Activity: Trekking Trail Riding

Horse Back West is situated as far west as you can go in County Mayo.   The stables are built behind an old farm cottage with famine potato ridges above and direct beach access below.  A freedom is what is felt here! 

Untouched countryside which is remaining a secret to most of the country, allows us to trek undisturbed across hills & beaches.  The range and variety of routes and terrain provides ride outs for a number of days or an hour.

The horses have a natural life on the hills of Mayo and thrive off their outings.

All ages and abilities catered for, with the riders safety being our number one priority.  Follow us on Instagram @horsebackwest for an insight into a day out with us.

For anybody looking to staycation in the area and ride over a number of days, we can put you in contact with whichever type of accommodation would best suit your family or group.  The options range from Adventure Hotels with hot tubs,  Hostel, B&B, Self Catering or Four Poster Bedroom Manor with remote setting. 

 Treks... 

             Into The lost Valley for a tour and chance to wade in the water at the mouth of Killary Fjord. 

             Carrowniskey Beach, where the races happen each year!  You must cross 3 other beaches to get there and the going is fast for thoe experienced.

            Killadoon Hill, where the terrain is slow and evokes the riders attention.  You also have time to take in the views of Clew Bay Islands and grasp the waters in which Pirate Queen Grainne Mhaille once commanded.

            Gowlan Church gives for a short and very sweet trek with an optional canter up to the deserted old church.  An optional decent into the church mixes up the terrain to enhance the riders experience.

Join us for a riding adventure of a lifetime! 

Situated at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Croagh Patrick Stables also boasts Clew bay on it’s doorstep.  Croagh Patrick Stables has some of the most spectacular scenic views in Ireland.  The stables are situated in the village of Murrisk, 9km from Westport in Co. Mayo.  Riders are spoiled for choice with options of a hack to the beach, lessons in the arena or schooling over our set of jumps in the arenas.

Croagh Patrick Stables are AIRE Approved with BHS qualified instructors.  The riding school is open 10am until 7pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 10am until 5pm on Saturdays.  We offer horse riding lessons for children and adults, from beginners to advanced, private and group lessons.

We offer novice riders who are visiting the area a beach experience which includes a warm up in the arena and hack to Bertra strand and a walk/trot on the beach with plenty of photo opportunities.   Trekking is seasonal and only offered to experienced riders.  Children’s horse riding camps are run during all term holidays.  The camps include a riding lesson and stable management class.  There are novice and intermediate camps, where the children learn in a fun, safe, horse environment.  We also hold birthday parties.

Croagh Patrick Stables has a purpose built indoor arena, outdoor sand arena and full set of jumps.  The stables offer half board livery with full use of outdoor and indoor arena, access to the beach, year round grazing, all weather turn out, large stables, tack room and haylage each morning.

Croagh Patrick Stables are very proud of the high standard of horses and ponies we have in the riding school.  We pride ourselves on the service we provide and the quality of lessons. The welfare of both horse and rider is paramount and we believe that safety and structure is the key to a good riding school.  Whether you are looking for lessons on a regular basis or a holiday experience Croagh Patrick stables has so much to offer a horse enthusiast.

Rossbeigh Beach Riding would like to welcome you to an experience which will never be forgotten.  Located on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry, the centre has established a reputation in recent years as “a trekker’s paradise”.

Thirty minutes from Killarney town, Rossbeigh Beach Riding Centre is situated within a stone’s throw of Rossbeigh Beach which is six miles long.  Riding along on Rossbeigh Beach close to the water’s edge is an experience riders of all levels will never forget.

From trail riding through the spectacular scenery that surrounds Rossbeigh to a gentle ride along the beach, Trek along miles of country road surrounded by scenery which will take your breath away.

Please book 3 days in advance.  Call us at +353(0)87-237-9110 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What we offer

Hairy Henry Therapeutic Riding is based on a secluded small farm in the rural setting of West Cork near Bantry town, just within one hour's drive from Cork and Killarney.
In our educational and therapeutic work, we focus on two areas in particular: Therapeutic Riding & Care Farming.

