Confidently Start Your
Western Riding Journey

Find beginner-friendly instructors, trusted equine businesses, personalized guidance, and a supportive community. all in one place.

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We’re starting in Utah, with more states coming soon.

How Start Western Riding Works

Four simple steps from curious to confidently in the saddle.

Take Find Your Riding Path™

Discover Personalized Matches

Connect with Trusted Businesses

Start Riding with Confidence

What Are You Looking For?

Horses for riding lessons

Riding Lessons

Trainer working with a horse

Training

Riders on a trail

Trail Rides & Guest Ranches

Horse and rider in a mountain pasture

Boarding

Farrier trimming a horse's hoof

Farriers

Veterinarian examining a horse

Feed & Hay

Interior of a western tack shop

Tack & Saddlery

Western apparel display

Youth Programs

Featured Beginner-Friendly Businesses

Rider on horseback finding their riding path with Start Western Riding

Not sure where to begin? Find Your Riding Path™

Answer a few questions and we’ll build a personalized starting plan – no experience required.

Takes about three minutes · Free

Find Western Gear and Look Cute

Know exactly what you need now, what can wait, and what's just for fun.

Horses in a field — gear you need right now for your first lesson

Need Right Now

HelmetBootsJeansGloves
Rider petting a horse — gear you'll need later as you progress

Need Later

SaddleTackChapsGrooming Kit

Rider on horseback in western apparel — gear that's just for fun

Just for Fun

HatsBelts & BucklesWestern ApparelLocal Tack Shops

Grow Your Equine Business

Reach riders who are actively looking to start, and see exactly what your listing is doing for you.

Michelle Terpstra with a horse — Start Western Riding's mission

Our Mission

It took Michelle eighteen months to figure out how to start riding, the questions she was afraid to ask, the businesses she couldn’t find, the gear she bought twice. Start Western Riding exists so the next person doesn’t have to go through that. Every rider deserves a confident first step.

Meet the Founders

Built by riders, for riders.

Michelle Terpstra, Co-Founder of Start Western Riding

Michelle Terpstra

Co-Founder

Andy Terpstra, Co-Founder of Start Western Riding

Andy Terpstra

Co-Founder

Gus, Chief Trail Officer of Start Western Riding

Gus

Chief Trail Officer

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