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Riding Lessons
Pony Trekking
Pony Camps
Show Jumping Leagues
Horse & Pony Owning
Helping

 


Riding Lessons

Who will teach me?
Lessons are given by our senior instructor Georgia Shiels who is a Level One Horse Sport Ireland coach and Ruadhán Shiels who is also a Level One Horse Sport Ireland coach as well as an experienced event rider at One Star level and an approved instructor teaching to Capall Awards™ level Five. Both Ruadhán and Georgia are also qualified first aiders and hold all current Child Safety and other relevant certification as appropriate.
Is there a minimum or maximum rider age?
Georgia is a very experienced teacher and takes student riders from 3 years old up to any age. The criteria is simply rider safety.
What happens at the first lesson?
We ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your first scheduled lesson. This is required in order to complete relevant paperwork as required by our insurers. If the student has ridden before, the first lesson will be an evaluation of their existing riding skills. If adult or older children students have never ridden before, the instructor will start in the safety of one of our arenas on a lead rein.

NEW BEGINNER LESSONS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

For younger children who will need leading to start their riding career we require a parent or other adult to lead them. To facilitate this we have a compulsory introductory lesson of one hour which is in two parts as follows. In the first part the parent/adult will be given instruction on how to lead the pony in safety and the preparation of riding equipment (adjust girth and stirrup length etc). Once the parent/adult is proficient and confident we move to the second part where the younger child beginner joins the lesson and is lead by the parent/adult under the direction of the instructor. It is essential that the same parent/adult accompanies the younger beginner child to act as leader for their first few lessons. Some young children beginners will stay on the lead for quite some time whereas others will be off the lead rein in a matter of weeks.
What happens in the early stages of learning?
In their early lessons, students are taught the basic principles of riding; mounting, dismounting, basic position, holding the reins, exercises in the saddle, walking, halting, basic turns to left and right, making transitions from walk to trot and learning how to do rising trot, sitting trot and then canter.

With the basics learned your options are endless. Georgia has taught riders at International level in dressage, show jumping and cross country so you will be well looked after!
What about safety gear?
We provide hats and body protectors both of which are compulsory for ALL students.
What kind of clothing should student riders wear?
Students should wear clothing that is comfortable. Riding trousers, leggings, tracksuit bottoms or trousers that offer freedom of movement are recommended. Jeans can be worn but the seams can rub against the saddle and cause discomfort.  Shorts and skirts are not suitable. Footwear should have a well defined heel. Trainers are never suitable for riding. We keep some boots for student riders. Some students like to wear gloves but that is a matter of choice.
How do I book?
Best way to book is by phone to Georgia on 087-7765539 (International 00353-87-7765539) but you can also contact us through the contact page on here or by email on mailto:bantrybayponytrekking@gmail.com
What are your hours of opening?
Except for Christmas week we are open all the year. With an indoor arena and both outdoor arenas having floodlights and all-weather surfaces, lessons can be scheduled any time from 9 am. to 6.pm.
Which is best lesson length for me, 30 minutes or one hour?
For children 30 minutes is adequate in the early stages, but once they have made some progress then an hour is the best. Most adults have hour lessons from the beginning.
How long does it take to learn to ride?
You never stop learning to ride! How fast a student progresses depends on their age, natural coordination, how often they ride and what their ambitions are. Some students take to it like a duck to water, some progress slowly at first and then a switch seems to click and they make massive progress. The best thing about it is that even if you can only walk and trot there is a lot that you can do. We will never push you to become anything but the rider you want to be!
What is your cancellation policy?
If a student needs to cancel for any reason we ask that 24 hours notice is given and we always will try to reschedule for you. If students do not give notice of cancellation we reserve the right to cancel their student registration and decline to re-register them.
Do students always ride the same horse?
Beginner students will usually be allocated the same pony or horse. More advanced riders can take advantage of our large range of more than 20 ponies and horse to gain experience in riding different types and sizes.
Do students have individual or group lessons?
Individual lessons are only suitable for advanced students. For most there is greater benefit from lessons in small groups. This is because part of the learning experience is achieved through watching others attempting the same riding movements you are trying to master.
How often should student riders have lessons?
Most students have one lesson each week, some more often. Regular riding is essential to making progress because we use different muscle groups to ride and building these up takes time. As well as lessons there are opportunities for student riders to participate in Pony Camps (see the FAQ here) and the Spring and Autumn Show Jumping Leagues.

