What to Ask. With candidates in mind, grab a spiral notebook, then call and ask about:

Lesson mounts. Are there a number of horses or ponies suitable for beginners? (Riding a variety of horses helps develop well-rounded equestrian skills.) Are more advanced mounts available for when your child is ready to move up?

Safety. Is there a program in place to address this concern, with rules that are strictly enforced? Is there a well-thought-out method for matching beginning students to horses? Are personnel trained in first aid, and is there a plan for handling medical emergencies? Does the facility carry liability insurance? (The latter indicates an understanding of and attention to safety/risk issues.)

Curriculum. Do students learn about the care and handling of horses as well as riding skills?

Costs. How much are group, private, and semi-private lessons? Are there discounts for payment in advance? What are the policies regarding cancellations and makeups?

Logistics. What are the days, times and age groups of lessons? How large, typically, are classes? (Ideally, they shouldn't be over six to eight for a group lesson.)

Accreditation. Is the instructor certified by a riding instructor organization, or does he/she have other credentials, such as a college degree in horsemanship? (Accreditation doesn't guarantee that an instructor is good, but it's a helpful indication of diligence and professionalism.)

Resume. Has the instructor had success teaching youngsters? If your child plans eventually to show, has the instructor coached young riders successfully in the show ring?

Gender mix. If your child is a boy, are there other boys and men riding at the facility? (As riding is especially popular among girls, you want to be sure there will be riding buddies and role models available for your son.)

Boarding. If you plan eventually to lease or purchase a horse for your child and prefer not to keep it at home, you'll want to be able to board it at the facility where your child's instructor is.

Inspecting the facility. Once you've "pre-qualified" some promising instructors, arrange to inspect their facility and watch a lesson in progress. Bring your notebook along to jot your impressions regarding:

Safety. Are the safety measures you were told exist actually in evidence? Are youngsters wearing helmets? Do the horses and ponies look calm and manageable, as opposed to overly fresh, spooky or high-strung? Are buildings and enclosures safe-looking, and tack and equipment in good repair? Are all personnel alert and no-nonsense in their approach to overseeing the children? Is there an overall feeling of order and discipline?

Professionalism. Is the facility clean and well-organized? (It needn't be expensive or glitzy, however, as these aren't reliable indicators of the quality of instruction.) Are lessons running on time, without undue confusion? Is the instructor neatly and appropriately dressed? Do the horses look fit, healthy and happy, with well-cared-for feet (no overlong toes or clinking shoes)?

Character. Your child will learn more than horsemanship and riding from her instructor. Is the instructor a role model you're comfortable with?

Atmosphere. Is it businesslike, yet friendly? Do the staff and students seem happy and congenial with each other?

Next: Observing a lesson

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