Discover the Joy of Horses with Riding Lessons in Surrey, BC
Riding lessons for all levels
Nestled in the heart of Surrey, BC, we are dedicated to fostering a deep love and respect for horses among riders of all ages and skill levels. Our lessons are more than just learning to ride; they’re about building confidence, forming connections, and embracing the thrill of equestrian sports.
At Unicorn Stables, we offer a variety of riding programs for beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders. We have experienced equestrian instructors, focus on fostering a positive and welcoming community, and believe in a holistic approach to building a bond between horse and rider. Lessons run once per week, in groups of 2-3 riders of a similar level. Private riding lessons are also available by request.
Whether it’s your first time around a horse or a barn is your second home, we have a place for you.
The beginners’ horsemanship journey
Dive into the world of horseback riding with our beginner riding lessons, tailored to provide a strong foundation in a supportive and fun environment. No prior experience? No problem.
Beginning with foundational horsemanship, our riding lesson program introduces new riders to the essentials of safety, grooming, and tack, setting a strong foundation for respect and care towards horses. We prioritize building confidence and ensuring riders are comfortable and in control before moving ahead.
We also offer spring and summer riding camps for an even better jump into horseback riding and overall horsemanship. If you have a horse-crazy kid begging for riding lessons, we’re here to help them blow off some steam while establishing the discipline that goes along with working with horses.
Riding lessons for intermediate and advanced riders
Ready to take your skills to the next level? Our intermediate and advanced lessons focus on refining techniques, improving posture, and enhancing your understanding of horse behavior. It’s the perfect next step in your riding adventure.
Our riders love their lessons
Riding facilities for everyone
Our riding lessons take place in exceptional facilities that we’re truly proud of. We have a spacious indoor dressage arena and an even more expansive outdoor jumping arena. With unparalleled access to scenic beach and forest trails nearby, we have everything to make your riding experience magical.
Lesson horses available for every level
We have a wide selection of lesson horses, from quiet and sweet-hearted beginners to high-strung competition horses raring to be challenged. Our coaches frequently ride our lesson horses to keep them in perfect condition for our lesson groups and students.
If you’re interested in leasing a horse, or lessons with your own boarded horse, we can also help.
How much do riding lessons cost?
The costs of riding lessons depends on availability and experience level, but is very generally considered to be on par or cheaper than other local stables. For more information on pricing, please contact our office.
How long are the lessons?
Our standard group lessons are 45 minutes long and in groups of three riders. You should plan on being at the barn about an hour and a half as we like our students to groom, tack up and untack their own horse. Horse care and horsemanship is as important to learn for our students as riding is.
Lessons happen all year, including on holidays, rain or shine. We will never cancel your lessons without letting you know.
What age do you have to be to start riding lessons?
Programs and suitable lesson plans vary depending on the age and maturity of the rider. Younger ages may be better suited for our spring and summer riding camps. If you’re interested in your child learning how to ride, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team and contact us for more information.
Do I need to own or lease a horse in order to take riding lessons?
You don’t need to lease or own a horse to take riding lessons at Unicorn Stables, although we do offer riding lessons for horse owners and riders leasing horses boarded at Unicorn Stables. If you’re interested in leasing a horse or boarding your horse at Unicorn Stables so you can be taught by our experienced coaches, contact our team and we’ll talk.
What should I wear for my first riding lesson?
For beginner English riding lessons, dressing appropriately is important for safety and comfort. Every rider must have a well-fitting, ASTM or FEI-approved helmet riding helmet. We have loaners available for our lesson riders, but also recommend buying your own if you can. Wearing the right footwear is crucial; choose boots with a small heel (about 1 to 1.5 inches) to prevent your foot from slipping through the stirrup.
Lesson riders should bring comfortable, long-sleeved shirts to avoid chafing and wear long pants like breeches or jodhpurs, which are designed to offer flexibility and prevent fabric from bunching up under your boots. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands from blisters and improve grip on the reins.
A safety vest can offer additional protection, especially for those new to riding.
Our staff is happy to make recommendations, and will send over instructions before your first riding lesson.
Lessons happen rain or shine, so please dress for the weather when coming to ride.
How often should I take riding lessons?
Riding lessons at Unicorn Stables are offered once per week or more, depending on your schedule. New riders may want to limit themselves to one lesson per week at first until they can build up their leg muscles, otherwise they might get sore! Once you’ve gotten the hang of things, signing up for more frequent lessons can lead to significantly faster progress.
Can I progress to competitive riding through riding lessons at Unicorn Stables?
Absolutely! Many riders start with lessons and progress to competitive riding in their chosen discipline. When it’s a show weekend, our stable is a hive of activity in preparation, and we’re always excited to bring back ribbons. If you’re interested in competing, make sure to bring it up with your instructor and they’ll be pleased to advise you.
Is horseback riding safe?
Horseback riding comes with inherent risks. We do everything we can to prioritize safety through well-trained lesson horses, highly trained instructors, and ensuring all of our riders are wearing certified safety helmets. Following instructions and safety guidelines further reduces risk. Additional riding equipment like safety vests can be purchased and worn to reduce the risk of injury during a fall, and we host special horsemanship clinics to better train our riders.