What is a good age to start riding at?

Almost any age is a good age but 8 year olds are sometimes a little bit more mature and a bit stronger. For younger riders you can start with pony rides. Older riders (adults) can ride at any age. Is anyone to old? you just have to bear in mind how you would handle a fall if you fell. 

Is there protective gear for my child?

Yes, we provide helmets and boots. However, after 10 lessons we do recommend that you buy a helmet if your child is more than interested. Be sure they are a suitable standard. A decent one should cost approx 90 euro. Helmets are mandatory but body protectors are not but if you have abody protector we recommend you wear one. They can add another layer of protection. 

How many lessons do I need before I am comfortable riding

There is no correct answer to this question. As long as you are enjoying it and are progressing at a comfortable pace that is good. Learning how to trot can take some adults or kids longer than others. 8 lessons or less for a trot is good. Cantering can take longer. They need good balance for this part. Private lessons or camps will help a good deal with this. ​Ask Tim how you or your child is doing and he will explain as best he can.

Do you do pony rides for young kids?

Yes, we do a little bit of grooming and a short pony ride for our younger riders. Saturday is a good day for this. We take bookings a day or two in advance for these

My child isn't happy that her pony is so slow

It is not by accident that we put some children on slow ponies. It will boost there confidence pushing a pony on rather than holding one back. Do talk to Tim if you have concerns

My child only wants to ride one pony, what should I tell her

It isn't great for a rider to ride the same pony again and again. You want to learn how to ride all ponies well and not just one. Elaine will swap riders around unless there is a reason to keep that child on the same one. 

Why is ridng so expensive

Though you only ride for an hour there is a lot of work to be done before you arrve at the yard. Ponies, feeding, tack, horse shoes, shavings and maintenance of the facilities are expensive. It is an expensive sport but we do our best to keep the price down and to offer you the very best experience and value for money. 

Is horse riding dangerous

Horse riding is more dangerous than some sports. You are learning how to encourage another animal to move in a direction that you want and sometimes the two wants conflict. Very few falls result in a hospital visit and fewer still will have any long term effects. Any experienced rider has fallen more times than they can count. Our lessons are in an enclosed space making it safer than most other forms of riding. 

Is there a weight limit for riding? 

 For horse welfare reaons we try to limit our riders to approx 14 stone. This isn't heavy but for a horse doing a lesson or two a day it can harm them over time. 

Can I pay as i ride? 

For the first few lessons you can pay as you ride. After 3 lessons you will have to pay for a term. 

I'm in Galway for a day. Is there a specific ride for me?

Treks are idal for a once of occasion. Call Tim to make a booking

How long are lessons? 

lessons are 45 minutes long though in practice they can be longer if it is a large group or if there has been a delay. 

Do you do camps?

Yes, we do camps on school holidays. They usually run Tuesday to Thursday. Call Tim for more details.

What do you teach on camps?

Everything you don't learn in a lesson we teach on a camp. We also have lessons on camps. 

Do you do Birthday parties

Yes, we do birthday parties. For parties we include grooming and riding. it can vary from group to group. Call Tim for more details. 

Do you take on new experienced riders

Yes, we are always happy to have new people and see how they ride and what they learned differently. For health and safety reasons we do recommend that the first lesson you ride in is below your level so that we can assess safely for ourselves your level of experience.

can my child move up a lesson?

In every lesson there is a strongest and weakest rider. We dont want kids getting bored however they can still learn a lot by riding a more challenging pony in a beginner class than struggling to keep up in a more advanced class. Talk to Tim if you have any concerns. ​

My child has been riding for years, what next? 

Many people are still getting lessons 30 years after they start riding. However, our ponies are school ponies and will be used in other lessons and cannot be ridden excessivley. They have their limits and we won't push them. If your child is an experienced rider now is a good time to consider buying your own pony. We do offer stables for rent. You can then ride it in your regular lesson. Talk to Tim about buying your first pony.

Can you help me buy a suitable pony for my child? 

Yes, you can always talk to Tim or Elaine and they will be happy to point you in the right direction, warn you of potential pitfalls or find a pony for you. Talk to Tim 

Do you sell your ponies?

If Elaine is reading this the answer is no but really it is a yes. School ponies are the quietest you'll find for many reasons and we do treasure ours but some are for sale. Talk to Tim

​what style of riding do you teach?

We mostly ride English style with some emphasis on jumping. We also teach flatwork lessons (dressage) but do ask us if there is something in particular you would like to learn. 

What should I WEAR FOR LESSON? 

If you are a beginner rider then pants or leggings are fine. We will have boots and helmets. If after a while you think your child will keep up riding then consider buying jodphurs/breeches/chaps their own riding boots, helmet and maybe a body protector. Talk to Tim, Elaine or one of the more fashionable teenagers in the stables. 

My child wants to ride less often? 

If your child wants to ride less do let us know. If there is a reason for it maybe we can help. Horse riding isn't for all kids and maybe our style of teaching isn't for your child. You can always take a break from horse riding or stop it completly but please let us know in advance if you are not attending a lesson. We can put another child into that lesson if you can't make it. We will have a special rate of rkids that dont want to do a term.

How much notice is enough notice if I cant attend a lesson?

As soon as you know please let us know. 48 hours would be great. 24 hours is better than two hours. 15 miutes is not good. No notice is the worst. We assume you are coming unless you let us know. We will have broght in a pony for you the day before or the day of your lesson. Classes are not viable if they have poor attendance.