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I can remember my first ever horse riding lesson. I was terrified but I felt a little more at ease because I had prepared for it for weeks on end!

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your first horse riding lesson and make it a day to remember.

First of all - don't go with the first riding school/instructor that you come across. Look around and see who is best for you. Choose somebody who you feel at ease with and who offers facilities suitable to your needs. Make sure that the instructor you choose is qualified and insured.

It is vital that you wear suitable clothing and safety equipment whilst riding. Some riding schools will provide you with this, but you should always have riding clothes and equipment of your own. Here is a list of clothes and equipment I recommend you have before your first riding lesson

HEMET.
You need to choose a helmet that feels snug on your head, so it cannot slip over your eyes. The helmet must have a chin strap. If it's summer get a helmet with a peak on the front to keep the sun out of your eyes - you'll also be able to wear it all year round.

FOOTWEAR.
Make sure your riding boots are long (just under the knee) and strong. They must also be flexible and have a small heel to sit nicely in the stirrups.

GLOVES.
Choose a pair of strong gloves to wear - these will stop your hands from rubbing and wont effect your gripping in bad weather.

TROUSERS.
You don't need to invest in a pair of breeches or jodhpurs just yet but make sure you wear a pair of tough trousers that are flexible and wont rub.

JACKETS
A quilted jacket or body warmer is always good for riding, although you can wear any jacket as long as it's suitable, non-restrictive and doesn't make a noise when the wind catches it - a waterproof jacket for example.

Remember to remove all jewellery before your lesson. It could get caught on your riding equipment. I'd advise removing everything from your pockets too, else you might not see them again!

Go to bed early the night before your lesson and have a good breakfast before your lesson. If you're tired and not alert you wont get the most out of your lesson and could make terrible mistakes.

Make sure you arrive at your lesson confident. Even if you are nervous, just ooze confidence and your horse wont play you for a fool! If your horse susses out that that you are unsure or scared, it will pick it up.

Get to know your horse. I'm sure your instructor will go through this with you but talking to and petting your horse will build up a trust and confidence bond between the two of you before the lesson.

Take somebody along for support. I'm sure your instructor wont mind. You might feel a lot happier and less nervous if you have a friend or relative there to watch and support you.

And last but not least - enjoy it! Remember, you only get one first ever riding lesson

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