I really want to learn how to ride, but I'm a bit scared. I've heard so many stories about people falling off their horses and getting seriously injured. I have a very good friend who would really like to teach me for free, but at the same time I am so nervous. Do you think it's worth learning for free from a friend, or should I really pursue a professional? I feel comfortable with this person, just not with riding in general.

I think anyone who has good teaching skills would be a good person to learn from. Its hard to separate yourself as a friend and teacher for some people. You need to be willing to offend her if you don't think she's teaching you anything, and she needs to be willing to be firm with you if you are in danger.

That being said I've taught friends and family to ride, but I leave my friendship at the arena gate. ;)

For something like learning to ride a horse I would love to go with a friend. Horse riding involves building a relationship with the horse too-it's not like simply learning the mechanics of driving a car or other machine. I think that it can help with that, to have a friend on hand instead of a stranger so that you are not self conscious of getting to know the horse.

Did you fall off your bike when you were a kid? I really cant think of anything that has not had this happen yet, maybe I just know clumpsy people not sure but the fact is, sometimes you gotta fall before you know what your doing. I would get a trainer if I could.

If you find a nice beginners group lesson you won't have to worry about being self-conscious because everyone else will be just as new to riding and horses. Having a friend might be cheaper but you need to honestly evaluate their actual knowledge and ability to teach people while keeping them safe.

That brings up another good question, I think. Should somebody who is very nervous learn to ride in a group, or one-on-one with a teacher? I think that the group could provide a lot of support and comfort.

I think either would work. It depends on how you feel about learning. If you're the type who hates to have others see you mess up stick to smaller lessons or private. If you don't mind messing up a bit in front of 4-5 people (and their families possibly) go for a group lesson. I suggest group lessons at some point. You can learn alot from other people's mistakes as well as your own.

I agree kerrits. I think it sounds like a good idea eventually. Watching other methods that work might be a good idea too. I think it's a good idea to examine riding in every aspect. I think that group sessions might be good to see how other people react to being nervous or scared too. They might be able to offer you some personal tips.

If you can get the proper person its just like being on a slopes to ski and having a good trainer, most important one with patience since you are so new to this all. I have seen some trainers not take the time needed to explain some of the why nots to people so then the people just do something silly and end up being the kind that fall off horses. :)

I can't ride. I admit it, I love horses but the thought of riding one is a little bit intimidating. I would want a one on one teacher for myself.