Some students who have progressed beyond a certain standard also benefit from the extra free riding opportunities given to helpers.
How much are lessons?
For best progress in riding you really need a weekly lesson. We operate a two tier price structure for lessons designed to be advantageous to our regular patrons. For riders attending regularly for lessons (at least once every two weeks or 25 lessons in the past 12 months) 30 minute group lessons are €15 and one hour group lessons are €25. For riders attending occasionally (less than once every two weeks or less than 25 lessons in the past 12 months) 30 minute group lessons are €20 and one hour group lessons are €30. Groups can be between two and eight riders. For advanced rider individual lessons one-to-one with Georgia it is essential to book well ahead since she is in great demand. Advanced rider individual lessons concentrating on dressage, show jumping or cross country are subject to quotation and by special arrangement only. Payment for all lessons is due on the day of the lesson.
What about riders with special needs?
Georgia and Ruadhán regularly work with children living with dyspraxia and children and adults living with Autism. We have specialized riding saddles for young special needs learners and we strive to be as inclusive as possible. Georgia and Ruadhán also work in collaboration with CoAction Bantry which is the designated service provider for children & adults with intellectual disability and Autism in West Cork. This rich experience means that we are especially welcoming to those with special needs.
Can students do riding exams?
Yes, from 2016 we present exams called the Capall Awards™ which are suitable from beginners right through to advanced riders and are taken by both children and adults.
Do you have vouchers for riding lessons?
Yes, we can supply vouchers for just one lesson or for as many lessons as you like. Vouchers can be used either for treks or lessons.
 


Pony Trekking

What are your hours of opening?
Except for Christmas week we are open all the year. For treks we need daylight but we try to finish by 6pm in order that the horses get a nice bit of time off.
What kind of riding will we do?
It all depends on your riding experience. If you are a complete beginner then we will walk all the way and one of our guides will walk alongside you. Our horses and ponies are used to beginners and we ride over safe tracks all of which are completely off road so there is no traffic to worry about. If you are a more experienced rider there are sections of the ride where we can trot and canter but much of the joy of riding here is to experience the tranquility of the place and enjoy the amazing views. Much of the riding is through our private forest which is a mixture of oak, ash, willow, alder and Scots pines. The best views are when we ride up through the forest and out onto the hill where we have panoramic views down both Bantry and Dunmanus bays.
How do we book?
Best way to book is by phone to Georgia on 087-7765539 (International 00353-87-7765539) but you can also contact us through the contact page on here or by email on mailto:bantrybayponytrekking@gmail.com
How do we find you?
Click here for a link to the map on Google Maps.

We are easy to find. Head out the main N71 road from Bantry towards Cork. The sea will be on your right. Keep on past the Westlodge Hotel and continue up the hill. After about 2 km you will pass an Esso filling station on your left. We are approximately 250 metres beyond this on the left. When you see our sign turn left and continue on though the red gate. After 500 metres you will be in our yard. If you are unsure the postcode (zipcode) is P75 H019 and you can search for that on Google Maps.

