brown and white skewbald horse cantering in a field with a rider
herd of horses in a green grass field and sky with clouds
horse and rider galloping in a stubble field with straw bales
white grey horse lying down in a green grass field with trees and blue sky background
a view of horse's mane and ears with more horses and riders in front riding along a lane at sunset golden hour
child riding a pony at trot in a sand riding arena with hedge behind
man hacking a grey horse along a farm lane with woods beside him
child rider jumping a show jump in a sand riding arena
two horses and riders standing in a field with a blue sky

Equestrian Holidays - Frequently Asked Questions

 

Can I bring my own horse?

It is often possible for guests to bring their own horse with them - please contact us directly to discuss stabling for the duration of your stay.

Do I need to be an advanced rider?

We have horses to suit all levels of ability - from beginner adults and children right up to jumping 1.2m. Our instructors will match you with a horse that suits your experience.

Do I need to bring my own hat?

While we do have riding hats, boots and body protectors available for clients to borrow while riding, we advise that you bring your own riding gear if you have it - your own personal protective equipment will always be a better fit.

Can I wear a body protector?

Yes, of course. We strongly recommend that riders wear a body protector especially when jumping. Please note that they are mandatory for all cross country jumping and minors must wear a body protector when jumping. We do have a selection of sizes available for riders to borrow however we strongly recommend you wear your own personal protective equipment where possible.

How many horses have you?

We have approximately 15 horses and 10 ponies for guests to ride. The number varies but usually there is about 70 horses on the farm! This includes our personal competition horses, brood mares, youngstock and livery horses.

Can I pick which horse I ride?

Each morning at breakfast, the yard manager will meet you to discuss what riding you would like to do that day and make a plan for the day. If you are familiar with the horses you are welcome to discuss your favorites and this will be taken into account where possible. For safety reasons and to ensure that a horse is not overworked the instructors will match riders with the horse they will ride.

A Typical Day with 3 Hours Riding

8.30am Breakfast in The Lodge

9am Meet with the Chief Instructor to discuss what riding you would like to do that day

10am Lesson 1

11am Break for coffee and a little rest

11.30am Lesson 2

1pm Lunch in The Lodge and chat about the morning rides

2.30pm Lesson 3

4pm Time for a shower and chill for a while to let your muscles recover or go exploring the local area

6pm Dinner in the Lodge

Evening activities - after dinner guests will often go for a walk around the farm or relax in front of the wood-fired stove discussing the highlights of the day. Tullamore is only a few minutes drive away with lots of pubs with live music, a large cinema and other evening activities.

Meet our Yard Manager & Chief Instructor…

riding instructor on a brown bay horse in a field of yellow flowers rapeseed oil

Evelyn

horse riding coach on a white grey horse in a field of yellow oilseed rape flowers

Gina

Dress Code

Head- Up to standard well fitting riding helmet. Scull cap for cross-country. Long hair should be tied up to avoid snagging. Platting, hair nets and buns are best.

Slim glasses are fine. Overly large glasses are not permitted.

Body – Slim fitting long sleeve base layer under an up to standard body protector for all riders under 18 and recommended for all adults. For cooler conditions a jumper or jacket can be fitted over the body protector. 

All buttons and zips must be closed as to avoid garment flapping or snagging.

Cross-country- A body protector must be always worn by all riders. Inflatable body protectors must be worn with a body protector. Back protectors are not sufficient.

Not recommended- Hoodies, loose flappy clothes.   

Legs- Well fitted horse riding jodhpurs or breeches are best. Slim fitting leggings are OK.

Not permitted – Shorts, dresses, skirts, unnecessary appendages or jeans with large holes.

Hands- Well fitted riding gloves are always best.

False nails, rings and jewellery should be removed to avoid injury.

Feet- Long horse-riding boots are best. Slim flat soled shoe/boot with a small heel are permitted.

Not permitted- Wellies with grips, Runners, footwear with appendages, any footwear that may get stuck in a stirrup.

Jewellery- Wearing jewellery while horse riding is really not recommended. Rings, earrings, necklaces and body piercings can cause injury or make another injury much worse. Risks – catching and pulling causing ripping and bleeding. Puncture wounds as a result of a blow.

The following are not permitted-

False nails or long nails – They will catch and break nails causing bleeding & pain.

False eye lashes- Can come detached and damage eyes.

Long Hair extensions- can snag and cause injury.  

Excess makeup- Can run and impair vision.