Ireland’s Youth Riding Camp

Riders of all ages from 8-19 are welcome to attend our exceptional youth program in Ireland. The program includes six nights accommodation in a typical Irish house with the Foley family on the grounds of...

Guesthouse

All meals included

Maria C.

My daughter Katya and I had the ideal mother-daughter vacation at Clonshire Equestrian Centre in Adare, Ireland! Katya was part of the week-long kids’ riding camp; these campers stayed with the family right at the equestrian center, which gave Katya the opportunity to make friends from all over the world. They had two-three riding lessons a day, including arena work to sharpen dressage skills, stadium jumping to hone jumping skills, and lots of cross-country work out on the multiple cross country courses, featuring log jumps, stone walls, varying terrain and water and other obstacles. Some of the campers had English language lessons in the afternoon, while others took part in stable management lessons in the Clonshire stables. Finally, the days ended with a late afternoon hack, often with the adult campers, out across the magical County Limerick countryside.

I took part in the “adult camp,” where we had a similar daily schedule, but instead of staying at the center I stayed at the wonderful Adare Country House Inn. This charming BnB is right in the village of Adare, within a four minute walk of many wonderful restaurants and authentic Irish pubs. This allowed me to see Katya every day at the centre, but to have a little “mommy vacation” in the beautiful little village of Adare.

I was so impressed with Clonshire Equestrian Centre! The centre includes multiple indoor and outdoor arenas, an outdoor stadium jump course, cross-country courses, and boarding for 75+ horses. The cross-country courses were particularly impressive! The horses were Irish Draft/Irish Sport horses or Connemara ponies. All were extremely athletic, willing and well-trained. I had the opportunity to ride several different horses a day, which was great fun and really increased my versatility as a rider.

Finally, the staff was amazing! Dan and Sue were delightful hosts and instructors, and the staff included many excellent coaches that challenged and encouraged us to be better ridersand to push ourselves out of our comfort zone. I had my best lesson ever with Evonne learning a different canter seat, and the most thrilling lesson ever with Sue, who coaxed me into jumping stone walls aboard an 18-hand Irish Sport Horse! Both Katya and I significantly improved our riding skills during our week at Clonshire, and we can’t wait to return!