Tag: horses

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Lios Lara Riding Stables

Here at Lios Lara we aim to offer safe, enjoyable equestrian activity all year round. With so many horses and ponies to choose from, Lios Lara Riding Stables can accommodate riders of all ages and abilities. Whether it be a family wanting to pass some time together or a small child having their first pony ride – we have something for everyone.

Who are we:

Born out of a young girl’s childhood passion for horses, Lios Lara Riding Stables is a family-run equestrian centre. Suitably qualified with a BA Hons in Equine Business, Annie O’Neill’s grá for horses, once a hobby, has now evolved into a thriving business. Supported by parents Julie and Mick and partner Tinso, also a keen and experienced horseman, Annie’s Coaching Cert, BHS Stage 2 Teach and BHS Stage 3 Horsemanship with Distinction guarantees her expertise in providing each and every customer with a unique experience with horses tailored to their individual level of riding ability.

What we do:

Lios Lara’s facilities cater for every equine enthusiast from the pleasure rider to the competitive. Providing either long or short term livery, Lios Lara provides riding lessons to both adults and children, in groups or individually, as well as a full trekking service amid the woodlands and hills of the beautiful Beara Peninsula which take in breathtaking views of the area. For younger riders Lios Lara hold pony camps, one day workshops, fun competitions and shows, mini-treks, children birthday parties, breaking and schooling service.

 

Mission Statement:

Lios Lara’s mission is to promote and encourage good Horsemanship in a safe and fun atmosphere, allowing students to work at their own pace while achieving individual goals. At Lios Lara we foster a caring and inclusive ethos where all who pass through our yard are respected and treated equally at all times. Annie’s qualifications include an Irish Pony Club B+ Test (Distinction), Occupational First aid, Safe guarding 1 and 2 and Garda vetting. All staff and volunteers over 18 are Garda vetted and hold Safe Guarding 1 as a minimum. Our stables are fully insured for all its activities.

 

Trek Beara’s woodland and hills while overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay, Bere Island and Ardnakinna Lighthouse.

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Beara Bridleway

The Beara Bridle Way, a track along which horse riders have right of way, is Ireland’s first ever horse trail. A booking with Lios Lara will kit you out for this horseback trail which hug mountain flanks overlooking 23 kilometres of rugged scenery, stunning seascapes and dazzling views of Beara’s sister peninsulas and South Kerry.

For those considering riding the Bridle Way, Lios Lara offers a range of options. Long and short treks are available, as well as half and full days riding on the Beara Bridle Way

Full day treks

This consists of approx 5 hours riding, doing the full route of the Beara Bridle Path. Starting at the stables, riding over the hill to Allihies, stop off point for lunch here. Heading over the copper mines road into Urhan and finally riding back over the hill to the stables. A very challenging route, both for horses and riders, this is geared towards the experienced rider. Steep inclines enroute. Min of 2 people and max of 3, depending on riders weights and heights. Please remember max weight our horses can carry is 15stone.

Price: €175 per person. Single supplement applies where only 1 person wants to ride the full day, price for single person is €200

 

Half day treks

This trek can range from 2 hours to 3 hours depending on the speed riding based on riders experience. A smaller route with just as much fabulous scenery and landscape as the full day. Ideal for novice riders, ideally able to walk and trot, great for riders getting good back into riding or for the  experienced rider. Great for groups of holiday makers. Min of 2 people and max of 5 people, depending on riders weights and heights. Please remember max weight our horses can carry is 15stone.

Price: €80 per person

Single supplement applies for 1 person price is €105

Family treks

Approximately 1.5 hours long, an enjoyable trek at a pleasurable pace. Ideal for a family wanting to spend a few hours together at an affordable price. Open for experienced and beginner riders , option for experienced rider to have a short canter while beginners stop and take in the view. 2 adults and 2 to 3 children , depending on riders weights and heights. Please remember max weight our horses can carry is 15stone.

Single supplement price: €40

For groups of riders under 4 price is €35 per person

€130 for family of 4

€150 for family of 5.

Livery

We offer over night livery for those wanting to bring their own horse on holiday. 5 star service, spacious 12×12 stables fully matted, automatic drinkers and use of our facilities. Bedding and hay included, we will do the mucking out for you so you can relax!

Price: €25 per horse per night.

Hire a guide

For those that bring their own horse, we can also supply a guide to take you over the paths if you are unsure of where to go. If you choose to ride out with one of our guides you will not be disappointed, all born and bred in Beara and bursting with knowledge of the area.

Price: please contact Annie for price

Booking

Full day treks generally tale place from June to September, this is when the horses are best fit for this kind of work work and the paths are more rideable. Half day treks go all year round but must booked well in advance, its not always possible to ride over the hill during the winter months, however we offer a lovely route along the Beara Way which is most suited to the winter months. To book, please email Annie at aonctb@yahoo.co.uk with all your relevant information, if you could fill out one of our rider assessment forms and send it with your inquiry alot of the information we require will be on this. This will speed up the process on our side. Once you have confirmed a booking with Annie, you will be required to pay a non refundable deposit of €50 euro per booking, and 100€ deposit of 3 or more or if more than on trek is booked. This is to secure your place. If you cancel you will loose your deposit, cancelling 48hours before the trek results in full payment. Please note full day and half day bridle path treks can only take place on weekends, Saturday and Sunday

https://lioslarastables.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/liability-lios-lara-form.pdf

Above is the link for for rider assessment form, these must be filled out for all bookings, this will be recorded as part of covid contract tracing as well as retaining specific information for the ride. Your details will be held on file in private.

