Horseback riding lessons in Surrey, BC
Riding lessons for all levels
Looking for riding lessons in Surrey or the Metro Vancouver area? Unicorn Stables offers a structured, coach-led lesson program for riders of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners to those working toward competition.
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.
Our programs are built around strong horsemanship and quality instruction. Riders are expected to participate beyond just the coached portion of their lesson; grooming, tacking up, untacking, and general horse care are all part of the experience. Progress happens both in and out of the saddle.
Our weekly riding lesson program
Our core lesson program gives each rider a consistent weekly lesson, same day, same time, and same horse. That consistency is intentional. Familiarity builds confidence, and confidence builds better riders.
Lessons run in small groups of two to three riders of a similar level, with coaching focused on long-term rider development rather than just getting through the hour.
What’s included:
- One coached group lesson per week
- Grooming, tacking up, and untacking as part of every session
- Consistent time slot each week
- Professional coaching focused on your long-term development
Additional riding lessons
Beyond the weekly program, riders can add extra sessions tailored to their individual goals. Options include:
- Group riding lessons
- Private riding lessons
- Groundwork sessions
- Focused skill work: flatwork, position, confidence-building, or horsemanship
Additional lessons can be booked as a monthly add-on package or as individual sessions when available. Contact the office to find out what works best for your goals.
Beginner riding lessons in Surrey
Never ridden before? No problem. Our beginner program starts with the fundamentals: safety, grooming, and tack, before moving into the saddle. We prioritize building comfort and confidence before moving riders forward, so there’s no rushing the process.
We also run spring and summer riding camps, which are a great entry point for younger riders or anyone who wants an immersive introduction to horses before committing to weekly lessons.
Riding lessons for intermediate and advanced riders
Already have some experience? Our intermediate and advanced lessons focus on refining technique, improving position, developing a deeper understanding of horse behaviour, and working toward your riding goals, whether that’s competing, leasing, or simply becoming a more well-rounded rider.
Many of our riders go on to compete, and we love a show weekend. If competition is on your radar, let your coach know, and they’ll help you get there.
Our riders love their lessons
Riding facilities for everyone
Lessons take place in our spacious indoor dressage arena and outdoor jumping arena, both well-maintained and suitable for all weather. We also have unparalleled access to scenic beach and forest trails nearby for trail riding when the opportunity arises.
Lesson horses available for every level
We have a diverse string of school horses suited to every level, from calm and steady horses for new riders to more forward horses for those ready for a challenge. Our coaches ride the lesson horses regularly to keep them well-conditioned and prepared for their riders.
If you’re interested in riding your own boarded horse or leasing a horse at the barn, we can help with that, too.
How long are riding lessons?
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 are as important for our students to learn as riding is.
Lessons happen all year, including on holidays, rain or shine. We will never cancel your lessons without letting you know.
How much do riding lessons cost?
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.
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?
Our lesson program primarily uses well-trained and safe school horses. If you own or lease a horse boarded at Unicorn Stables, we can accommodate lessons with your own horse as well. We’re also happy to help lesson riders become first-time or returning leasers.
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 hard safety vest or airbag vest can offer additional protection. The Unicorn team is happy to help fit you for a vest.
Our staff is happy to make recommendations and will send over instructions before your first riding lesson.
Lessons happen rain or shine, indoors and outdoors, so please dress for the weather when coming to ride.
How often should I ride?
Our weekly lesson program is built around one consistent lesson per week, which is the right starting point for most riders. As your fitness and confidence build, adding more ride time through additional lessons or leasing is a natural next step and one that noticeably accelerates progress.
Can I progress to competitive riding through riding lessons at Unicorn Stables?
Absolutely. Many of our riders have gone from their first lesson to the show ring. If competition is a goal, bring it up with your coach early on, and they’ll build a plan around it.
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 hard or airbag safety vests, can be purchased and worn to reduce the risk of injury during a fall, and we host special horsemanship clinics regularly to better train our riders.