We leave in two weeks for a trip of a lifetime - 21 days touring around the UK. I want to ride at least once. I’ve seen great reviews on trip advisor for Sheans Horse Farm in Northern Ireland. I know this is a long shot, but has anyone gone for one of their treks and can let me know how their experience was?
I haven’t done that one. But I did do Castlefergus Equestrian in Clare. It was fantastic. They took us through the wooded trails (I had mostly beginners with me, so they were extra careful of that), told us about the ruins on the land and ancient myths, legends, etc. And then we went through the fields, young horses and sheep. Since I was a rider, they let me and the “leader on horse back” do trotting and cantering across them. My family went with the girl on foot to the gates and waited. They said they still had a blast and so did I. I mean, I cuold have walked for the whole two hours and still loved it because I’m obsessed with Ireland.
I hope you have a BLAST. <3
Are you vacationing in the UK and Ireland or just northern Ireland ?or UK? In ireland there will be plenty of places to ride - it might help to share some of your itinerary so people know the general vicinity of where you’ll be. Co. Clare is in the Southwest part of Ireland, not northern part.
We’re gone for 21 days, and hit England (mostly London), SW IRE (however, that’s on a tour so no free time there!) northern IRE, Scotland, and France.
Trust me, if I could ride in every location I would! However, my schedule really only allows for a day to ride in Northern Ireland.
sounds like an awesome trip - 21 days = very jealous. Honestly, since you’ve just one day to ride, There will be plenty of places to ride there, so honestly, I would check with the hotel(s) you’re staying at in Northern Ireland for their recommendations. They might also be able to arrange it for you. With weather over there like it is, it’s best not to be totally committed to booking a day too far in advance.
I think around the time you’re there the Ballinasloe Horse Fair is going on. It is a sight to behold - horses everywhere, I mean e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e. - Sunday Sept 29 - Oct 6th. The first Sunday is a great day. If you can get down there for that you should try. It’s crazy. Ballinasloe is not too far from Galway City - 30-40 min. drive.
Update!
So I went. A bit of an unorganized place, however, I thoroughly enjoyed my ride. Walk, trot, gallop up hills. Crossed some tiny creeks. Really eye opening to how hardy the cob horses are. I would go again in a heartbeat!
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glad you had a good time. The first time I rode in Ireland, my reaction was holy moly our horses would never to this stuff. I remember one fellow (kid) packing a horses cut hoof/sole with “muud”. I was all about ’ better call the vet" nope, packed it with this muud and horse was perfectly sound the next day. Our horses would’ve been stall rested and wrapped with some antibiotic for a week.