Therapeutic Riding is an activity which uses the horse as a partner in the therapeutic process. The focus lies on gaining benefits from the unique neuromuscular stimulation whilst riding and handling the horse, and from building a relationship with the horse as part of the therapeutic team.

Therapeutic Riding promotes strength, balance, good posture, confidence, coordination and flexibility. It offers physical, psychological and educational benefits to children and adults of a wide range of abilities and conditions.
Learning how to ride is not the main focus of our Therapeutic Riding sessions but participants may gain basic riding skills whilst participating, opening further opportunities to individuals to continue riding as a sport.

Care Farming is the therapeutic use of farming activities, including horse care and stable management. The purpose of care farming is to promote mental and physical health and emotional well-being by giving people the opportunity to spend time with and work with our farm animals such as horses, sheep, donkeys, pet rabbits, dogs, hens, ducks and geese and by exploring and experiencing the natural environment on the farm.

We offer individual as well as group sessions, and also cater for family groups. In addition, we run courses in Horse Care and Farming Skills for persons with additional needs.
We also offer tailor-made one-day Trail Rides to individuals who want to explore our beautiful West Cork area on horseback.
Our session takes place in our all-weather outdoor arenas as well as a 1.5km bridleway around our 12 acres of land.

Newcastle West Riding Centre is a family run centre which was started in 2013.  We are located 3 km from Newcastle West, Co Limerick on the R522

The Riding School is set on a traditional Irish farm with nice views of the Rooska and Ashford hills.  We have a 20 acres of cross country and a further 50 acres of scenic farmland for Trekking.

We run lessons on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday in the afternoons and on Saturdays. We cater for both children and adults from the age of 8 years old.  We offer group lessons and private lessons for beginners to advanced riders.  We specialise in showjumping and cross country.  We have 2 outdoor sand arenas, an indoor and a large cross country course.
All our students start in a one to one lesson so they can learn at their own pace and understand the technique and skills needed to take part in a group riding lesson.  Our ponies and horses are well trained.  A suitable pony will be carefully chosen for the student according to their riding ability.
All our Instructors have BHS qualifications and have years of experience teaching children.  We actively compete showjumping, eventing and go hunting when we are not teaching.  We produce young horses for ourselves and take horses on livery.

We offer Riding/ English Holidays for children and teenagers.  The students are encouraged to learn English while enjoying their passion Horse Riding.

Our Equestrian Centre has something to offer both the novice and the accomplished rider.

We provide kind and friendly, qualified and experienced staff, well-schooled horses and ponies, and offer a wide range of treks through the breath-taking rugged Connemara landscape along the Wild Atlantic Way here in Renvyle, Connemara.

Approved safety helmets are provided and boots and rainwear can be supplied if needed.

We are open for Trekking every day from Easter to October.

Changing Facilities and Toilets are available on the grounds.

Our Equestrian centre is also located at the Connemara Pony National Stud, a working Stud Farm and Artificial Insemination Clinic with visitor centre and home to Silver Shadow, Ice and Fire d’Albran, Clifden Silver and Poetic Kelly, Connemara Performance Stallions and some of the most influential stallions in the Connemara Pony World.

Talks and displays on our native Connemara Pony are available throughout the Summer at our Centre.

Kilkieran Equestrian Farm is a small family run riding school just 5 miles outside Kilkenny City.
We provide mainstream Horse Riding Lessons in small groups for children from the age of 4 in our 25 x 40 outdoor sand arena.
We organise camps packed with funfilled activities in every school holiday.

We specialise in Therapeutic Horse riding, riding for people with special abilities on a one to one basis from as young as 2 years of age.
The benefits of riding on a bareback pad with a roler are fascinating!  We have a sensory woodland trail and farm tracks where you can enjoy the stunning views of Kilkenny.

You are welcome to have a look and enjoy the tranquility of our lovely farm. 

Country Cottage Stables is a private boutique AIRE (Association of Irish Riding Establishment) riding school, conveniently located close to Dublin, just off the N11 in Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow.
We specialise in providing private one on one and small group horse riding lessons from novice to advanced riders. Whether you are a seasoned rider or getting back in the saddle, we have the riding programme for you!

