Donegal Equestrian Centre

Q: How long does it take to learn to ride?

Riding is a sport that combines balance, fitness, mental strength and bonding with a horse. Different people have different learning curves so it’s really difficult to give a number. Still, on average, a beginner needs roughly 7 to 12 lessons to learn how to control a horse in a trot and an additional 15 to 20 lessons to learn to canter.

Q. How do you choose the right horse for me?

We choose suitable horses/ponies for riders based on the information provided on your registration form and an assessment of your riding abilities during your lesson. We also consider a personal preference (i.e a quiet pony, or something more forward going). If a particular partnership doesn't work out, then we will try a different horse/pony until the rider is 100% happy with their new mount.

Q. I have never ridden before, will I be welcome at D.E.C?

We welcome all levels of rider. We specialise in providing safe and suitable horses to make your first riding experience a fun and positive one. By learning to ride at D.E.C you could find this to be the perfect introduction to a new hobby or more seriously, a lifelong passion!

Q. Do I have to buy any special equipment/clothing?

We have a good selection of riding hats and boots that you can borrow for your first few lessons. Once you are sure you or your child wish to take up riding regularly we would recommend that you first purchase would be a correctly fitting riding hat to the current BSI standard. Please see our WHAT TO WEAR guide for further information.

Q. Is horse riding dangerous?

Yes, it can be, and we cannot guarantee that you won't fall off. A horse’s behaviour can be unpredictable and even the most highly trained can sometimes react in an unexpected way.

We do all we can to keep our riders safe:-

We are inspected annually by the Association Of Irish Riding Establishments (A.I.R.E)
Our horses and ponies are carefully selected for their temperament.
All of our instructors are trained in the safe conduct of lessons.
All of our riding hats meet current safety standards.
We have First Aid trained staff available at all times.

If you have not ridden before, or at least for some time, you should note the following requirements for riding at
Donegal Equestrian Centre.

Hats
Hats must comply to the following standard:-
Hats bearing only the EN1384 or BSEN1384 are not acceptable.
However, hats would be acceptable if they carry EN1384 or BSEN1384 and another standard such as those listed:

• PAS 015 (2011 or onwards)
• VG1 01.040 (2014-12)
• ASTM F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards)
• SNELL E2001
• AS/NZS 3838 (2006 onwards)

they must be worn when mounted correctly fitted and fastened. We have hats you can use if you are just visiting the area or have just taken up riding.
If you have a riding hat, bring it along and ask your instructor to check it for current standards.
Footwear
Riding boots or Jodhpur boots ideally should be worn, however, any closed toe flat shoe or boot with a smooth sole and a small heel would be acceptable. Trainers are not acceptable, so please don’t turn up in them expecting to ride. They are unsafe.
Lower Body
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.
Upper Body
Clothing should be suitable for the weather conditions. A long-sleeved shirt, a properly fastened jacket that is not flapping or a sweatshirt, are recommended.
Body protectors must be worn for all cross-country jumping and are recommended for any lesson involving jumping.
Hands
We strongly recommend that riding gloves are worn whenever riding.
Jewellery
No jewellery should be worn whilst riding or handling horses. The only exceptions are the wearing of a wedding ring and watch. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to be dressed correctly in accordance with the above information before riding.

To the casual observer it may look like all the rider has to do is just sit there. The horse does all the work, well, anyone who has ridden a horse will know how wrong that is. There is far more to riding a horse than one might expect. The benefits of horse riding are immense enjoyment, physically and mental fitness and a chance to enjoy the open countryside.
Physical
Horse riding develops balance and improve coordination and motor function. Other advantages include strengthening of muscles, reflex acceleration, prevention of muscle cramps, increased joint mobility, boosting the cardiovascular system, improving blood circulation, stimulation of sensory integration, improved visual perception of space, the development of responsibility, patience and self-discipline, increasing self-confidence

Riding a horse at a walk stimulates the internal organs just as walking on foot does. This aids in liver function and digestion. You will be burning calories at the rate of 5 calories per minute for a 10 ½ stone woman. Increasing the speed and ride duration will increase the intensity of your workout and burn more calories

Horse riding is an enjoyable hobby and sport for adults and children alike. Children can learn the responsibility of caring for an animal.
As you groom, clean stables, carry saddles, equipment or bales of hay you are also doing weight-bearing exercise that helps maintain bone mass. Although riding, grooming and mucking is good exercise, many riders find it beneficial to lift weights and do core strength training such as yoga and Pilates.
Horse riding is an enjoyable hobby and sport for adults and children alike. Learning to control and care for an animal much larger than yourself can have a profound effect on your confidence and is a great feeling. Riding is a great way to get out and see the surrounding countryside bringing the rider closer to nature. Simply being outdoors and enjoying the countryside will boost your general wellbeing and act as a great stress buster. There is a real sense of exhalation and freedom when you ride, a feeling that is second to none.
Mental
At first, you may feel that just learning to stay on and steer the horse is a challenge. When that becomes easy many more learning opportunities present themselves. As you progress with riding and horse ownership you will always have questions and problems. Even the most experienced equestrian would admit there is always something new to learn. Research has shown that lifelong learning may prevent memory loss. Just like your muscles your brain needs exercise to keep young and supple. Riding provides an active avenue for keeping your brain exercised. Riding can provide many opportunities for success. Whether you learn to rise the trot or receive high marks in a dressage test, you’ll feel good about what you are doing.
Emotional
For many a horse is a connection with nature whether they ride in the arena or on a trail. Many people find companionship and solace while working with their horse. Although riding can present its frustrations and challenges most people find it a relaxing pastime. The camaraderie of people who enjoy similar activities is also appealing. It’s fun to get together with friends for a lesson, trail rides or visiting local equestrian competitions
If you crave solitude, horse riding can provide that as well. Many horse owners feel their horse is somewhat of a kindred spirit agreeing with their own feelings and emotions; more so than any human companion. In times of stress a horse can be a quiet friend, who is without judgement.
Horses make humans healthier
Further article on the benefits of horses can be read at
16 ways horses make humans healthier