Hello everyone, relatively new and green equestrian here.

I have recently started taking lessons after getting my eyes opened to the horse world by some of my friends. The stable where I ride has relatively cheap lessons and is not too far to drive, so I do have some extra space in my budget that I could put towards my hobby. I take one lesson per week since that's what's available for adults with little experience at this stable (and all others in the area).

My real question is what you believe would be the most beneficial for my development. The two alternatives I'm thinking about is either to see if it would be possible to take more group lessons (this might be possible) per week, or if I instead should take one or two private lessons per month.

I'm currently leaning towards private lessons since one more lesson per week would be kinda close to my current pain threshold for cost. But of course I know horses are going to be expensive no matter what, and the difference is small enough to consider both options depending on how they will help my development. I'm also thinking that private lessons for a while might make it possible to put me in another group and thus enable taking more group lessons instead.

So, people with experience, what do you think will help me the most? Taking more (group) lessons or taking a private lesson (1-2x per month)? Or maybe saving the money to buy other things than lessons (equipment, books, etc)? Or maybe another option I haven't thought about? I'm in Sweden if that makes any difference.

As for my goals, which I belive are worth mentioning, short term is just having fun and learning as much as possible about horses and riding. My long term goal is to have enough skill and knowledge to own a horse. Not actually owning a horse, but at least having the knowledge required. A milestone on that goal is leasing a horse to get some experience of actually needing to take care of a horse, but also to have one horse that I can really get to know and bond with. Not really interested in competing or such. It could be fun to do some time, but not a main goal.

Of course I welcome all potential advice to reach my goals if you have any.

Thanks!

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