Our riding instructors are fully qualified and passionate about teaching and take pride in looking after our clients in a fun, safe, confidence giving environment.
We provide well-schooled horses for all levels of horse riding, matched to your individual needs.
Excellent hacking/trekking facilities are also available with access to beautiful forest and mountain trails as well as estate riding in the magnificent Kilruddery Estate.

Check out our short video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6z6aXAnOvv8

Feeney's Riding Centre is a family run Riding and Trekking Centre, providing lessons and treks for all age groups of all levels, now in operation for twenty years.  The horses and ponies we provide are well schooled, each pony/horse is chosen carefully and individually to suit different levels of expertise from beginners level to the very experienced.  We are the closest Riding Centre to Galway city, only 4kms away and we can arrange transport for our riders.

We offer;

Daily treks/riding lessons by Qualified Instructors.
Transport to and from the Centre.
Pony Camps:
English Tuition by qualified English teacher and accomodation:
Helmets and boots:
When trekking with us you will experience the natural serenity that Connemara and Galway has to offer.  You will see the beautiful Atlantic Ocean from the hills while trekking , the world famous Aran Islands and the valleys of Connemara and yet we are only 4km from Galway city.
You can enjoy a relaxing trek through the natural landscape and avail of a pre trekking lesson form one of our qualified instructors if you wish.
We are open seven days all year.

Shrule Equestrian Centre is situated in the picturesque countryside of North Wexford between the coastal villages of Ballygarrett and Kilmuckridge.
It's this close proximity to the beach that makes Shrule Equestrian Centre a fun and exciting place for both adults and children to learn to ride, to improve their riding skills or simply enjoy what they can already do by exploring the beautiful coastline of Cahore's south beach.
Shrule is a relatively new riding school, open since 2011, accompanying the already established family run Pet Farm which is managed by James, a graduate of Kildalton College, Kilkenny (AdvancedHorsemanship)and an experienced instructor(BHSAI) with many years of teaching experience in various disciplines i.e Basic Riding, Dressage and Show jumping.

With the help of fully qualified staff, family members and young local riders who enjoy spending time in this relaxed but professional riding school, Shrule offers a wide range of services. This includes lessons for all levels in a 60 x 40 outdoor arena, livery/breaking and schooling in a yard with stable accommodation for up to 10 horses, a pony shed and grass livery during the summer months.
Pony camps (beginners and advanced) and Show Jumping leagues are popular additions during school holidays attended by locals and holiday makers to the area.

The Boskill Equestrian Centre and Homestay Family House is a comfortable and busy environment for students to learn English, ride horses and to enjoy genuine Irish culture first hand. Students stay in a beautiful family home and can have fun with plenty of activities close by like hiking, cycling, swimming, tennis & golf. The family take care of children from 11 years upwards and also cater for adults.
Learning English:
Boskill is renowned for it's creative learning envirnment and two of the family are experienced TEFL teachers and we also have a fully qualified primary school teacher on site. We understand that each student has their own particular study needs so the teachers will work with the student to develop a customised programme of study that suits the student's learning style. If you wish to focus on your vocabulary, pronunciation, conversation or maybe your writing skills we will work with you so that you get the most out of your stay.
The Location:
The centre is in the middle of the beautiful Irish countryside yet is very close to Limerick city which in 2014 is the European City of Culture. Very close by is the magnificent Lough Gur, Glenstal Abbey, The Clare Glens & The Slieve Bloom Mountains for picturesque sightseeing. We always have plenty of bicycles at the house for cycling around the lovely Irish country roads.

Wesley Ryan founded Boskill Equestrian Centre in 2009. a family run business. Wesley and his brother Dale are in a training programme for the BHSAI, they produce quality young horses. They are always on hand to insure you have a valuable and pleasant experience at Boskill Caherconlish. with forty quality horses and ponies especially chosen to suit the riding programmes which bring out the best in any rider. Lessons are available for all ages  from 4years old. Boskill Equestrian provides schooling/ liveries/ trekking/ outdoor arena for hire/ clipping/ breaking/ midterm and summer camps. 

