Ireland

[RooTheDay]

I went to Flowerhill for a week in 2022 and loved it. Both had a blast and learned a ton. Two XC sessions a day (usually around 90 minutes each) plus an optional lunch hack with the working students, which I always did. I initially reached out directly to Oliver and he had me book through an agent he recommended.

I flew into Dublin, stayed in Loughrea, and rented a car to get around; it was about two hours Dublin to Loughrea and 30 minutes Loughrea to Flowerhill. (Loughrea was very walkable and I only used the car for the airport and Flowerhill runs.) My entire trip was solely to ride, so I took all my stuff (boots, britches, vest, and helmet), which was easy to do.

I think anyone from Starter/unrec through Training or so would have a blast there. If you were confirmed at Training, ready to move up, and explicitly wanted to jump big, it might be a bit basic for you, as they have a lot of smaller stuff; that said, they also vary the horses they give you to increase or decrease the challenge. I was very straightforward with them in the pre-booking forms that I’d only ridden through BE80 / US BN and so they started me on a very sweet, very round girl (who I still enjoyed very much!), but when we were out Oliver watched for a bit and then said, “Oh, you can actually ride”; subsequent to that Pony Spice Level increased commensurately going forward!

Horses were lovely and well-cared-for, and instruction (from both Oliver and others) was great. It was almost as though my very good regular coach had acquired an Irish accent and been transported across the pond; I have now been encouraged to SHORTEN MY REINS, SIT UP, AND PUT MY LEG ON in multiple countries. The main difference was that a) they let me jump bigger things than she would have and b) she couldn’t do anything about it but facepalm when I told her about it afterwards…

[one1horse]

I brought my own helmet, tall boots and breeches, but the majority of my trip was for riding so I wanted to be comfortable in my own gear. I checked my suitcase so I could pack my boots in my bag, and then I carried my helmet on. Used my ringside backpack that has a “hammock” for the helmet on the front of the bag, and it fit under the seat in front of me. I had everything I needed/wanted for almost two weeks in one suitcase (which was like one size up from a carry on size) and a backpack.

You could definitely pack more sparingly by wearing your boots on the plane, using the same breeches more than once etc. I think it’s really about preference. I couldn’t bring myself to deal with taking my tall boots on/off in the security line and didn’t want to be stuck wearing them or -gasp- smelling horsey on the plane, so I checked them. I also am nervous about using an unknown helmet. But not everyone will feel that way!

I took a trip to Washington this past fall and rode once while I was there. For that trip I just brought my helmet and paddock boots which easily fit in my backpack, and then I rode in jeans. I can see not wanting to deal with lugging all your gear around if you’ll only be riding once while abroad.

[M1ssmouse]

We sell to American clients here in Ireland and they all bring their own gear including hats, for the trial of a very good jumper we had the rider bring her own saddle.

[Tackpud]

@Lusoluv

Castle Leslie does luxury riding holidays and teaches jumping, XC and dressage. My friend has been there several times. They’re 1.5 hrs from Dublin. Google their website. Tons of pics, prices and details.

Agree! Took 15 college students there for a week and they loved it!

[LilRanger]

@FitzE

My farm is in Galway

I’ve friends away over in Tuam, it’s lovely country.

[FitzE]

My manager’s daughter is up in Tuam and he drives there every weekend. It’s about an hour from us but I’ve never been.

[LilRanger]

You’re not really missing anything…

[FitzE]

It has such super sad associations now that I admit I kind of avoid it (which isn’t right, I’m sure there are lovely people and businesses and all sorts).