You’ve always loved horses, but you never thought you’d be able to own one. Maybe it’s money constraints or lack of experience, but something always kept you from getting your own horse. Now that you’ve finally taken the plunge into the world of equestrian communities, how do you find your tribe?
There are so many different types of people involved in this lifestyle that it can sometimes feel overwhelming—especially if you’re new to the horse world and don’t know where to start!
However, once you get a handle on which resources work best for meeting like-minded people, finding other riders becomes easier than ever before. So what are some ways that equestrians connect with each other?
Here are 11 tips for finding your tribe:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Finding a tribe within the equestrian community can provide benefits such as a sense of belonging, access to resources, and emotional support. |
| Ground work is essential in establishing respect and trust with your horse. |
| Knowing the history of horseback riding can deepen your appreciation for the sport. |
| Investing in safety gear is important for all riders to minimize the risk of injury. |
| Regular vet check-ups are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of your horse. |
1. Join A Group On Facebook
Facebook groups are a great way to connect with people who share your interests. They can help you find new events, products and services. And they’re also an excellent resource for networking with other riders.
There are many equestrian Facebook groups out there–so many that it can be hard to know where to start!
Here are some tips on how to find the right one for you:
Look for a group whose mission statement fits with yours. If you want somewhere where everyone is welcoming and supportive, look for one that specifically says so in its description or mission statement.
You’ll find these kinds of groups by searching “Equestrian” on Facebook (and then scrolling down until the list starts). Or just look at this list – there’s bound to be something here that appeals!
Equestrian tourism is a great way to explore new destinations while taking in the beautiful sights and sounds from the back of a horse. As we’ve discussed in our article on the best places to go horseback riding around the world, there are countless locations to discover – from the beaches of Bali to the deserts of Arizona.
2. Go To Your Local Tack Shop
You can also go to your local tack shop and ask the staff if they know of any riding clubs or groups. They may have connections with barns that are hiring, or even be able to connect you with other riders in your area. If there’s an event coming up that will bring people together (like a show), ask them about it!
3. Visit Your Local Barns And Riding Facilities
If you’re lucky enough to live near a barn, this is the best place to start your search. Barns are great because they have lots of people who share your interests and can help you out with advice.
You might find a riding partner or someone with whom you can go on trail rides together.
If there aren’t any barns in your area, don’t worry–there are still plenty of places where equestrians gather!
As any seasoned rider knows, the key to a successful equestrian partnership begins on the ground. That’s why our article on the importances of ground work emphasizes the importance of groundwork in establishing respect and trust with your horse.
4. Try Out Local Lessons
If you’re looking to get started with horseback riding, it’s a good idea to find a local riding facility and ask about lessons.
Many barns offer introductory lessons for beginners as well as private or semi-private instruction for more experienced riders.
The advantage of taking lessons at a barn is that the staff will have experience with many different horses and riders, so they can help you find the best match for your needs.
If you do decide to take lessons from someone other than your barn instructor (for example, if the person teaching at your barn doesn’t work well with your horse), make sure they have experience working with both breeds of horses commonly used in equestrian sports such as show jumping and dressage–and be sure they know what type of rider you are: whether beginner or advanced level; if this is only an interest or if it’s something serious enough that someday soon there might be prizes involved!
5. Attend A Horse Show
Attending a horse show is a great way to meet people and learn about the equestrian world. Many shows have vendors selling everything from saddles to supplements, so you can get all your equipment in one place.
You’ll also be able to see all kinds of breeds up close, which can help you decide if you’re interested in acquiring one yourself. You might even find someone selling horses that fit what you’re looking for!
Horse shows offer an opportunity for riders from different disciplines (dressage riders, jumping riders) and styles (western vs English) to come together under one roof–and they provide plenty of opportunities for those who are just getting started with their journey into horse ownership or riding as well as those who have been around horses their whole lives but want something new out of their experience with these majestic creatures.
From the ancient steppe warriors to modern Olympic disciplines, horseback riding has a rich and storied history. Our article on the history of horseback riding delves into the evolution of horseback riding from its earliest origins to the present day.
6. Look For A Barn That’s Nearby And Offers The Services You Need For Your Horse
The next step is to find a barn that’s nearby and offers the services you need for your horse. You want to be able to get there quickly when something comes up, so look for a barn that’s close to your home.
The same goes for any special services they provide–if you have a young horse who needs extra training or an older horse who could use some exercise, look for stables that offer those things in addition to boarding!
