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The Irish love of horses is world renowned. If your interest is cross-country, trekking, hunting, show jumping, watching the horse races or merely a wish to see the Irish horse, Ireland can offer you all this and more.
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Enjoy real freedom, ride through rugged mountains on quiet little roads which are lined with fuschia hedges, or gallop on vast sandy beaches to the ever-breaking surf. If you wish "to get away from it all", come to Ireland and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. The Irish are on hand to bring to you the delights of the Irish horse, and it will be an unforgettable experience. Dramatic mountains, expansive lakes which mirror the huge skies, majestic rivers, small fields parceled by dry stone walls, lovely forest parks, friendly villages, enchanting tracks and quiet roads all contribute to a terrain unmatched in its variety and unspoiled beauty. The people will be one of the main reasons you enjoy your riding holiday so much. Whether you meet them on the street, in a pub or shop you will be struck by the warmth of the welcome. The Irish people always have time for a chat and are genuinely interested in the visitors who come to our shores. Ireland offers a wide choice of riding facilities catering for every rider, whether novice or experienced, regardless of age.
A very popular form of Irish equestrian holiday is trail riding. Most trail rides offer good balance of beach, mountain and forest riding and the organisors try to introduce you to the special features of the area. Horseriding programs are available to suit every pocket with prices ranging from approximately 400.00 IEP upwards per week. Tuition costs vary from 12.00 IEP per hour in groups or from 25.00 IEP per hour for a private lesson. The Irish Horse The horse has been synonymous with Ireland and the Irish for centuries. Our rich limestone pastures and temperate climate have given us strong boned, superbly built horses which have won Ireland a deserved reputation in the horse breeding industry the world over. The Irish horse is renowned for its stamina, versatility, gentleness and intelligence and will provide an ideal companion on your riding holiday in Ireland. There are three species, the thoroughbred, the Irish draught and the Connemara pony. The Irish draught forms the basis of the Irish horse. The hunter, called a half-bred, is the progeny of the crossing of a thoroughbred with an Irish draught. The half-bred mated with a thoroughbred would constitute the showjumper and event horse. Measuring up to 14.2 hands high, the Connemara pony comes from the beautiful western part of Ireland which gave this fine breed its name. It is a versatile breed with an excellent temperament and is an ideal riding pony for all ages. It will carry an adult hunting and yet is gentle enough for a young child. |
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From a beginner to an amateur showjumper, Ireland is the perfect place to learn to ride. Most schools offer private tuition for individuals or groups. Many riding establishments offer inclusive holiday arrangements including accommodation and you will have plenty of choice. Some centres specialize in holidays for children and English language tuition offered at many of them.