Frequently Asked Questions:
What do I need to wear for horse riding?
Beginners or once-off riders need to wear boots with a heel (wellington boots are fine), a tracksuit / pair of jeans / leggings,
and an appropriate jacket for the Irish weather. We can supply riding hats for our beginners free of charge.
Jewelery of any type is unsafe for horse riding. Shorts, dresses, runners, high heels and sandals are all unsuitable for
horse riding. We do not supply or hire body protectors.
For our regular customers, we recommend investing in proper riding boots, jodhpurs, body protector, gloves, whip and riding hat
up to current safety standards.
What age can my child start horse riding lessons?
Children normally start lessons at the age of 5 or 6. Beginner lessons last for 40 minutes and the children
are lead reined until the instructor decides the child is capable of riding unaccompanied. For children below the age
of 5, who are keen to make a start, we can provide a 10 minute walk on a pony and we request that a
parent also accompanies the child on the walk.
How long does it take to learn the basic skills of horse riding?
As with every sport, the more you practice the quicker you improve. In general, after 10 lessons,
most people will be able to stop, steer, control a quiet horse and maintain basic rhythm and balance
in the rising trot. At this stage, we hope that you will feel secure and balanced enough to try your
first canter. All our beginner children are lead reined until the instructor thinks they are able to
ride the horse unaccompanied.
What is involved in the children's Pony Camps?
Children’s Pony Camps run throughout the year during all school term breaks & holidays.
Each camp is based on a theme: Easter Camp, Mid-Term Camps, Summer Camps, Halloween
Camp & Christmas Camp.The Camps are usually three days long but they can be extended if
there is demand. They run from 10am to 4pm each day. We give special family rates to
families with 3 children or more. The days are set out so that each group will have three
hours riding as well as at least two hours of pony care / fun lectures, where the kids learn
about looking after a pony to give them a well rounded education. These camps are suitable
for beginners and novice children aged 6 years and upwards. We also run ‘Advanced Camps’ for
kids riding at a higher level. Over the three days the kids will do dressage, show–jumping,
cross country and pony games, plus stable management and pony care each day.
Our new action packed programme includes a variety of: morning and afternoon riding,
Stable Management, Quizzes, Treasure & Trail hunts, Mid-Week Picnic party and a Grand
Finale Show complete with Rosettes, Prizes and an end of Camp Party. Kids really enjoy
themselves in these camps and as they are surrounded by horses all day long, we find they
really improve their equestrian skills as well as making lots of new friends.
I haven’t ridden in five years but before that I used to ride a lot and at a good level. What is the best way to start back?
We find, in this case, the best way to start back is slowly and gradually.
Take a few private lessons so that we can asses your standard and level of fitness.
Then, we can talk about what you hope to achieve, whether it is just leisure riding
for enjoyment or more serious riding aiming for a return to competitive standards.
Is it possible to train to become a horse riding instructor and how do I go about it?
At Bachelors Lodge, we have trained many successful students to complete their BHS Instructor exams.
Each year, we take a number of working students which go on to complete their BHS stable management,
riding and teaching exams. The standard for the final exam is relatively high and therefore students
taking part on the course must be competent riders and should already have a good base knowledge about
horses.
