Sand Dune Experiences
1½ Beginner Experience
Perfect for riders with some previous experience who would like to build their confidence before heading out on our beautiful Sand Dune Trail.
Minimum Riding Skills Needed
- Mount/Dismount
- Hold Reins Correctly (English Style)
- Walk on a quiet horse/pony
- Turn and Steer a quiet horse/pony
- Stop a horse from walk
- Slow down a quiet horse/pony from walk & trot
- All riders must be able to ride off the lead rein
- Participants must be capable of leading their horse/pony to the mounting area
Your experience begins with a 30-minute assessment and instructional lesson in the arena, where your instructor will assess your ability to safely control your horse and cover the essentials, including leading, mounting, turning, stopping, slowing down and riding up and down hills. You’ll also have the opportunity to try some trotting.
Following your lesson, if your instructor feels you have the necessary skills and confidence to ride safely outside the arena, you’ll head out onto our
Sand Dune Trail.
The trail runs alongside Tullan Strand, offering spectacular coastal and mountain views. Please note that the trail does not go down onto the beach. The ride is primarily at a walk, with the opportunity for a short trot where the guide feels that the rider has the necessary skills and conditions are suitable.
Riding Assessment
If, following the assessment lesson, your instructor feels that you are not yet ready to ride safely off-site, the experience will remain within the centre. The instructor’s assessment is final and is made with the safety of both horse and rider in mind.
Children are welcome from 8 years old. Riders must be able to ride independently — we do not offer lead-rein rides.
Complete beginners: Please book our 1-Hour Beginner Experience instead.
1½ or 2 Hour Novice Experience
Take your riding further with an extended Sand Dune Trail through the spectacular dunes overlooking Tullan Strand.
Our 1½ and 2-hour Novice Sand Dune Trails venture deeper into the dunes, with breathtaking coastal and mountain views along the way. The rides include longer stretches of trotting and, where appropriate, may include a short canter if all riders have the necessary experience and ability.
Children aged 8 years and over are welcome provided they ride regularly and meet the required riding standard.
Prior riding experience is essential – this ride is not suitable for beginners.
Minimum Riding Skills
All riders must have received previous riding instruction and be able to demonstrate the following skills:
- Mount and dismount independently – mounting blocks are provided.
- Hold the reins correctly using English riding style.
- Walk independently on a quiet horse or pony.
- Rise (post) to the trot independently, without holding on to the saddle or neck strap.
- Control, steer, slow and stop a quiet horse from both walk and trot.
- Ride independently, without a lead rein.
- Safely lead their horse or pony to the mounting area.
Riding Assessment
All riders will have a short assessment in the arena before heading out on the trail. This allows your instructor to make sure everyone has the necessary skills and confidence to ride safely in the dunes.
If the instructor feels that a rider does not yet have the required skills, the ride will remain onsite rather than going onto the Sand Dune Trail. The instructor's assessment is final and is made with the safety of both horse and rider in mind.
The assessment is included within your booked ride time.
1 Hour Dune Trail
A chance to take your riding out of the arena.
Our 1-hour sand dune trails rides are exclusively for regular Donegal Equestrian Centre riders who already know our horses and are familiar with our riding style.
These rides are available to riders who have ridden with us within the last six months and are confident and capable at the required level.
As these rides are arranged specifically for our regular riders, they are not available to book online. Please contact Donegal EC directly by phone, email or in person to discuss availability and arrange your ride.
Your Ride. Your Horses. Your Dunes. Your Adventure.
Not Ready for the Beach or Sand Dune Trails?
No problem! If you don't yet have the riding experience required for our beach or Sand Dune Trails, we have a range of onsite riding experiences and lessons suitable for all levels, including children from 4 years old.
Our ½-hour and 1-hour experiences include riding along our country lane, giving you the opportunity to enjoy being in the saddle while building your confidence and skills.
If your goal is to join one of our Sand Dune Trails, we can also provide a series of lessons tailored to help you develop the riding skills and experience you need to ride out safely.
Contact us to discuss your experience and we'll be happy to recommend the best option for you.
