Horseback riding for kids in Donegal

Hi,

It’s a bit last minute, but we’re going to Donegal with the kids next week Monday-Thursday. We would really like to take them horseback riding, but all the places we found online that cater for kids (ages 5, 6 and 10) are either closed this time of year or only open weekends.

Would any of you happen to know of any places that are open during the week?

Thank you,

Maria

Cherry Blossom

What part of Donegal are you going to?

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

What part of Donegal are you going to?

We’ll be staying around Milford, but we honestly don’t mind driving. We’ll be going to different places Allover the county anyway.

Thanks.

Cherry Blossom

There's Glenleary Equestrian centre in Ramelton, Green acres in Convoy, Lenamore in Muff and Ash Lee Riding centre just across the border in Strabane.

Cherry Blossom

If your venturing to the south of the county there's also Donegal Equestrian Centre in Bundoran. They do beach treks as well as normal lessons.

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

If your venturing to the south of the county there's also Donegal Equestrian Centre in Bundoran. They do beach treks as well as normal lessons.

Thank you, but we are looking for trecks on larger ponies or horses, not indoor or arena type riding on small ponies, also they have to suit the kids ages. So unfortunately can’t use any of your suggestions.

If anyone else has any more suggestions, please let us know.

Thanks.

Ave Sodalis

Deleted User wrote:

Thank you, but we are looking for trecks on larger ponies or horses, not indoor or arena type riding on small ponies, also they have to suit the kids ages. So unfortunately can’t use any of your suggestions.

They should do treks outside of arena lessons too.

There is also a new place opened up called Errigal Equestrian. It might be worth checking out. Deanes does farm rides of various lengths.

Cherry Blossom

What is the ability of your kids, can they all walk, trot, canter and manage a small jump? I have worked in a trekking centre and the procedure was that you would be assessed in the arena first. If you were not of sufficient ability to go on a trek you couldn't go as (a) it would be down right dangerous and (b) you were not covered by insurance. Most places can accommodate a hack on public roads or cross country if that is what you are after. Trekking is a different thing and in most cases involves galloping on a beach. I'm not sure where you are from but there are no bridal paths in Donegal and there are only two or three trekking centres in the county, one I have already recommended to you and one that doesn't open till Easter. There may be a third in Dunlewey I'm not sure.

Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom wrote: »

What is the ability of your kids, can they all walk, trot, canter and manage a small jump? I have worked in a trekking centre and the procedure was that you would be assessed in the arena first. If you were not of sufficient ability to go on a trek you couldn't go as (a) it would be down right dangerous and (b) you were not covered by insurance. Most places can accommodate a hack on public roads or cross country if that is what you are after. Trekking is a different thing and in most cases involves galloping on a beach. I'm not sure where you are from but there are no bridal paths in Donegal and there are only two or three trekking centres in the county, one I have already recommended to you and one that doesn't open till Easter. There may be a third in Dunlewey I'm not sure.

Thank you.

Yes, you can trek without galloping and there are shorter treks designed especially for kids. My kids have been on horseback plenty of times and can ride very confidently as long as they’re being led (small ones) and I know for a fact there are a couple of places in Donegal alone that offer that service, but unfortunately they aren’t open next week.

Either way, thanks very much to everyone, I found a place that does exactly what we need.