Hi I'm interested in starting to have lessons in riding, I was just wondering what range I should be expected to pay - just so I don't end up being ripped off by anyone lol

And also, my friend took some lessons last summer, and she said they didn't actually let her ride for the first 2 lessons - she just had to sit in a room and learn how to get on the horse and "respect" the horse with a bunch of 10 year olds. Is this common practice??
I really don't wanna get stuck with kids who progress faster than me ahah