6 Day Post to Post Trail Ride of Beautiful Dingle!
The dramatic beauty of the Dingle Peninsula on the most southerly coastline of Ireland has been an inspiration and a wonder to visitors for thousands of years. This is home to Dingle Horse Riding and the perfect location for the most memorable, challenging and enjoyable horse riding holiday you will experience anywhere in the world. Everything is organised for you; superb horses, superior facilities, quality accommodation, and, of course, adventurous rides through the magnificent Irish countryside. So all you have to do is enjoy your time with us whilst experiencing the riding holiday of a life time!
The Stables
Dingle Horse Riding is approved by A.I.R.E (the Association of Irish Riding Stables) and Fáilte Ireland (The National Tourist Board) and is a member of Equestrian Holidays Ireland. Our traditional, purpose-built stables are located in the hills overlooking the Dingle Harbour, just 2 kilometers from the centre of Dingle Town. We keep several horses in our yard year round, and during the summer season we have as many as 20 stabled. They range in breed, colour and size from 15 hands to 16.2 hands but we favour the Irish draught hunter/cob type for their surefootedness, and turn of speed.
Ireland is a country of horsemen and is known the world over for producing the finest horses. The Irish draught is famous for its strength and intelligence. Their good bone and gentle nature make them one of the most popular riding horses in the world. They are known for their staying power and they can easily cover great distances over rough terrain.
All of our horses are hand picked for temperment and suitability.
Our guides are friendly, experienced, and knowledgeable and will be happy to help you find the right horse for your ride. The equipment provided is safe and well maintained and suited to the type of riding you will be doing with us.
This trek starts on Sunday each week.
What you Need to Know:
What style of riding will I be doing?
You will be riding English style.
What level of riding ability is required to participate in a Trek?
Treks are suitable for Intermediate and Advanced riders only.
How do I judge my riding ability?
Here are some guidelines to help you judge your riding ability:
Beginner: A rider with little or no experience.
Novice: A rider who is comfortable and in control at the walk and/or trot but has limited experience trotting and/or cantering.
Intermediate: A rider who is confident and in control in all paces (including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly.
Strong Intermediate: An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day.
Advanced: All of the above plus the ability to handle a spirited horse in open country.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No. We have our own tack, which is suited to the type of riding you will be doing, for you to ride in. You may bring your own riding helmet and boots, but if you do not own your own gear or if you do not want to travel with it, we provide riding helmets and boots for your use.
What should I pack for a riding holiday?
First of all, you should pack for comfort. You will be happier in clothes that you are comfortable wearing. For example, do not buy new boots or riding helmet for your trek as they will probably be uncomfortable until they are broken in.
Clothes you bring to ride in should include: breeches/jodhpurs, riding or paddock boots, chaps or half chaps (for paddock boots), riding helmet (required), and riding gloves.
Other clothes you bring should include: long and short-sleeved shirts, warm sweaters/light jacket, smart casual evening attire, and comfortable shoes.
Other things you might want to bring are: Rain gear (jacket and pants), sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal medications, ddhesive bandages for blisters, waist pouch for personal items, camera/film, small backpack (optional) and a seat saver (optional).
Are there age restrictions?
Yes. We cannot accommodate children under 12.
Are there weight restrictions?
Yes, 220 lbs. If you are fit and not overweight, you will be safer, ride better and you and your horse will enjoy yourselves more.
I am a Western rider. Can I do a ride with English tack?
Probably. While good riding is much the same on any saddle, not all Western riders are comfortable in an English saddle right away. Western riders are generally not used to posting, and six hours of sitting trot usually turns out to be too much for even the most dedicated rider to handle. It does not take long to get the knack of, and a few lessons in an English saddle before you begin your Trek should solve any problems.
Do treks go out rain or shine?
Yes. We ride in almost all weather conditions. We have rain gear available if you should require it.
Horse riding is a risk sport and handling horses can be potentially dangerous. We take great care to ensure that the horses and ponies offered to our clients are well trained and reliable, but they are hired to the rider with the clear understanding that YOU RIDE ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK. Our Six Day Post-To-Post Trail Ride is suitable for experienced riders only. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate children under the age of 12 on this trek. All treks are subject to availability. These routes are approximate. Occasionally conditions dictate that they be changed. All itineraries are subject to change at any time and for any reason at the sole discretion of Dingle Horse Riding. Lunch on each full day of riding is included in the price of our Six Day Post-To-Post Trail Ride. Please note however, that alcoholic beverages are not included in the price and riders wishing to purchase any such beverages must do so at their own expense. Evening meals are not included. There is an excellent variety of restaurants and cafés in Dingle to choose from.
