BEACH & DUNE RIDE TYPES
Rides are avilable for 1½ or 2 hours.
All beach rides require prior experience in horse riding.
For Complete Beginners ride details are HERE
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Beginner Rides
Beginner rides start with an instructional assessment in the arena before gong out on the sand dune trail. The ride does not go down onto the beach but offers spectacular coastal & mountain views. Riders must have prior riding experience check our Rider Ability Levels before booking.
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Novice Rides
Novice rides may include a short stretch of beach but is mainly in the sand dunes. There will be long stretches of trotting and may include a short canter. Riders must have prior experience and be able to rise (post) to the trot, check our Rider Ability Levels before booking.
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Intermediate Rides
Intermediate rides trot & canter down the beach and return back through the sand dunes. Long stretches of trotting & cantering. Riders must be able to canter independently (not holding onto saddle/neckstrap). Check our Rider Ability Levels before booking.
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Advanced Rides
Advanced rides include plenty of fast canters on the beach. The ride returns back up through the sand dunes where you will climb up high to get views of the Erne Estuary. Riders must be fit,capable & riding regularly if they expect to fast canter/gallop on the beach. Check our Rider Ability Levels before booking.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Please read all information fully before booking.
- All rides include an assessment in the arena before going out. This is included in the ride time. Our decision on the riding assessment is final.
- We do not accept complete beginners or riders on a lead rein for any beach/dune ride.
- Rides are just for your booking we do not run mixed groups.
- Members of a group riding together with mixed abilities, the ride will be at the level of the least able rider of your group.
- Your Safety is important to us please do not over-estimate your ability. We use the information you provide on your booking form to match you with a suitable horse, please make sure this information is accurate.
- No refunds will be given if you have over estimated your ability and we do not have a suitable horse for you.
- All our horses are ridden English style with English saddles and bridles. If you have only Western-type saddle experience, you will be considered a beginner/novice rider unless you have taken English seat riding lessons.
- We ride in all weathers, rides would only be cancelled if there is an extreme weather warning for the area.
- There can be hidden dangers on the ride: sudden movements such as dogs, wildlife, loud noises, and unfamiliar objects such as tents & rubbish which can startle horses. The beach is used by other users such as dog walkers & surfers over which DEC has no control. Horses are not machines they have minds of their own, you are a participant not a passenger. When you are riding you must be always in control NEVER let go of the reins, take your feet out of your stirrups and no screaming. Keep one horses space away from the horse in front of you.
- Clothing must be zipped or buttoned up, so it will not become undone or flap about whilst riding. DO NOT remove/add clothing whilst mounted.
WHAT TO WEAR
- Riding helmets and boots are provided free for visitors to use.
- We have a limited number of body protectors that can be hired this request must be made at time of booking.
- Thick leggings or trousers that offer freedom of movement. Jeans have been known to cause friction. Legs must be covered at all times i.e no shorts or skirts.
- Long socks.
- Clothing should be suitable for the weather conditions.Windproof & Waterproof jacket properly fastened & not flapping. A long-sleeved shirt or a sweatshirt, are recommended.
- No jewelry should be worn whilst riding or handling horses.
- Ultimately it is your responsibility to be dressed correctly in accordance with the above information before riding.
PHOTOGRAPHY
All guides carry a camera and if asked are happy to take photos for you.
Please ask your guide before going out to the beach. These will then be posted to our photo galleries on Facebook. Or can be sent via What's App but you need to give your permission & number to your guide.
Be aware that all photos/videos (like all our photos & videos) are taken from horseback. If you particularly want photos/videos please arrange for a family member/friend meet us on the beach to take pictures, or a list of local professional photographers can be supplied on request.
Please bear in mind that the guides are qualified riding trail guides and not trained photographers!
Photos taken subject to weather & tide conditions, how busy the Strand is with other users and the general safety of the group.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
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Rider Weight
Our upper weight limit is 220lbs, 16½ stone or 105kg.
For safety and horse welfare reasons we are unable to accept riders over this weight. -
Age Restrictions
Please observe our age requirements for riding out on the beach or dune trails. These are clearly stated on the ride description. On site rides are available for younger children.
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How to Make a Booking
Advance booking is required which can be made online, phone or email. Rides are available to book online up to 24 hours before the ride time, if you cannot find a time please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you. Do not travel to the centre without a booking.
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Full Terms & Conditions
Before booking please read our full terms and conditions.