Your program includes 7 nights accommodation, 6 days full board, 5 days riding (20 hours). The program commences Sunday evening until the following Sunday morning, and is for the rider looking for a serious cross country riding week in Ireland. It also allows for a free day on Thursday for you to go sightseeing or shopping.

Daily Timetable

Arrive in Ireland on Sunday evening in time for Dinner at 7.30 pm. Rooms are generally available from 6.00 pm, although every effort will be made to accommodate any guests that arrive earlier. Monday - Guests will chat over breakfast with their instructor about riding ability, aims etc.. Riding commences at 1.30 am with initial assessment of riders in the indoor or outdoor school followed by a hack. Lunch is served at 1.00 pm. Afternoon ride is from 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm. Dinner is served at 7.30 pm. The following days will follow a similar pattern except for assessment session. The riding program can be altered to suit all levels of riders.

The 'Improve Your Riding' program is tailored to the individual and includes more formal instruction in the areas the client requests.

YOUR EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Castle Leslie Equestrian Centre is situated on the Castle Leslie Estate in a hidden unexploited corner of Ireland and has been described as "Horse Heaven." The Countryside is soft green and rolling with ancient forests, lakes and abundant flora and fauna. Here it seems possible to step back in time and escape the pressures of the modern world and enjoy close harmony with horses, nature and fellow riding companions. The picturesque village of Glaslough lies at the estate gates and has won many awards in the tidy Towns Competition over the years. Its old buildings and character have been preserved along with the village way of life. The centre provides a wide variety of programs to cater to all levels of riders and non-riders so that they can enjoy excellent fishing, golf, walking or cycling in the surrounding countryside. There are numerous places of interest to visit within easy driving distance.

The horses range from the 'Baby-sitters' & 'Flying Armchairs' for the more novice or nervous rider, to typical Irish hunters who provide more of a challenge for the experienced rider. The centres aim is for nervous or novice riders to gain confidence from a team of experienced horses and qualified instructors in a constructive program. For the intermediate rider the emphasis is on improving, progressively jumping more challenging fences and combinations. The more experienced rider can ride younger, more challenging horses over extensive cross-country courses. Qualified instructors up to B.H.S.I.I. lead the cross-country rides and also teach all levels and will make sure that everyone can make the most of their holiday with sympathetic instruction or just the right amount of encouragement for the rider who does not want 'formal tuition.'

There are extensive trails on the Castle Leslie Estate with natural and man-made obstacles spread over a wide area, also riding on adjacent farmland and a competition course is available with a large number of fences to suit all levels. Facilities include a full set of show jumps, indoor school and outdoor arenas - all weather and grass. All the riding programs include an initial assessment and rides are graded to ensure that everyone rides at pace to suit them.

Your program includes accommodation and full board in the 'Hunting Lodge' a large Victorian house on the Castle Leslie Estate, the accommodation is comfortable 'country house' style and to most people it becomes a second home, with many riders returning year after year. Bedrooms are centrally heated, have bathrooms en-suite or a private bathroom adjacent. There are tea and coffee making facilities and telephones in all rooms. During your stay you will sample Irish Country House cuisine in the Hunting Lodge Restaurant, the set menu features fresh local produce, home-made soups, fresh salmon, steaks, lamb etc… and home made desserts and ice creams. Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for.

USEFUL INFORMATION

It is recommended that client's hat/helmets be up to one of the following standards - PSS015, BS EN 1384, ASTM/SEI. All hats must have a 3 point harness and fit correctly. It is strongly recommended that client wear body protectors - preferably to CE Mark Purple Standard - any reputable tack shop will be able to advise on safety equipment. We recommend for riding wear breeches or riding trousers with rubber boots - Leather boots can be worn, but they require more maintenance in wet weather. Chaps and short boots are fine. A waterproof coat or jacket and warm sweaters as the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable, so it is better to wear layers rather than 1 bulky item. We also recommend that you bring gloves and a whip. A laundry service is available but please ensure that you bring sufficient riding clothes. The dress code for the evenings is casual. For electrical equipment Ireland operates on 240v, 3 square pin plugs - same as the U.K. - not as mainland Europe. NOTE - Riding is a dangerous sport, participants in any of the programmes are advised to have adequate insurance cover in the event of an accident. Please ensure that your hat, back protector and footwear are of the correct standard. Please inform the management of any medical condition that may affect your ability to ride.