What is the going rate for basic pleasure riding lessons (private and group, 30 min. and 1 hour) in your area, as well as for indoor arena haul-in fees? What would you pay if you were seeking these services?
If anyone here knows what the going rate is in the Midwest, that would be especially helpful. TIA
In recent years in both MD and FL, the going rate for a 45 min - 1 hour private lesson is in the $60 - 70 range (maybe $5 off if you have your own horse) and haul-in fees have been $20 (small boarding barns, not a big show facility…those are usually $50 to school). I haven’t been at a barn that offered group lessons in years, but sometimes would take a pre-show lesson with a friend or two just because we were all practicing the same dressage test etc. and the rate did not change, our lessons just wound up going long enough that we all got a fair amount of individual feedback.
Small town, northeast Georgia. I charge $30 for an hour, includes grooming and tacking so about 45 minutes in the saddle. That is private.
I set my price so that I can always purchase two round bales of hay with the cost of a lesson, an offer a cheaper price for bigger packages.
Either round bales are crazy cheap where you are or people are willing to pay lots more for lessons there.
I think I paid $75 for first cutting rounds last year. That would mean a lesson is $150 using your system.
That is a reasonable price for a big name trainer, but not what most people are able to pay for basic riding lessons.
Correct depends on location. Currently my lesson price is less than 2 round bales (90-110) but when i travel i usually charge $125 so it covers hay and a lil gas.
I just try to always figure out what i need for cash flow between hay and grain and match a sale to it roughly.
I’m in North Idaho. I pay $35/30 minutes each for my kids to have a safe lesson (riding and basic handling) on my horses at my arena.
Going rate for haul-in lessons in my area (middle TN) is generally $40-60/hour.
I personally pay $25 for “dry work” (rail/reining) lessons or $50 for lessons that involve either a cutting flag or actual cattle. Because I found a gem of a trainer who apparently hasn’t raised his rates in about 20 years. 
I try to “tip” him or bring him useful gifts as often as I can.
Western WA:
Haul in - $15 to $20
Lesson - $60 and up
XC Lesson - $70+
I currently pay $75 for private lessons. Haul- in fees vary but are usually $15-$25 for an indoor with a full course of jumps. The most I’ve seen is $40 for Boyd Martin’s brand new, super nice one (it is $25 to flat).
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