Click here for a link to the map on Google Maps.
I have never been on a horse or pony. Will I be OK?
Absolutely. Our horses and ponies are very quiet and experienced. Before we head off on the trek you will have time in an enclosed arena to get used to your mount. If you feel unsure, then one of our guides will lead you on the trek, walking next to you the whole time.
What if some of our group are experienced riders and some of us are beginners?
This is never a problem. Every trek is different and we have miles of tracks. With mixed ability groups we just take two guides. When the more experienced riders go for a canter the rest of the group takes a different route and then we meet up again.
Is there a minimum and maximum number of riders?
The number of guest riders allowed on a trek is between 1 and 8.
What kind of clothing should we wear?
You should wear clothing that is comfortable. Riding trousers, leggings, tracksuit bottoms or trousers that offer freedom of movement are recommended. Jeans are worn by many but the seams can rub against the saddle and cause discomfort.  Shorts and skirts are not allowed. Footwear should have a heel but trainers are not suitable for riding. We keep some boots for guest riders and we provide hats and body protectors for all guest riders.
What about the weather? Isn't Ireland famous for its rain?
With the luxury of a large indoor arena, we can ride in all weathers. We only close Christmas week. For treks OK it rains sometimes, but horses don't mind, so we very rarely cancel rides except when we feel it is too windy for safety. Unless we contact you to cancel, you can assume that your ride will go ahead whatever the weather.
What if I need to cancel?
Please call Georgia on 087-7765539 if you must cancel or need to reschedule. Bear in mind that we will have horses saddled up and ready for your party so please give us as much notice as possible. In any event we need 24 hours notice of cancellation.
We don't have transport. HOW CAN WE GET TO YOU from our hotel or B & B?
Try George Plant's taxi service on 087 239 8123
OR
Mossie's Cabs 086 6052302
OR
A 2 B Cabs 086 2337574
Do you have a minimum or maximum rider age?
We take riders from 3 years old up to any age. The criteria is simply rider safety.
What about the weight and height of riders?
With more than 25 horses and ponies we are almost certain to have a mount suitable for everyone. When you book our staff will check the details of those who are to ride and an appropriate horse will be allocated to each guest rider.
What if I want to try riding but I'm really nervous?
Then you are just the same as millions of others! We can take time and help you as much as you need. A guide can lead you and will stay with you all the time. Once you feel how comfortable and quiet our horses are your worries will leave you and you can just enjoy the ride.
What about riders with special needs?
Georgia regularly works with children living with dyspraxia and children and adults living with Autism. She also works in collaboration with CoAction Bantry which is the designated service provider for children & adults with an intellectual disability and Autism in West Cork. This rich experience means that we are especially welcoming to those with special needs.
Can we get some riding lessons from Georgia while we are on holiday?
This is a very common request and the answer is yes, of course. Although Georgia is a very popular and busy teacher she will always try to fit you in if possible.
How much are treks?
Treks are €30 per person for an hour. If you are not an experienced rider then one hour is plenty of time to be in the saddle. More experienced riders go for longer and this is charged pro rata.
 


Pony Camps

What's so good about pony camp?
Over the years we have found that students attending pony camp improve their riding a lot during these concentrated periods of riding fun. We're not sure whether it's the range of activities, or that they get to ride every day for four days or the thrill of meeting new challenges in a group. But we are certain that pony camp is the place where student riders make their biggest improvements whilst having a great time.
What activities are there at pony camp?
The activities offered are many, here are some examples. Arena lessons, vaulting, pony games, stable management, bandaging, riding through water, cross country jumping, trekking, treasure hunts, tack care.
How often are pony camps run?
We run camps throughout the school holidays in summer. There are usually 9.
There are also pony camps at Easter and at mid-term breaks throughout the year.
Dates are always posted on our website.
Do we need to book in advance?
Our pony camps are very popular and book up very fast. Every year we are so oversubscribed we have a waiting list. If you want to guarantee a place in the camp date of your choice it is essential to book as soon as you can.
How much is the pony camp?
One of the reasons our pony camps are so popular is because they are affordable. For 2021 the price remains at €85 for four days for regular riders and €105 for occasional and visiting riders. Due to Government social distancing rules Pony Camp structure has been changed. Contact Georgia on  087-7765539 for further information.
Pony camps 2021
Due to Government restrictions pony camps are run under a different format in 2021. Please phone Georgia on 087-7765539 for more information.
 


