Ireland, Galway - Cross-Country Riding
This trip is perfect for those who are looking for fast-paced riding and a lot of jumps on fantastic horses. You don’t need to have ridden cross country previously, but you should be used to high-tempo riding in the outdoors. You will encounter real Irish charm and a lot of horses. People who are open, unpretentious and have a bit of courage will love this location with its genuine expertise built up over many years.
There is a large cross country course with up to one hundred jumps. There are also a number of smaller jumps that allow you to build your confidence during your stay.
Program - Cross Country - Weekend, Long Weekend & Week
Weekend, Long Weekend & Week program
This programme is suitable for riders who can trot, canter and gallop confidently, experience in cross country jumping not necessary, training for those wishing to improve their cross country jumping will be provided.
Included 3 -6 nights accommodation, approx. 11-20 hours horse riding and riding 2 different horses per day.
Weekend - approx 11hrs riding
Arrive Thursday noon - 1.30 hour hack out assessment and cross country jumping.
Friday 10.00 am to 11.45am cross country jumping training followed by lunch break then, from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training.
Saturday 10.00 am to 11.45 am cross country training then lunch break followed by cross country training from 1.30 pm to 3.15pm.
Sunday morning full cross country ride from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.
Long weekend - approx 14hrs riding
Arrive Wednesday lunchtime, 1hr30 min hack out assessment and cross-country jumping.
Thursday 10.00 am until 11.45 am cross-country jumping followed by a lunch break then from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training.
Friday 10.00 am to 11.45 am cross country jumping followed by lunch break, then from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training.
Saturday 10.00 am to 11.45 am cross country training then lunch break followed by cross country training from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm.
Sunday morning full cross country ride from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.
Week - approx 20 hrs riding
Arrive Monday afternoon/evening. Riding Tuesday morning until Sunday noon.
Tuesday until Saturday 10.00 am until 11.45 am cross-country jumping followed by a lunch break then from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training. Sunday morning full cross country ride from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.
NOTE- Cross-country jumping during winter season (October to March) is usually on the all-weather surface (due to wet ground conditions) .
(the daily programme and times are approximate and could be subject to slight change re weather conditions etc )
Program - Cross Country Weekend and Training Hunt
From November to the first weekend in March, you can combine cross-country jumping with a "training hunt".
Get away on an action-packed weekend with cross-country jumping on beautiful horses. The weekend starts with a test ride on Thursday (if you arrive before 1 p.m.). You then have two rides on Friday. Depending on the ground conditions, you will ride on selected sections of the cross country trail. You will get to try a number of beautiful horses.
On Saturday, after the morning's cross country jumping, Oliver takes his dogs out for a "training hunt" on the property starting at 12.30 p.m. Many neighbors and friends participate with their own horses, so it will be a social and fast-paced ride.
On Sunday after breakfast there will be a final cross-country ride. Departure approx. 12.00
Accommodation and Food
Bed & Breakfast in Portumna, half board
You will stay in Marys charming B&B in Portumna (about 15 minutes by car from the farm) in a double room with shower/toilet. Single rooms can be booked (price for single supplement is available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added. Towels and sheets are provided.
In the morning it will be self-catering/continental breakfast and packed lunch available. Once the afternoon’s riding is completed, you will be driven back to the B&B.
For dinner there are several restaurants and pubs to choose from within walking distance.
Safe deposit box: No
Hair Dryer: Yes by request.
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No
Horses
There are more than 45 horses on the farm in all sizes and ages. The horses are mainly Sporthorses and Irish Hunters, but there are also some very nice ponies. They are 160-180 cm (63-71 in) at the withers and experienced at cross-country. They are often out on hunts and have a very good temperament.
Climate
The climate is mild. Temperature conditions are largely the same throughout Ireland. May and June are the sunniest months. July and August are the warmest with a normal daytime temperature of between about 21-24 C (70-75 F).
Travel Information
Ability description: Cross country, jumping level 3-5 >>
Included in the price: 3-5 nights, 3-4,5 days riding, full or half board
Not included: Flights, transfers to and from the riding centre. Cap fee (hunts)
Travel: Book flight/rental car >>
Fly to Dublin. You can then choose between domestic flight, train or bus.
You can also fly to Shannon or Galway.
Domestic flights Dublin Shannon airport, Galway Airport.
It is possible to fly with the Irish airline Aer Arann from Dublin to Shannon and Galway Airport.
Bus: Dublin airport - Loughrea:
The easiest is to take the bus directly from Dublin airport to Loughrea (end station Galway) with Irish Citylink or Bus Eireann. The journey takes just over three hours.
Dublin centrum - Portumna:
You can also go to Portumna with www.kearnstransport.com. It is 7 km from the stable.
Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay on spot to the driver. Depending on where you come from a transfer can be arranged. Call the riding center when you are in Dublin and confirm which bus you will arrive with, if you travel to Loughrea or Portumna.
Loughrea bus station about 30 EUR / car
Ballinasloe bus station about 40 EUR / car
Shannon airport about 100 EUR / car
Galway Airport about 70 EUR / car
Rental car: If you want to explore the surrounding area on your own, we recommend renting a car.
Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices.
If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will apply.
Currency: EUR
Credit card: Not accepted by riding center.
Tipping: Not expected.
Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: UK, three pins.
Age limit: None
Closest village: Portumna, 7 km from stable.
Beach: No
Pool: No
Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: None
Saddle bag available: No
Special diet: Inform when booking.
It is not allowed to ride with a camcorder on the helmet (Go-Pro)
Feedback from our travellers
"A Favorite in Repeat!"
"Irish Breakfast is a great start to the riding day. Two cross-country sessions of 2 hours on great horses every day. Good instructions. Oliver led us in the mornings and Conny in the afternoons. Many jumps over different types of obstacles – uphill, downhill, and through water. A nice, moderately sized group. Super fun!
The horses are matched based on what you will be doing and how things have been going. All the horses were great and eager to jump.
We felt very welcome.
It’s always a joy to come here. This was my fourth trip. A clear favorite!! Already longing to go back!"
– Anne Nordgren
"Beyond All Expectations!"
"The riding was beyond all expectations. We got to jump an incredible number of obstacles – so educational and fun. A mix of technique and thrilling jumping.
All the horses were absolutely amazing. I've never met such safe and reliable jumpers. I felt so secure!
Very friendly and welcoming atmosphere!"
– Frida Dire
"Confidence at Its Peak!"
"Absolutely fantastic. So much riding and jumping, my confidence is at its peak! Oliver is a wonderful trainer who knows his horses well and provides a lot of feedback in a great way. Always with a twinkle in his eye and ending every session with positive comments.
One of the best trips I’ve ever taken!"
– Maria Nordvall
"Full Speed from Morning to Evening!"
"Full speed from morning to evening, lots of jumping. Amazing! We jumped more than a hundred obstacles every day – that’s more than a full jumping course back home in Norway...
Irish hospitality at its best. We felt very welcomed and well taken care of.
A long weekend is way too short. The same day I got home, I started planning my next trip back!"
– Jorunn Elise Østbø
"The Best Holiday!"
"Absolutely fantastic! Beyond all expectations! I have never ridden such amazing horses. Absolutely top-notch!
The best holiday I’ve ever had!"
– Vigdis By
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