Welcoming our first riding holiday guests of the year!

We were delighted to welcome our very first guests of the year, just a day after Storm Chandra had finished rattling its way across Ireland.

Braving the elements-its all in the preparation

In the week leading up to their arrival, the weather had been relentless — rain, wind, and that wild Atlantic energy that can make even the hardiest of us want to stay indoors.

But true to the spirit of the west, by the time Amanda and Sarah arrived for their short break stay, there was a sense that things were finally beginning to calm, and the skies seemed to be taking a much kinder approach.

The two girls came fully prepared for whatever Mother Nature might throw at them. Bundled up in waterproofs, layers, and even heat warmers tucked inside their gloves, they were clearly seasoned outdoor adventurers ready for an authentic Irish experience.

Getting to know session

As with all our guests, we began with an assessment lesson so we could get to know them as riders and match them with the right horses. Amanda and Sarah were paired with Mo and Tom — two of our reliable and much-loved boys. It didn’t take long before the girls warmed up, both literally and figuratively — so much so that within the first 20 minutes, those trusty heat warmers had to come off.

From there, we headed out on a gentle one-hour beach ride to ease them back in and let them soak up the scenery. And what a treat it was. The sun came out, the beach was peaceful, and the atmosphere felt almost magical after the stormy days before. Moments like that remind us why we love what we do.

Our Signature Ride

After a well-earned day of rest, Amanda and Sarah returned for a longer adventure — our signature four-hour island ride — exploring the coastline and enjoying everything this stunning landscape has to offer from horseback.

It was a brilliant way to kick off our season, and we were so happy to start the year with such lovely, enthusiastic (and well-equipped!) guests. Here’s to many more riders, beach gallops, and hopefully slightly less need for heat warmers this year!