Other facilities available in the surrounding area include:-  2 handball alleys, 2 sports fields (GAA  and Soccer) tennis court, beautiful scenery for walking and history walks. Places to visit - Limerick City for shopping, cinema, swimming pools, karting etc.)

Treks:  We have a tiny tots/ beginners trek where parents can lead the pony if they wish or if not our staff will take over:
We have a 4-5 hour trek for the more experienced riders -  this includes beautiful scenery, great day out and an experience of a life time.

To view some amazing photos of our camps, treks etc. follow us on: twitter & facebook @ caherconlish equestrian centre

Welcome to Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre, we are located on Inishowen's rugged north coast. There is no better way to enjoy the fabulous beach and landscape than on horseback. This is the perfect way to unwind, relax and create an unforgettable memory. At our centre you’ll be matched with the perfect mount to share your experience.

We offer riding instruction, pony camps, beach & trail rides, birthday parties, horse holiday’s (accommodation for rider and horse on-site.).

We hope that a visit to our family friendly centre will leave you wanting to return again and again. Packages can be tailored for your requirements, combining horse riding, surfing, hill walking and cycling. A.I.R.E approved

Oakwood stables is a family run yard located in the beautiful Redcross County Wicklow.   At Oakwood Stables we provide children's riding lessons, pony camps, competition training and riding holidays to both Irish and International students.

Our wonderful facilities include a large all weather sand arena, cross country course and the fully residential Oakwood Lodge.  Our fabulous location while only 1 hour from Dublin and ten minutes from Wicklow town, offers the perfect opportunity for relaxing forest hacking.

For more information please visit www.irishponies.ie or www.facebook.com/oakwoodstableswicklow

Ballyteague Stables has a large outdoor floodlit arena,  lunge ring,  walker and 85 acers of grazing (30 separate paddocks)

There are 30 Stables in our barn which measure 14' by 14'.   Lecture room and coffee room.   Xc track with 30 varied fences with 1 mile of river leading in to 50 acers of forest and canal rides.

Broomfield Equestrian Centre is a family run Centre with lots of individual attention to clients, beautiful scenery in the heart of Irish countryside.

One of Ireland's longest established horse riding schools & livery yards, Killegar offers riding lessons, guided treks, pony camp and livery services. Our first class facilities take full advantage of our prime countryside location on the outskirts of Dublin, just outside the popular tourist village of Enniskerry

Brennanstown Riding School is one of Ireland’s best known equestrian centres and is located just off Junction 7 of the N11 (Bray/Enniskerry exit) and approximately 30 minutes drive from Dublin.
The School is Association of Irish Riding Establishments and British Horse Society approved.
Open all year round and providing top class facilities, the Riding Centre offers qualified instruction for all standards (Adults and Children) from novice to competition riders, either in the large indoor school or outdoor sand arenas. All lessons are taken by qualified and experienced staff. We pride ourselves in providing a safe, fun and relaxed environment for all our clients to learn and progress in.
Cross Country Ride and Treks, ranging from one to two hours, are available and will take riders through the beautiful Hollybrook and Killruddery Estates, providing stunning views of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow countryside.
During the Summer and school holidays, 3-day camps for children are run on a regular basis. Here again the emphasis is on learning through fun with the objective of broadening the child’s experience and knowledge of ponies, thereby increasing their confidence. Each day’s programme will provide 2 hours riding and a progressive set of pony care lectures and practicals where the children will learn about looking after a pony.
The Riding Centre has a wide variety of horses and ponies ranging from quiet mounts for novice and nervous riders to those suitable for the more ambitious and experienced clients.
Brennanstown is an approved AIRE/CDETB and BHS Training Centre for student career courses and also a BHS Examination Centre up to Stage 1V and Intermediate Teaching level.

Maltfield Stud Equestrian Centre is nestled jn the Wicklow mountains among picturesque countryside yet only 30 mins from Dublin and 10 mins from Wicklow town.
It offers both adults and children of all standards and ability excellent tuition from both BHSAI and BHSII instructors.
Maltfield Stud provides a friendly welcoming environment to all who visit and is only 10 mins drive to the beach which its livery owners and horses regularly enjoy.
The riding school offers lessons, forest treks, beach rides, private coaching and group lessons. Preparation for BHS examinations stages 1 and 2, are also available.
Pony camps run all year during the school holidays and early booking is recommended to secure a place.
Livery options available include all year grass livery, full stable livery and assisted stable livery.