Also important: experienced staff. You want someone who knows what they’re doing when it comes time for veterinary visits or shoeing appointments, so make sure everyone on staff at this new facility has plenty of experience working with horses before hiring them as part of your team!
| Barn/Service | Description |
|---|---|
| SmartPak Barn Finder | An online resource that helps riders find and compare boarding facilities across the United States. You can search for a barn by location, services offered, and amenities provided. |
| EquiRating | EquiRating is an independent certification program for equestrian facilities that rates barns based on safety, horse care practices, and other key factors. Their rating system ranges from one to five stars, with five-star facilities being the safest and most well-equipped. |
| USEF Affiliated Barns | The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) sanctions barns and facilities that meet their high standards for safety, horse care, and ethics. USEF Affiliated Barns are carefully inspected and vetted to ensure they meet the organization’s criteria. |
| Horse Boarding Facility Association of America (HBFAA) | HBFAA provides industry standards and a code of ethics for horse boarding facilities. Members follow specific guidelines for horse care, stable management, and business practices. |
| Local Reviews and Referrals | Looking at reviews from local riders or seeking referrals from other horse owners or vets in your area can give you a better idea of what to expect from a specific barn or facility. |
Note: There are many other factors to consider when choosing a barn, including the proximity to veterinary care, farriers, trails, and turnout areas. It’s important to research and visit potential barns in person to see if they meet your needs and expectations.
7. Help Out In Your Community
Volunteering is a great way to meet people and build your community. It’s also the best way to get your foot in the door of any equestrian organization, whether it’s a charity or riding facility.
Volunteering for an organization will help you feel more connected with that group, so when it comes time for them to hire someone, they’ll remember you!
If you’re interested in volunteering at a horse rescue or barn/stable that does not have paid staff members (or only has part-time employees), there are plenty of opportunities out there for people who want something more flexible than working full-time but still want some stability and structure.
Regular vet check-ups are crucial to maintaining the health and well-being of your horse. As we highlight in our article on the importances of regular vet check-ups, routine exams can help detect and prevent a variety of health issues that could potentially impact your horse’s performance and quality of life.
8. Start Training Yourself And Your Horse
You might be surprised to learn that there are many skills you can learn on your own. For example, if you have never trained a horse before and want to start, the best thing to do is start with the basics.
There are lots of resources online that will help guide you through this process and make it easier than ever before.
In addition, if taking lessons from an experienced trainer sounds like something interesting for you then consider looking into some options available in your area!
9. Take Riding Lessons From A Professional Instructor
Taking riding lessons from a professional instructor can be an invaluable experience for any rider. If you’re new to the sport, there’s no better way to learn what it takes to be successful in equestrian sports than by working with someone who has been doing it for years.
If you’re thinking about taking lessons, here are some tips on how to find one:
Ask around! It never hurts to ask friends or family members if they know any good riders. If they do, ask them who their instructors were and if those instructors would recommend them as well (or vice versa).
You can also look at local stables and see if they have any recommendations themselves; many stables will post these notes on their websites or leave them with customers after their rides.* Check out reviews online.
Look up reviews of various instructors’ work online–this will give you an idea of whether people think highly of them or not.
Research organizations like 4-H clubs; many times these groups offer free clinics where young people learn about horsemanship through hands-on experience instead importantly learning about safety first hand before heading out into open fields.
| Brand/Instructor | Description |
|---|---|
| USDF Certified Instructors | United States Dressage Federation (USDF) certified instructors have undergone extensive training and testing to earn their certification. They can provide expert guidance in dressage training for both beginner and advanced riders. |
| Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) | CHA is a command in North American for training for riding instructors. This certification is internationally recognized, and their instructors can provide beginner riders with a solid foundation in horsemanship. |
| Parelli Natural Horsemanship | Parelli Natural Horsemanship is a globally recognized method of natural horse training which focuses on communication, respect, and safety. Their certified instructors can teach riders how to become more attentive and intuitive when communicating with horses. |
| British Horse Society | British Horse Society (BHS)-approved riding instructors offer programs for riders of all levels, covering various disciplines such as dressage, jumping, and eventing. They also offer certifications for riders looking to become professional instructors themselves. |
| EquestrianCoach.com | EquestrianCoach is an online platform that has hundreds of video riding lessons featuring Olympic-level trainers such as Bernie Traurig and George Morris. Riders can access the videos anywhere, anytime to learn from top trainers in the industry. |
Note: There are many other reputable riding instructors and organizations available to riders that are not listed here.
