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Ireland, Galway - Cross-Country Riding

This trip is perfect for those who are looking for fast-paced riding and a lot of jumps on fantastic horses. You don’t need to have ridden cross country previously, but you should be used to high-tempo riding in the outdoors. You will encounter real Irish charm and a lot of horses. People who are open, unpretentious and have a bit of courage will love this location with its genuine expertise built up over many years.

There is a large cross country course with up to one hundred jumps. There are also a number of smaller jumps that allow you to build your confidence during your stay.

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Program - Cross Country - Weekend, Long Weekend & Week

Weekend, Long Weekend & Week program

This programme is suitable for riders who can trot, canter and gallop confidently, experience in cross country jumping not necessary, training for those wishing to improve their cross country jumping will be provided.
Included 3 -6 nights accommodation, approx. 11-20 hours horse riding and riding 2 different horses per day.

Weekend - approx 11hrs riding
Arrive Thursday noon - 1.30 hour hack out assessment and cross country jumping.
Friday 10.00 am to 11.45am cross country jumping training followed by lunch break then, from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training.
Saturday 10.00 am to 11.45 am cross country training then lunch break followed by cross country training from 1.30 pm to 3.15pm.
Sunday morning full cross country ride from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.

Long weekend - approx 14hrs riding
Arrive Wednesday lunchtime, 1hr30 min hack out assessment and cross-country jumping. 
Thursday 10.00 am until 11.45 am cross-country jumping followed by a lunch break then from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training.
Friday 10.00 am to 11.45 am cross country jumping followed by lunch break, then from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training.
Saturday 10.00 am to 11.45 am cross country training then lunch break followed by cross country training from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm.
Sunday morning full cross country ride from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.

Week - approx 20 hrs riding
Arrive Monday afternoon/evening. Riding Tuesday morning until Sunday noon. 
Tuesday until Saturday 10.00 am until 11.45 am cross-country jumping followed by a lunch break then from 1.30 pm to 3.15 pm cross country training. Sunday morning full cross country ride from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm.

 

NOTE-  Cross-country jumping during winter season (October to March) is usually on the all-weather surface (due to wet ground conditions) .

(the daily programme and times are approximate and could be subject to slight change re weather conditions etc ) 

Program - Cross Country Weekend and Training Hunt

From November to the first weekend in March, you can combine cross-country jumping with a "training hunt".

Get away on an action-packed weekend with cross-country jumping on beautiful horses. The weekend starts with a test ride on Thursday (if you arrive before 1 p.m.). You then have two rides on Friday. Depending on the ground conditions, you will ride on selected sections of the cross country trail. You will get to try a number of beautiful horses.
On Saturday, after the morning's cross country jumping, Oliver takes his dogs out for a "training hunt" on the property starting at 12.30 p.m. Many neighbors and friends participate with their own horses, so it will be a social and fast-paced ride.
On Sunday after breakfast there will be a final cross-country ride. Departure approx. 12.00

Accommodation and Food

Bed & Breakfast in Portumna, half board
You will stay in Marys charming B&B in Portumna (about 15 minutes by car from the farm) in a double room with shower/toilet. Single rooms can be booked (price for single supplement is available under Dates & Prices). If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added. Towels and sheets are provided.
In the morning it will be self-catering/continental breakfast and packed lunch available. Once the afternoon’s riding is completed, you will be driven back to the B&B.
For dinner there are several restaurants and pubs to choose from within walking distance.

Safe deposit box: No
Hair Dryer: Yes by request.
Towels and sheets: Yes
Fridge: No

 

Horses

There are more than 45 horses on the farm in all sizes and ages. The horses are mainly Sporthorses and Irish Hunters, but there are also some very nice ponies. They are 160-180 cm (63-71 in) at the withers and experienced at cross-country. They are often out on hunts and have a very good temperament.

Climate

The climate is mild. Temperature conditions are largely the same throughout Ireland. May and June are the sunniest months. July and August are the warmest with a normal daytime temperature of between about 21-24 C (70-75 F).