Check out our website www.maltfield.com and our Facebook page for all the latest events being run from Trek Ireland competitions to carousel dressage exhibitions.

The Old Farm Equestrian Centre is owned and run by Gerard Kavanagh, a qualified and registered Instructor with the British Horse Society.

Just three miles from the village of Ashford, in County Wicklow, the Old Farm is a 50 acre farm nestled in the Wicklow Mountains with direct access into state forestry for trekking and hacking.

Gerard gives both private and group lessons in Dressage and show jumping and the centre has a lovely range of quality horses and ponies, ranging from 118 cm to 188 cm.

Gerard teaches on a daily basis at the Old Farm and his pupils range in age from six to sixty six years. He is a very popular Instructor and Dressage Judge at the Wicklow & Bray Pony Clubs and the Riding Club events and competitions.

The purpose built Equestrian Centre and livery yard comprises of the following:

• 11 stables 14 x 14ft stone built with slate roof – opening into a courtyard
• Indoor arena 20 x 40 meters
• Outdoor arena 30 x 60 meters·
• Secure tack room
• Post & railed paddocks

Sat Nav co-ordinates N53deg00’55”W6deg10’07”

All enquiries directly to Gerard Kavanagh: Mobile 087 2626855

Anvil Lodge Riding School is set in the rural village of Ballindaggin, 7 miles from Enniscorthy and Bunclody. We are a small family run riding school established in 2005 and have grown steadily from word of mouth.

We offer the personal touch with lessons and hacking in the beautiful scenic countryside on local land and country lanes. These include beautiful views of mount Lenister and panoramic views of Sliabh Bhui and surrounding countryside. We have use of local gallops for the more energetic rider. 

The riding school caters for all levels from beginners to advanced. Beginners start from age 6 upwards.  Lessons provided for dressage, show jumping and cross country. We cater for groups or individuals all year round.

Shelmalier Riding Stables is set in 3000 acres of forestry on Forth Mountain only 7 km from Wexford town.  In existence for over 40 years,it is Wexford’s longest established Riding Centre.  Friendly, skilled, qualified staff welcome riders of all levels. Our experienced horses and ponies are well trained and all have superb temperaments.

We encourage each rider to progress at their own pace in a relaxed friendly environment and to enjoy their time with our horses and ponies.
We offer lessons in indoor and outdoor arenas, horse care tuition and pony camps. Our regular riders can also participate in our internal shows and enjoy scenic hacks with wonderful views of the Wexford coast and Blackstair Mountains.

Booking is essential. Minimum age is 7 years

Established in 1965, Kilotteran Equitation Centre  is Waterford’s longest established equestrian centre.

The centre is ideally situated just 6 kilometers from Waterford City on the idyllic banks of the Suir River.

Renowned for its excellence in tuition, Kilotteran prides itself on qualified and experienced staff, safe and suitable horses and state of the art facilities.

Located in the unspoiled North Tipperary uplands, Tipperary Mountain Trekking Centre is an easy drive on the new M7 and M8 from the big cities. Our one and two hour off-road treks are through scenic mountain pastures filled with wildflowers and containing archaeological features from prehistoric times onwards, as well as a local legend or two. Our five and seven hour treks include a visit to a gourmet pub where both you and the horses will be fed and watered. Bring cameras because the views are spectacular on all our treks!

We give riding lessons for adults and children, focusing on building confidence and balance in the saddle and having fun. We have long-term and overnight livery facilities for horses. We train youngsters and problem horses and hold an ‘Outstanding Horsemanship' award from Irish Natural Horsemanship.

We provide residential horsemanship courses and riding holidays for novice and experienced riders using our on-site luxury farmhouse accommodation. We also hold children's pony camps with residential and non residential places throughout the year

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tipperary-Mountain-Trekking-Centre/124428658182

Instagram: #tipperarymountain