10. Attend A Clinic Or Workshop With Other Riders
Attending a clinic is a great way to meet other riders, learn new skills and get feedback on your riding. Clinics can be held at local barns or equestrian centers, but they also frequently take place at shows. If you’re interested in attending one, here are some tips:
Check out websites like Eventing Nation or Horse Nation for listings of upcoming clinics and workshops near you. These sites have thousands of listings across the country; just type in your zip code and see what comes up!
Look for clinics that are taught by experienced professionals with well-regarded reputations (like Olympians). This will ensure that your instructor knows what they’re talking about–and that there’s less chance of them scaring off their students by being too intimidating or condescending when giving feedback during group lessons.
If possible try to find an event where there are multiple instructors teaching different topics so riders have more options when deciding how far into certain subjects they want go.
You may also want consider which type has better reviews from past attendees so that way it helps guide decision making process easier when deciding where best fit within budget constraints
11. Take Advantage Of Online Resources, Such As Forums And Chat Rooms, To Meet Like-Minded People
Online communities are an excellent way to find like-minded people. If you’re looking for advice or support, there are many different types of online forums where equestrians hang out.
There are also chat rooms where riders can talk about their horses and other topics in real time. These places allow you to interact directly with other equestrians from around the world who share your interests, whether it be riding lessons or horseback riding competitions.
It’s important that you take advantage of these resources if you want to make new friends with similar hobbies as yours!
| Website/Platform | Description |
|---|---|
| Reddit /r/equestrian | One of the most popular online discussion forums for equestrians where riders can discuss everything from training techniques to horse health and well-being. |
| Facebook Groups | There are countless Facebook groups dedicated to equestrian topics ranging from horse breeds to disciplines such as dressage, jumping, or western riding. Joining these groups is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and share advice and experiences. |
| Equestrian Social Media Apps (e.g. BarnManager, HorseLinc) | Equestrian-specific apps that help riders manage and organize their horse-related activities and tasks. They also have social media features that allow users to connect with and follow other riders and horse enthusiasts. |
| Equestrian Meetup Groups | Local meetup groups on Meetup.com that organize events and activities for equestrians in specific areas. |
| HorseForum.com | An online community forum for horse lovers, featuring discussion forums, classifieds, and articles about horses and horseback riding. |
Note: There are many other online resources available for equestrians to meet like-minded people such as horse care websites, equestrian blogs, online courses, and more.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The best way to find your equestrian community is by joining groups on Facebook, visiting local barns and riding facilities, taking lessons from a professional instructor or attending clinics and workshops with other riders.
You can also try out online resources like forums or chat rooms where people share tips about their experiences with horses and other topics related to this lifestyle.
Further reading
Here are some additional resources that can help you learn more about finding a community or tribe that shares your passion for horses:
Wanderlust: How to Find Your Tribe – A guide from an adventure and wellness-focused website that offers advice on finding your tribe.
Generation Tribe: Horses for Healing – An article discussing the therapeutic benefits of horses and how they can help people overcome trauma and build a supportive community.
EAIE: Communities of practice: how to grow them and which tools to use – An article that explores the idea of communities of practice and how they can be fostered and supported.
FAQs
What is a horse tribe?
A horse tribe is a community of individuals who share a passion for horses. This can include horse owners, riders, trainers, breeders, and other enthusiasts.
How can I find my horse tribe?
There are many ways to find a horse tribe, including:
- Joining a local riding club or equestrian organization
- Attending horse shows or competitions
- Volunteering at a therapeutic riding center or equine rescue
- Connecting with others on social media or online forums
Why is finding a horse tribe important?
Being a part of a horse tribe can provide a sense of belonging and community, as well as opportunities to learn and grow as a rider or horse owner. It can also be a source of emotional support and encouragement during difficult times.
What are some benefits of being part of a horse tribe?
Some potential benefits of being part of a horse tribe include:
- Access to resources and information on horse care and management
- Opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and make new friends
- Access to mentorship or coaching from experienced riders or trainers
- A sense of belonging and community
- Opportunities to participate in group activities, such as trail rides or clinics
How can I become more involved in my horse tribe?
To become more involved in your horse tribe, consider:
- Attending group events or activities
- Volunteering to help with organizing events or activities
- Offering to share your expertise or knowledge with other members
- Participating in online discussions or forums
- Connecting with other members one-on-one outside of organized events or activities.
Hi there! My name is Hellen James, and I’m a horse riding expert. I’ve been riding horses since I was just a kid—and it’s been my passion ever since. But getting started with horse riding can be overwhelming. There’s so much to learn! If you’re looking for a way to get started and make sure you’re doing it right, I’m here to help.