*please remember that all visitors should follow the rules of the yard. Hats and body protectors are supplied by our school but not footwear, please arrive with appropriate footwear such as wellies or boots with a small heel to ensure safety. . No access to other parts of the yard. Please arrive 5 minutes or on time for your booked appointment. Our toilet is available if necessary but please sanitize before and after you enter. Payment can be accepted through card or revolut, if paying with cash please have the correct amount in an envelope. treks go ahead in all weather on the exception of weather warnings. All bookings are secured with a nonrefundable deposit, once your deposit is paid your booking is secured and cannot be changed or rescheduled unless in the event of government lockdown and restrictions. If you wish to reschedule your original deposit will not cover a rescheduled booking and so a new deposit will have to be paid

Thank you

For any more queries please call us.

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Pony Camps

Pony Camp

Pony Camps are fantastic learning experiences for all horse enthusiasts and here at Lios Lara our camps offer an added opportunity for any tourist visiting the area to make new friends whilst equine learning and having fun. We run various pony camps during the seasonal holidays, ranging from Beginner/Lead rein camps, Intermediate and Senior Camps, to Adults Camps.

Beginner Camps – average 3.5 to 4 hours for 2 days, usually with a morning and afternoon option.
Intermediate / Senior Camps – 3 full days including an intense 1 full day workshop for adults.

Camp Dates Summer 2021 for Junior and beginner riders – Click Here

Camp Dates Summer 2021 for Intermediate and Senior riders – Click Here

What to expect at camp:

Riding

Who thought learning could be so much fun as you’re taught to ride in beautiful Beara by fully qualified instructors! Matched to ponies of suitable standard and size (Camp Riders may also request certain ponies if available) all lessons are geared specifically towards varying groups and standards and held in a fun, relaxed and safe environment.

In Beginners, campers learn safety around horses, controlling their ponies, trotting and pony games. Advanced camp riders learn more technical riding on both flat and jump, all lessons offering the opportunity to play pony games. Trekking factored in during all camps.

Stable Management

Through the morning and afternoon, campers will have an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the care of horses and ponies in a safe environment. Stable management can be so much fun!

Adapted to standards and ages of the group, topics covered include:

• Fun with ponies , horse sense and grooming
• Day to day Care and feeding
• Hoof Care and Shoeing
• Tack & Saddlery
• Horse Health and basic first aid
Plus much more…

What to bring to Camp;

  • Lios Lara has a selection of hats and boots that campers can borrow. If you have your own, wellies are ideal or any boot/shoe with a flat sole and definite small heel. No runners please.
  • Riders are more than welcome to bring along their own equipment. A member of staff will check it first to make sure it is up to the latest safety standards.
  • Wear comfy clothes; jodhpurs, leggings, fitted jeans, or tracksuits bottoms (not too baggy). Warm clothing is a must during winter and spring; in the event of the occasional downpour (!) rain jacket and rain trousers are recommended as well as a change of clothes. During summer months, you might want to pack sun screen.
  • Bring a packed lunch and don’t forget plenty of drinks as this horse riding can be thirsty work!
  • Any medication should be reported and given to a member of staff accompanied by detailed instructions written and signed by the guardian.
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Riding Lessons

Here at Lios Lara we offer riding lessons for all ages and abilities in a large outdoor all-weather arena. Lessons are either one-to-one or in small group sessions.
A film of a recent after school lesson.

Private Lessons

Private lessons offered range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Private lessons are great for beginners and newcomers just starting out. One-on-one time with the instructor focuses the rider on getting the basics before joining group lessons. We recommend new riders to get up to 3 private lessons before attending group lessons so we can help them achieve their standards for an appropriate group. Not only for beginners, private tuition can also be very beneficial for advanced riders and horse owners wanting to goal set and achieve higher levels.

We also accommodate semi-private lessons. Children and adults welcome.
Prices range from €20 to €40 both children and adults 

Group Lessons


Group lessons vary in length; 2.5 hour group sessions for our mini-saddle clubbers and 3 hour group sessions for our intermediate and advanced horse clubbers. Our group lessons are designed to make riders feel part of our club. Riders learn to groom, tack up their own horse, care for their animal, stable management and yard duties. Group lessons have an important social aspect for our riders as the setting encourages the making of new friends and the strengthening of bond between horse and rider. Lessons generate an abundance of confidence and knowledge of horsemanship, invaluable for those that eventually decide to buy their own pony or horse. Children and adults welcome.
Price from €25 per person for children, €30 per person for adults 

Therapeutic sessions

Connection between a horse and a rider can be very strong, horses proven to have a positive and calming effect on people. Within the positive atmosphere here at Lios Lara stables, we can help de-stress anyone after a tough day by arranging therapeutic pony sessions which cater for everyone’s needs, disabilities and requirements. It can involve brushing and grooming the pony, to taking the pony for walks or some basic riding. Children and adults welcome.
Prices range from €20 to €40 both children and adults 

Stable management

Although group lessons include stable management, we also offer one-to-one or group sessions for practical or theory work. This is extremely beneficial for either the horse owner themselves or students preparing for exams in Pony club or BHS.
Prices range from €20 to €40 both children and adults

“ We make all our lessons a positive learning experience for horse and rider through a clear and positive teaching style “

If you would like to book any of these lessons, please contact us to make an appointment. Family discounts apply.

Click here to download our riders form.