paulg

We are researching horseback riding tours in Ireland for this July. We have some candidates, though many are more for intermediate or expert, especially with English saddle. We are a family of 4 with kids 10 and 16.

Does anyone have personal experience with a tour they liked in Ireland (Killarney, Kilkenny, Doolin areas) or Scotland (Edinburgh, Skye, Glencoe, Aberfoyle areas) that is more for beginners and family friendly?

Thanks in advance.

Tony2phones

The problem you Could have is the 10yr old. Irish stables might be a bit fussy when it comes to the terms of their insurance. Not all will be the same but check.
Local to here would be the Slieve Aughty centre, An Sibin, and Willy is based near here used to live down the road but runs rides on the Connemara Aille Cross.

hetismij2

Do you mean a multi day tour, or a single day or half day pony trek?

A multi day tour would be very ambitious for beginners. A pony trek of a few hours would be doable though. Places offering such treks are used to total novices, and will normally see how good you actually are in the menage before taking you out.
They should have a variety of sizes of animals and a variety of temperaments to match the rider.
If you do a search for pony trekking you should find something that suits.
They will probably provide hard hats. Don't wear jeans unless they are Wranglers type with a flat inside leg seam, or you will end up with very sore legs.

dugi_otok

Killarney Riding Stables should meet your requirements

http://www.horsevacationireland.com/

janisj

Yep -- search 'pony trekking'. Most stables/farms that offer it will accept beginners. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want a 'tour'. What you want is a guided half day (or shorter) ride.

They are all over

paulg

Thanks, everyone. Yes, I am referring to a ~ 2 hour trek. Any more than that is not recommended (we have ridden some) for begginers. I value my hind quarters too much. So a nice scenic guided walk on a coast, hill/mountain, loch, etc. I'll check out the recommendations listed so far.

Tony2phones

Taking the "tour" out of the equation I would recommend http://www.clegganridingcentre.com/

paulg

Looks nice, Tony. Unfortunately the furthest north we are going is Doolin (then on to Dublin), so this looks a bit out of the way.

Tony2phones

Mountain View and Dalys Equestrian are on my West Clare Map https://drive.google.com/open?id=1d-...hs&usp=sharing

Doolin is a great place to get the Inis Oirr and Cliffs of Moher combi cruse. wouldn't personally stay in the villages. I generally recommend Lahinch with younger folk.

janisj

This place is on the Lake of Menteith very close to Aberfoyle and Callander

http://www.castlerednocktrekking.com

paulg

Thanks, Tony and Janis, I'll check those out as well. We'll be visiting Lake of Menteith for the Priory so that one would also be convenient.

Tony, our trip is fully booked, we are now just adding on a few activities (like horse trekking). We are staying in Doolin and have the combo cruise booked, so we are set for that part of the trip.

hetismij2

For Scottish places have a look at https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do...pony-trekking/
It also has suggestions on what to wear, including shoes - no trainers please!

http://www.visitfortwilliam.co.uk/li...r-fort-william

http://www.strathlodgeglencoe.com/di.../horse-riding/ in Glencoe.

paulg

Thank you, hetismij2.