The Girls

Olive, Shonagh, Roisin and Rebecca,our barn rats. Can't live with them.....

Olivia

Olivia, fondly known as Olive by everyone at the yard. No horse too big, no pony too small. If she had a brain she'd be dangerous, but don't worry, we're safe for now! Shown here riding her mare, Crunchie Mac Donnell.

Olive and Crunchie try horse surfing.

Maybe not.

Shonagh

Shonagh and Rosie at the West Kerry Agricultural Show.

Shodnagh.

Missy

Missy and Gina at the West Kerry Agricultural Show, Summer 2009.

We didn't want any more ponies, but once the guy had got her out of the horse box,we knew we couldn't let her go back in again. That was in the spring 2009, and in August she became Gina's own pony, making them the happiest little couple you're ever likely to meet. Introducing Missy, the pony who fell on her feet and showed everyone what a difference can be made.

Missy on Gina's birthday, all wrapped up with a bow.

Missy when she came to us, Spring 2009.

Meg

Meg is our 16.2hh Irish sports horse mare. Born 1995 and at the yard since 2000, she has been doing the job a few years now, and knows how to go about it. A great horse on the beach and a lady on the mountain, she doesn't want to be in front, but pretty close to it will do her fine.

Fuchsia

Fuchsia is our 14.3hh roan mare, born 1989 and at the yard since 1993. What she lacks in size she makes up for in stamina. Our longest standing trekking horse, and lead horse for many years, she certainly knows her own mind. There is very little point arguing with Fushia, but when she has been doing the job a lot longer than any of us who would want to. The first horse I ever rode on the beach back in 2000. She was a handfull then, and not a lot has changed. God bless Fuchsia.

Blasket

Blasket is a 15.3hh bay mare, born 1996, Irish sporthorse. The perfect horse for a nervous beginner on the mountain, she is sure-footed and easy. On the beach is another story however, as she is one of the fastest and keenest, a ride for a confident strong rider who wants to know the meaning of speed.

Dingle Horse Riding Goes Bitless.

After trying a couple of our horses in bitless bridles, we have become increasingly convinced of their merits and benefits in all riding disciplines. Over the spring as we warm up for the summer season we have therefore been converting many of  horses to being ridden bitless, and have so far had great results from all of them. Both the forward going and the steadier horses seem happier, on the beach, on the mountain or in the school. So why not come and try it out for yourself?

One Hour Mountain Ride - Cnoc an Chairn

Our one hour mountain trek goes up and over the hill behind the stables, giving spectacular views of Dingle, the harbour and beyond. On a clear day you can see Macgillycuddy's Reeks and Skellig Michael. This ride is suitable for beginners, the horses are surefooted and reliable. For experienced riders there are places for trots and canters and the group may be split if there are mixed abilities.

Two Hour Mountain and Beach - Dingle Beach

Our two hour ride is a good option for experienced riders who don't have time for a half or full day ride. The first hour follows the same route as the one hour on the mountain above Dingle. The second hour rides down through the town and onto the beach by the mouth of Dingle Harbour. Fungie is often spotted as we make our way along the sand towards Hussey's Folly Tower, although on the way back we may be going too fast for wildlife watching! These rides usually leave the stables at 11am, and are tide dependent. If the tide is high we have an alternative route for the second hour, which has a place to canter and fords the river at Milltown before returning to the stables. For mixed ability groups it is good to ride together for the first hour, before the experienced riders can enjoy an increase of pace for the second hour whilst those less experienced can return to the stables and recover their legs.

Inch

The Connor Pass

Coming down on the northern side of the peninsula.

Meg, Fushia, Ranji and Blasket

Cookie

Cookie was born at the stables in May 2008. Shown in the photo above (with mum Liath) when she was a day old, so she is a little bigger now!

Cookie with Ranji

Half Day Ride - Ventry

Our half day ride is 3 hours long and for experienced riders only. The ride leaves the stables and goes down to the stony beach at Burnham. It then follows the back roads to reach the huge sandy beach of Ventry. On the way home we cross the hills at Cathairbosine, giving great views of Ventry Harbour behind us and Dingle harbour to the front.

Dingle Beach

Elaine Waters

I first came to Dingle Horse Riding on holiday in 2000, and fell in love with Dingle, the horses and the scenery. I returned every year until I (finally) got the job.
I have lived and worked at the stables since May 2008, and am now the main trail guide as well as a qualified bridle and harness maker. http://www.uiscesaddlery.blogspot.com/
In my spare time I take Skye to the beach, make bridles and write blog posts. I hate tomatoes.

Christmas Ride!

Despite some pretty scary weather we've been having here, the day of the Christmas Ride was actually fairly good and we managed to get out on the mountain and down into town. Ho ho ho!

Some Winter Photos

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Even Annie the Norwegian Fjord is finding this weather a little chilly.

Upcoming Riding Club Events

Here are a few dates for the diary. Anyone interested in taking part in any of these events, please give Katy a call on 066 915 2199. Horses are available, or you are more than welcome to bring your own.

15th November - mountain ride - a one and a half hour hack around Cnoc an Chairn above the stables and looking down on Dingle Harbour.

27th November - social event - in the evening, probably at the Blue Zone in Dingle.

29th November - club ride - to the beach at Burnham and surrounding area.

5th/6th December - Natural Horsemanship Clinic with Sean Fitzgibbon.

18th December - Christmas Party

20th December - Christmas Ride - to Dingle Beach, fancy dress encouraged. Fungie may also attend this event.

1st January - New Year's Ride.

Heather, Ivy and Jack

A few photo's of Heather, Ivy and Jack, three great old horses who, after many years of living and working at Dingle Horse Riding, are now enjoying their well earned retirement in a green grassy field near Cork. Thanks to Denise, Sinead and Muireann who are giving them all the love and carrots they deserve, which is lots.