Free Horse Riding Lessons for Ladies

HORSE Sport Ireland (HSI) and the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) have launched an innovative programme that provides an excellent opportunity for women interested in trying out horse riding for the first time or wishing to return to it after a break, at no cost. The programme is running from 1^st November to 31^st December 2014 and is funded through the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport Programme.

Women In Sport Programme

The HSI / AIRE Free Horse Riding Lessons for Ladies programme is funded through the Irish Sports Council’s Women In Sport Programme. A limited amount of funding is available to encourage women who have never been on a horse before but always wanted to try it out, or those who may have been thinking about returning to horse riding after a break for any number of reasons. The aim is to nurture their interest so they may take up horse riding on a regular basis.

Over 120 registered

There has been an overwhelmingly positive response from women registering their interest in this free offer. Over 120 have registered to date with AIRE for their free lesson by sending an email to info@aire.ie Once registered with AIRE, ladies receive a voucher which they can use at their local AIRE Approved Riding Centre, details of which can be found on www.aire.ie The riding centre signs the voucher and submits it to Horse Sport Ireland for a partial reimbursement on the cost of the lesson.

Qualified Instructors

The lesson consists of time spent on horseback with instruction from a qualified instructor, as well as learning about tacking up, feed and care of the animal, horse welfare and working with horses. AIRE is delighted to be associated with this programme. “It’s a terrific incentive to get ladies back into horse riding, enjoying exercise and quality time, some fresh air and beautiful scenery around Ireland. AIRE is delighted to work with the Irish Sports Council and Horse Sport Ireland on this scheme. Interested ladies should apply to info@aire.ie for their voucher for a free horse riding lesson.”

– Linda Young, AIRE Secretary.

“Horse Sport Ireland is pleased to provide this opportunity through the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport Programme at AIRE Approved Riding Centres around the country. Equestrianism is a highly active, fun and social sport and all age groups can participate. I enjoy participating in equestrian sport every weekend myself, it’s never too late to get involved and we are fortunate in Ireland that we have docile horses suitable for all levels of riders.”

– Prof. Pat Wall, HSI Chairman.

Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre

Anthony Byrne, BHSII, proprietor of Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre in Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, has recently invested in a new sand arena and is currently building student accommodation. Enjoying their free lesson at Calliaghstown last week were clients Elizabeth Byrne, Maura Ryall and Antoinette Byrne. The last time Elizabeth was on a horse was 20 years ago at Calliaghstown and she was “delighted to be back in the saddle”. This was Maura’s third time to ride in the past three years and she would “definitely be back for another lesson”. Antoinette had been horse riding once a week for six months four years ago and found it a “great experience”. All three women enjoyed the experience so much they have booked to continue horse riding once a week.

MORE INFORMATION

• Ladies interested in registering for a free horse riding lesson should contact Linda Young, AIRE Secretary, on 045-854518 or at info@aire.ie before 31^st December 2014.
• You can find out more about horse riding at aire.ie or www.horsesportireland.ie
• You can find out more about the Irish Sports Council’s Women in Sport Programme at facebook.com/WomenInSport

Antoinette, Maura and Elizabeth on horseback, enjoying their free lesson at Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, in November. [L-R]: Samantha Doyle, BHSAII; Antoinette Byrne; Linda Young, AIRE Secretary; Maura Ryall; Calliaghstown proprietor Anthony Byrne, BHSII; Elizabeth Byrne; Valerie Byrne, Calliaghstown Secretary/Yard Hand.