Horseback Riding, Ireland
If you love horseback riding, Ireland is an awesome place for that! It offers green emerald fields, sandy beaches, grassy trails, and water to splash through.
Tip 💬: Find a stable close to where you are staying, to lessen your drive time.
There are two different styles of horseback riding, which are English and Western. Many stables in Ireland do English style riding, which means you have one rein in each hand. A flat saddle is also typically used for English style riding. Western style is having both reins in one hand and uses neck-reining cues. The kind of saddle would be deep and heavy, with a horn on it used for roping. The stable hand will show you what style your horse responds to. They will also guide you on how to do it correctly.
Some of the stables will require you to wear a helmet, appropriate shoes (closed toe), and attire. A closed toed, leather shoe or boot, with a smooth sole, and one inch heal works the best. The slight heal prevents your foot from slipping out of the stirrup and the leather protects your feet from the horses hooves if they step on you. Tennis shoes work as well.
The best pants for riding are breeches, technical riding tights, or flexible stretch jeans. These help prevent chafing, gives more movement, and gives a good grip. The traditional breeches are the standard for English riding. They have seamless inner legs that prevent rubbing. The stretch jeans are great for western riding and trail work. These have flat inner seems and a higher rise to stop gaping when sitting.
Tip 💬: Wear a raincoat in Ireland, it can be cloudy, windy, and rainy a lot of the time. A raincoat with a zipper pocket works awesome! Then you can bring your phone because some places will stop mid-trail and let you take pictures.
Most stables will require you to sign a waiver for injury. That means if you get hurt, they aren’t responsible to pay for it. You will also be asked if you have any spinal issues before riding. If so, you might not be eligible. You can contact the stables before going to check. They will also match you up with a helmet, if they have them. It’s possible that you might need to bring your own, but you can verify with them before you go. The stable hand pairs you up with a horse that matches your experience level. First timers usually get the most mellow, well behaved horses. Most stables won’t let you pick your horse, but it doesn’t hurt to ask if you have a certain one your heart was set on.
Tip 💬: Always say you have no experience if you want the nicest horse. I’ve said I had a little experience and been paired with a horse that kept trying to bite and kick the other horses behind him. This was not in Ireland, it was somewhere else.
Always use safety around horses. They are beautiful creatures, but they can cause bad injuries. They are big, they have teeth, they can buck, and kick you. Always walk 15-20 feet away from a horses behind to prevent a kicking injury. A kick in the head could be fatal! Talk to the horse as you approach, so you don’t startle them. Don’t stand directly in front of a horses nose or directly behind them. Those are a horses blind spots and they cannot see you. Walk up to the horses shoulder calmly, not rushed. Keep a hand on the horses body as you move around them, so they know where you are. NEVER wrap the rope/reins on your hand or any other part of your body because if the horse takes off running, you might not be able to get free.
Your stable hand will help you get onto the horse. Sometimes they use stools if you are shorter in stature. Climb up on the left side of the horse by putting your left foot in the stirrup, lift your right leg to bring over the top of the saddle, and then sit in the saddle. The saddle should not be feeling like it’s sliding sideways. If so, let the stable attendant know and they will adjust it.
Usually they have you walk the horses in a straight line on the trails. They also usually put the horses next to other horses they get along with. So, you might not be next to who you came with, but they try to make that a consideration when possible.
Most trail rides offer a variety of different paces the horses will move at. Slow paced walking, trotting, walking through the water, and some even let you gallop. Walking is nice and you can just really take in the fresh air and relax. Trotting can be fun, but harsh. I’ve found that slightly standing in the stirrup helps to not be pounding on the saddle. Galloping is my favorite! Wind in your hair and a rush of excitement. So fun 🤩! A lot of horseback riding stables don’t let you run with the horses because it makes the horses tired.
We did our horseback riding at the Carrowholly Stables and Trekking Centre. It’s near Westport, County Mayo, on Ireland’s west coast. It was great for beginners! My daughter and I went, she 💚 it! This was her first time at age 13. Her horse was very gentle and she had no problems. There were younger riders and they didn’t have any problems either. Most of the horses seemed gentle, slow paced, and well behaved. I was given the more challenging horse, but that’s because I told them I had experience. My horse really just wanted to eat. All I had to do was pull on the reins and give him a gentle kick on the sides to get him moving again. No big deal.
This trail ride was mostly walking at a slow pace with a couple of trots. The riders chose to do trotting twice. Otherwise, they do it once and ask if the group wants to do more. They walked us on some paved roads, grassy walking trails, a sandy beach, and through the beach salt water. The water was low enough to not splash on my pants. The beach is where the horses get to take a break and eat seaweed. You get to take pictures at this point.
Tip 💬: Your stable hands offer to take your picture for you with your phone, so don’t forget to bring one.
It was a nice experience! The best part was walking through the water on the beach. I will say I was a little bored, but it was a perfect ride for my beginner daughter. Like I said, she 💚 it! They do offer more experienced trail rides for people who have more experience and want more of a challenge. The staff was friendly and helpful. They will have you sign a waiver before you ride and they size a helmet for you in the stable office.
I do recommend you 🐎 in Ireland, even if you’re not a fan of it. It’s such a wonderful experience because you are in Ireland!