Show Jumping Leagues

What are the show jumping leagues?
The Autumn show jumping league runs over eight weeks starting the last Sunday in October. The Spring show jumping league is six weeks and runs from late February to the end of March. Both leagues are open competitions. Georgia's pupils ride the pony or horse they use for their weekly lesson. Other riders bring their own horses and all are welcome.
What sort of competitions are in the show jumping leagues?
There are jumping classes from 45cm, suitable for those who are just starting out in jumping, right up to 90cm classes and higher for those who are at an advanced stage.
It all sounds a bit serious are the leagues only for the ambitious rider?
Not at all! The show jumping leagues are some of the most fun riding we have. Each week we try to bring something a bit different. We've had fancy dress, speed classes, jump cross and anything else we can think of. The whole idea is to introduce competition in a gentle way. Most Sundays there are refreshments available too from the Box of Frogs mobile canteen which attends.
Isn't it all a bit expensive?
No! The entry fee for each class is only €5. We believe it is the cheapest show jumping competition in Ireland. There are cash prizes for all classes and usually we have a prize for the overall champion too!
I'm frightened i might forget the course!
Don't worry! We post the course on our Facebook page and on our website blog each week. As well as that, Georgia's students can see the course set up in the lower arena when they come for their lesson during the week.
 


Horse & Pony Ownership

I'd love my own horse or pony. When will I be ready?
If your family has a farm with cattle or sheep then you probably know for yourself just how much work is involved. You are only ready to own a horse/pony when you really understand what it takes to look after them and have all the things that they need.
What facilities do I need?
Apart from a stable or other suitable building you need somewhere to ride. Those fields that looked so beautiful in the warmth of summer will soon become a muddy quagmire in our wet winters. You might be lucky enough to live somewhere close to quiet boreens or forest tracks where you can ride in winter, but as a rule places to ride are hard to find. This can result in horses/ponies being stuck inside. Then when you come to ride them they are full of high spirits from being couped up for too long and take off like an express train. They are not like cars that can be garaged for weeks and then expected to work fine.
Have I got time to look after a horse or pony?
People who look after animals that need daily care don't get to go on holiday very often! Someone needs to check them every day 365 days a year. As well, horses/ponies have to be looked after in addition to any work or school commitments. That might well mean getting up in the dark in a howling gale and mucking out before anyone else is up in the morning. Some of us love it, others don't. You need to think long and hard about the time it takes just to look after a horse/pony and that's without ever sitting into the saddle.
What is the real cost of owning a horse or pony?
Once you are the proud owner of a horse or pony, then is the time to call the bank manager for a loan, because your troubles are only beginning! Seriously though, there are a lot of costs involved and we estimate that our horses and ponies cost on average about €1,500 a year to look after. That's without insurance, tack repairs, vet fees, dentist fees, stable maintenance, transport costs, competition and lessons fees etc, etc. When you add all of that in you can double the cost and some years it's even more. The conclusion is that the price you pay for your horse or pony is only a down payment . . . there's still a lot of costs after purchase.
 


Helpers

How do I get to be a helper?
First of all you have to be at least 14 years old. Second you have to be a very good rider. Third you have to be having regular lessons with Georgia. Finally and most importantly we are looking for people who have a mature and responsible attitude. All work with horses is potentially dangerous and we expect our helpers to demonstrate a clear awareness of safety issues. As older riders you will be looked up to by the younger students so your behaviour is important in setting the tone of the yard. We take our work very responsibly so if you just want to come and mess around then we don't want you as a helper but if you love spending time with the horses and have the right attitude then you will be welcome.
If I can tick all the boxes can I be a helper?
We often have a waiting list of people wanting to help. So we can't guarantee that we will have a vacancy. Best thing is to let us know and we will try to sort something out.
helper BENEFITS?
Helpers get extra riding beyond their weekly lessons but the main focus is on getting experience. Helping with lessons is valuable in developing an understanding of how people learn to ride and also how the ponies and horses react in different situations. Older helpers also accompany treks as assistant guides and enjoy meeting and interacting with guest riders. Several of our past helpers have gone on to pursue equine studies at university level and the experience they gained here was of help to them in deciding their course choice.