First post to post 2010

We had a few wet moments but they didn't dampen our spirits, and opportune sunny spells more than made up for them. Thank you to Jessica, for the great photography; Liz, for introducing Monty to the Connor Pass and beyond; and Diana, for the inspirational perseverance.

Liz and Monty, Jessica and Fuschia, on top of Cnoc na Chairn above Dingle.

Fording the river on the way to Murieoch.

Leaving the beach at Ventry.

Minstrel having an itch at lunchtime in Ventry.

Up, up, up the Connor Pass.

And the weather held out for a photo at the top.

The horses first night in Cloghane.

Crossing to the beach at Fermoyle.

Fuchsia felt at home in Castlegregory.

Happy faces after a gallop down the sand.

Nearing Camp at the end of day 4.

The field in Camp.

Monty was sure what it was either.

Monty relaxing during his first post to post. He thought it was a great adventure.

Annascaul lake, nearing the end of our ride on the final day.

A wall painting in Dingle. Is that Fuschia in the lead??

Susan Callery

Susan is the owner and director of Dingle Horse Riding, as well as the Greenlane Art Gallery in Dingle. An artist herself, she established the gallery in 1989, and the stables in 1992, and since both have gone from strength to strength. Please visit our sister site http://www.greenlanegallery.com/ , or feel free to drop in to the gallery itself, located on Holy Ground in Dingle.

April 10th Showjumping

Bitless Bridles

Many of our horses are now ridden in bitless bridles, and we have come to the conclusion that they work better, and are happier, without a bit in their mouth. Whether on a forward going or steadier horse, on the beach, on the mountain or in the riding school, in competition and show-jumping, we feel our horses are more comfortable and just as responsive in the bitless bridle in comparison to with a bit. The bridles we use are based on the cross-pull design, I make these bridles myself, please visit my website also at http://www.uiscesaddlery.blogspot.com/. Come riding with us to try one out

Sue Carr's Visit 27th April - 6th May 2010

To Katy, Elaine & all at Dingle Horse Riding [including dogs, cats & ponies],

Many thanks for yet another wonerful stay; it was lovely to visit Dingle again, and to see the continuing improvements you are achieving. The horses have been kept so well this winter, despite the harsh weather; they looked and rode better than ever. It was also lovely to hear positive comments from clients about the "fabulously fit & well horses". The rides have been tweaked to give most benefit to both horse & rider.

I enjoyed tremendously the beach rides in 'bitless' bridles. The horses seem to enjoy the freedom to move without tense riders pulling strongly on the bit, and this makes it more rewarding for the riders. Well done guys!!

For me the high spot of our training sessions was being able to see horses working with the correct energy, rhythm, balance & shape, both during flat-work and over jumps... and all without a bit!!

Thanks again, and ...... Kallam, please make sure Snoopy's fence gets finished before she chews through it.

Love & best wishes, and we'll be back soon, Sue & Tim Carr xx

Sue Carr

Sue Carr has been with us this week (May 1st) and riding as many horses as possible, as well as teaching some lessons and generally being great. Also Tim Carr who is our honorary photographer and very handyman. Sue and Tim run equine charity near Liverpool providing help, training and rehabilitation to horses and people who have been subject to abuse or neglect. Please visit their website at http://www.equinextra.com/

Dubai

Dubai the pocket rocket, 14.1hh, born 2000 and at the yard since 2007. She loves to go fast and jump big. Shown here in a lesson by Sue, ridden by Olive, learning that slow and relaxed is also ok to do now and then.

Liath

Liath is a 15.2hh Irish Sporthorse mare, born 1995, she is happy to go trekking or jumping any day, although sometimes she likes to have things her way. Nearly always ridden by the guide as she prefers to be out the front. In 2008 she had a foal, Cookie, who is also still at the yard.

Skye

Skye, Elaine's dog, born 11th March 2008. The best dog in the world.

Cotton

Cotton, Elaine's cat. The man of the yard.

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?