truly believe, unless you are super lucky with your riding school, you’ll only really, properly progress if you move away from riding school ponies. I’ve ridden and owned horses all my life’s but refused to buy my daughters ponies until they showed real commitment. After 2.5 years of riding school lessons one gave up but the other is now on her 3rd pony and is competing at a BE90 and BS too! She’s 12 and, although a naturally talented rider, she really only learned once she had her own ponies who made her ride!

My nearly 7 year old has only had group lessons and started aged 5.

My nearly 9 year old has had individual lessons (albeit 2 in the individual lesson - him and his dad) for about 8 weeks

He’s progressing so much faster

But that could be more about starting a bit older? Dunno.

When mine started they had 30 minute individual lessons and then when they’d reached a reasonable level we added in a group lesson as well . I’d always opt for private if you can afford it as progress should be much quicker .

Thanks all!

I would just add talk to your riding school about what they recommend (as each does things differently, some prefer them to start in private lessons) and also keep your eyes open as to whether your DD seems to be enjoying herself and progressing, as you may want to mix things up as she goes along.

As a general rule I think group lessons are more fun for children (which is the most important thing!) but they sometimes need some private sessions every so often to focus on a particular skill or get over a 'hump'. At a good school your DD should be consistently taught by the same person who should be willing to speak to you every so often to let you know how she's getting on and whether there's anything in particular to work on, so you can keep the group/private situation under review....

I learned as a young adult on my own and went back to it after 25 years (as a 50 year old) in a group. With lots of young kids 😂.

The group lessons are far more fun and we learn from watching each other. The kids and I get on great 😄. I have an hour’s private every school holiday to work on specific things. Best of both worlds.

I agree with a group lesson until she's mastered rising trot at least, otherwise it might be a bit intense.

Once she's got the hang of it, I'd book a 1 to 1 and see if she enjoys it. There's a balance to be found between fun and progression, which can be difficult to achieve at a riding school I think.

If your DD does enjoy 1 to 1 lessons, maybe the best way forward would be to have mostly group lessons but to intersperse these every so often with private lessons, unless she loves private lessons, in which case I'd sack off the group lessons as soon as she's confident with rising trot and canter.

My daughter does one to one but only 30 mins which works for her concentration wise and effort wise as it is hard when they only have little legs!

I think group lessons can be much more fun for children, as long as the riding school has good facilities and ponies and also puts groups of the same level together. The odd private lesson now and again won't hurt either, and hacks as they get confident.

I'm old school, I'd have individual lessons on the lunge until she has an independent seat, then mix group and individual lessons.