Travel Information

Ability description: Cross country, jumping level 3-5 >>

Included in the price: 3-5 nights, 3-4,5 days riding, full or half board

Not included: Flights, transfers to and from the riding centre. Cap fee (hunts)

Travel: Book flight/rental car >> 
Fly to Dublin. You can then choose between domestic flight, train or bus.
You can also fly to Shannon or Galway.

Domestic flights Dublin Shannon airport, Galway Airport.
It is possible to fly with the Irish airline Aer Arann from Dublin to Shannon and Galway Airport.

Bus: Dublin airport - Loughrea:
The easiest is to take the bus directly from Dublin airport to Loughrea (end station Galway) with Irish Citylink or Bus Eireann. The journey takes just over three hours. 
Dublin centrum - Portumna:
You can also go to Portumna with www.kearnstransport.com. It is 7 km from the stable.

Transfer: Book in advance with HorseXplore and pay on spot to the driver. Depending on where you come from a transfer can be arranged. Call the riding center when you are in Dublin and confirm which bus you will arrive with, if you travel to Loughrea or Portumna. 

Loughrea bus station about 30 EUR / car
Ballinasloe bus station about 40 EUR / car
Shannon airport about 100 EUR / car
Galway Airport about 70 EUR / car

Rental car: If you want to explore the surrounding area on your own, we recommend renting a car. 

Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices.
If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will apply.

Currency: EUR
Credit card: Not accepted by riding center.
Tipping: Not expected.

Wifi: Yes
Electricity jack: UK, three pins.

Age limit: None

Closest village: Portumna, 7 km from stable.
Beach: No
Pool: No

Misc.:
Riding equipment to borrow: None
Saddle bag available: No
Special diet: Inform when booking.
It is not allowed to ride with a camcorder on the helmet (Go-Pro)

Feedback from our travellers

"Irish Breakfast is a great way to start the riding day. Two cross-country sessions of 2 hours on great horses every day. Good instructions. Oliver led us in the mornings and Conny in the afternoons. Many jumps over various types of obstacles—uphill, downhill, and through water. Nice, reasonably-sized group. Super fun! The horses are matched to what you’ll be doing and how it’s gone so far. All the horses were fantastic and eager to jump. We felt very welcome. It’s always such a joy to come here. This was my fourth trip. A definite favorite!! Already looking forward to coming back!"
Anne Nordgren  

"The riding was beyond all expectations. So many obstacles we got to jump, so educational and fun. Technique mixed with high-paced jumping. All the horses were absolutely wonderful. I have never met such reliable jumping horses ever. You felt so safe! Very friendly reception!"
Frida Dire

"Absolutely fantastic. So much riding and jumping; my confidence is at its peak! Oliver is a wonderful trainer who knows his horses and gives plenty of feedback in a great way. Always with a twinkle in his eye and always ending with positive critique. One of the best trips I've ever taken!"
Maria Nordvall

"Full speed from morning to evening, lots of jumping. Wonderful. We jumped more than a hundred obstacles every day, which is more than a whole jumping course back home in Norway... Irish hospitality at its best. We felt very welcome and well taken care of. A long weekend is way too short. The same day I came home, I started planning my next trip back."
Jorunn Elise Østbø

"Absolutely great! Beyond all expectations! Never ridden such good horses. Absolutely top-notch! The best vacation I've ever had!"
Vigdis By

Dates and prices

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
12/03/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
13/03/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
26/03/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
27/03/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
09/04/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
10/04/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
16/04/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
30/04/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
01/05/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
14/05/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
15/05/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
28/05/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
29/05/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
11/06/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
12/06/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
25/06/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
26/06/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
02/07/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
03/07/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
16/07/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
17/07/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
30/07/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
31/07/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
13/08/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
14/08/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
27/08/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
28/08/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
10/09/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
11/09/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
24/09/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
25/09/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request
08/10/20255Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Long Weekend. half boardEUR 1,400Book on request
09/10/20254Ireland, Galway - Cross-country, Weekend, half boardEUR 1,050Book on request

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