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.

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.