Ravensdale Equestrian Center Ireland

[bman1354]

Has anyone ridden at the Ravensdale Equestrian Center in the Republic of Ireland? It is located in the northeast part of the country near the Hotel Ballymascanlon. We stayed at this hotel last year and I wanted to go riding but felt that I was too much of a beginner. We are returning in about 6 months and am wondering if anyone has had any experience there. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and I would love to ride there.

[inhs]

What about ringing them up to have a chat? I used to work at a yard in new zealand :) and it was no problem, in fact we preferred people rang us up, so we could find out their level, what they'd like to do, any specific requirements, etc, and then when they arrived we knew exactly what they were looking for, and had everything sorted exactly for them :)

[samsaria]

Hi Bman

I know Ravensdale Eq- it is STUNNING. We were up there a few months ago on the last weekend the x-country course was open (it closed for the winter months), I wasn't riding but 3 friends were, with a lot of people schooling horses. The jumps were brilliantly varied, lots of space, I was mad keen to go back with my horse but the xc course was closed.

The outdoor and indoor arenas are also great. I know the do mini/midi/maxi on fridays too and quite a few people travel to it. It's a great equestrian centre and I'll definitely be heading up there when the xc re-opens (no idea when they do though).

When are you thinking of going?

The stables there looked lovely, nice ponies, lots of kids around, I saw a lot of hats for hire and all that, I'd imagine they'd a good school but I've no experience of it.

I was chatting to the owner that day and he's a nice man and very committed to the place, it's pretty new I believe.

If you do go I'd love to hear how you get on!

Sorry I sound like the Marketing Dept for this place :D just that when I did go to it I was seriously Wow! about it and at the time was trying to work out how to go there for holidays with my horse... might do in the spring.

S.

[bman1354]

If my husband and I travel to Ireland in June of 2008 for a cousin's wedding, I will definitely ride there. I wanted to last year but was not confident enough in my riding abilities. I'm hoping that by this June after a solid year of lessons and leasing, I won't hesitate to ride there. Thanks for all of the information. It really looked like a great place to ride.

[samsaria]

Oooh I just noticed you'd be travelling from New York!! Let us know if you do end up coming over, I can tell you lots of other horsey places to go too :D - and of course they all cater for different levels.