Rider Ability Levels
Please check your riding ability level before booking.
Our horses are carefully selected and prepared in advance for each ride, based on the ability level provided at the time of booking. For your safety and the welfare of our horses, if your riding ability is not at the level declared, we may not be able to offer the ride.
Before booking your beach or dune ride
Horses and ponies are not led on our beach or dune rides. You must be able and confident riding and leading a quiet horse at a walk before joining one of these rides. All riders heading out to the beach or dunes must have some previous riding experience.
If you are a complete beginner, please book our 1-hour Beginner Experience instead, where you can learn the basics in a safe and supportive environment.
Your safety comes first
Please be honest about your riding ability when booking and do not over-estimate your experience. We use the information you provide on your booking form to match you with a suitable horse, so it is important that this information is accurate.
All of our rides have minimum age requirements. However, if you feel your child has the ability and experience to take part in a particular ride despite being below the stated minimum age, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to discuss their experience with you.
English riding experience
All our horses are ridden in English tack, using English saddles and bridles.
If your experience is exclusively with Western-style saddles, you will be considered a beginner/novice rider unless you have also had experience riding in an English saddle.
For our advanced beach rides, riders must be familiar and comfortable with an English saddle and be able to rise (post) to the trot and canter.
Age Restrictions
Beginner/Novice Rides
1½ hour Beginner experience minimum age of 8 years.
1½ hour Novice Dune Trail minimum age of 8 years.
All rider must have previously received riding tuition
Intermediate/Advanced Riders
1½ hour Intermediate/Advanced beach ride minimum age is 10 years old.
2 hour Intermediate/advanced beach ride minimum age is 10 years old.
All riders must be riding regularly and previously received tuition.
All riders will be assessed (unless a weekly rider at Donegal EC) at all paces in the arena before going out. Our decision on the assessment is final. If not at the standard the ride will revert to a dune ride if suitable horses are available.
Lessons
We have a range of lessons, walkouts & pony camps that stay on site for children from 4 years old. Riding lessons
Adult lessons and horse care sessions are also available.
Rider Levels
Beginner
Complete beginner: You have never ridden before or have not received any formal riding tuition. Our horses are not led on beach or dune rides, so complete beginners cannot join these rides.
We offer a 1-hour Beginner Experience, which includes a riding lesson in the arena followed by a walk out along the country lane. We can also arrange a series of lessons to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to progress to our sand dune trail. Please email us for details.
Beginner with some experience: You may have ridden occasionally, for example on pony trekking holidays, and have received some previous riding instruction. You should be able to lead, mount, dismount, walk, turn and stop a quiet horse independently. You may have tried trotting but are still developing your confidence and riding skills.
As horses are not led on our dune trails, you must be confident enough to control a quiet horse outside the arena.
We also offer arena-based riding lessons for beginner riders if you would like to improve your skills before riding out.
Novice Rider
A rider who is comfortable riding a quiet horse independently at walk and rising (posting) trot. You should be able to lead, mount, dismount, walk, trot, turn and stop without assistance and have received previous riding instruction in an arena.
You may have tried cantering but feel nervous or haven't cantered for some time. Riders whose experience is mainly or exclusively with Western-style riding should also select Novice unless they have experience riding in an English saddle.
Horses are not led on our dune trails, so you must be confident enough to control a quiet horse independently outside the arena.
If you are unsure which ability level is right for you, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to discuss your experience.
Intermediate Rider
A rider who rides regularly and is confident and competent riding and controlling a horse independently at walk, rising (posting) trot and canter.
You should be able to adjust your girth and stirrups, mount, dismount, walk, trot, canter, turn and stop a horse without assistance. You will have received previous riding instruction in an arena and may have some experience with jumping.
You should also be confident riding outside of an arena and comfortable dealing with a horse in a variety of situations.
This level may also be suitable for someone who has previously ridden regularly to an advanced level but has not ridden regularly in recent years. If this applies to you, please consider whether you are currently confident and fit enough for the ride you are booking.
Not sure which level is right for you? Please contact us before booking and we’ll be happy to discuss your experience.
Advanced Rider
A rider who is confident, competent and currently riding regularly at an advanced level. You should be comfortable riding independently at walk, rising (posting) trot, canter and gallop.
You should be able to lead, mount, dismount, adjust your girth and stirrups unaided, and confidently control your horse at faster paces.
For advanced beach and dune rides, you must be comfortable cantering and galloping in company in open spaces, maintaining control and keeping a safe distance from the horse in front. You must be able to ride at the pace of the group without attempting to overtake another horse.
You should be riding fit and regularly riding at this level. Previous experience at an advanced level does not necessarily mean you are currently suitable for an advanced ride if you have not ridden regularly.
If you are unsure which level is right for you, please contact us before booking and we’ll be happy to discuss your experience.