Your First Riding Lesson in France
Book a trial lesson at a French riding centre, follow the instructor's commands in the arena and look after your horse afterwards.
Riding is one of the most practised sports in France, taught in centres équestres and poney-clubs all over the country. A séance d'essai is usually cheap, but for regular lessons you buy a carte or a yearly forfait and take out the licence of the Fédération française d'équitation, which includes insurance; riders progress through levels called Galops. A helmet is compulsory and can normally be borrowed, and instructors in clubs often use tu with riders.
- 1
J'ai jamais fait de cheval.
I've never been riding.
- 2
Je voudrais réserver une séance d'essai.
I'd like to book a trial lesson.
- 3
Il faut un casque ?
Do I need a helmet?
- 4
Tu peux en emprunter un ici.
You can borrow one here.
- 5
Voici Caramel, elle est très douce.
This is Caramel, she's very gentle.
- 6
Je monte comment ?
How do I get on?
- 7
Tiens les rênes comme ça.
Hold the reins like this.
- 8
Les talons en bas !
Heels down!
- 9
Redresse le dos.
Straighten your back.
- 10
Serre les jambes pour avancer.
Squeeze your legs to move forward.
- 11
On va passer au trot.
We're going to move up to a trot.
- 12
Ça secoue !
It's so bumpy!
- 13
Ho, doucement !
Whoa, easy!
- 14
J'ai un peu peur.
I'm a bit scared.
- 15
Elle mange l'herbe, je fais quoi ?
She's eating the grass, what do I do?
- 16
Tu peux lui donner une carotte.
You can give her a carrot.
- 17
Faut la brosser après la balade.
We have to brush her after the ride.
- 18
J'ai des courbatures partout !
I'm aching all over!
- 19
C'est combien, la carte de dix cours ?
How much is the ten-lesson card?
- 20
Il faut une licence pour monter régulièrement ?
Do I need a licence to ride regularly?
Tip: This is the riding federation's membership, not a driving document.