31/08/2026
Dear Parents and Riders,
As we move into the new school term, we are making a few important updates to our riding schedule and pricing. First of all, thank you to everyone who kept us so wonderfully busy this summer. Your enthusiasm has been incredible — but I’ll be honest, both the horses and I are absolutely wrecked. With rising upkeep and insurance costs, and the yard running at full capacity, it became clear that I needed an extra pair of hands.
That’s where Fiona comes in. Many of you have already met her and ridden under her eye, and the feedback has been very positive. She will now be supporting our beginner, intermediate, and some additional‑needs riders.
To keep the yard running safely and sustainably, we’re introducing a few updates to lesson structure, timing, and pricing. These changes are necessary due to rising costs of horse upkeep and maintenance, insurance, and the addition of a paid instructor to support our growing rider group. I have also accepted a contracted job, which means our teaching hours must now follow a more structured timetable.
We want to be transparent about these adjustments and ensure everyone understands how the new system works.
⏱️ Lesson Duration & Structure
To protect our horses and keep lessons effective:
• Beginner, Intermediate and Additional Needs lessons will now be 30 minutes. Focused riding is more than enough for new riders and those with additional needs — especially as evenings get darker and colder. (This option does not include grooming or a road walk – just riding for half an hour.)
• Full individual experience (lesson on grooming + tacking + half an hour ride + walk on a road) is available for €45 for all levels.
• Shared rides (Intermediate & Advanced max 3 horses at time) are €30 per rider for a full hour, including a road walk when daylight allows.
• Hacks (minimum 60 minutes) are €40 per rider, regardless of group size.
These changes reflect the real costs of horse care, maintenance, insurance, and the addition of a paid instructor.
👩🏫 Instructor Schedule
• Fiona will be teaching Friday afternoons/evenings and Saturdays, mainly beginners, intermediates, and some special‑needs riders.
• I will continue teaching Sunday sessions and weekday mornings (9am-12pm)
📅 Bookings
Bookings are now open for September and October.
We will also be running:
• Stable Club for Halloween, and
• Two Drama Queens & Kings sessions during the October midterm break
More details will follow shortly.
⏳ Timekeeping
Please note that lesson times are no longer flexible. To keep the yard running smoothly, we ask riders to arrive:
• on time, or
• 5 minutes early to fit helmets and boots.
Late arrivals shorten your riding time and disrupt the next rider’s slot.
❌ Cancellation Policy
A €15 cancellation fee applies for:
• no shows
• same day cancellations
(Weather related cancellations are exempt — we cannot control the rain.)
Those have to be paid online before booking next session.
⭐ Road Improvements
We also have some good news to share. Our road has officially been approved for a County Council grant. After an engineer’s assessment, the full works — proper drainage, clearing and shaping ditches on both sides, and raising the road to prevent future flooding — were estimated at nearly €40,000. The County Council will cover 90% of the cost, which is an enormous help.
We will soon start a small fundraiser to cover the remaining 10%, and our neighbours have already offered to chip in as well. More detailed information will follow once we have the final timeline from the contractor.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Last summer was busiest so far! These changes allow us to keep the yard running safely, sustainably, and with the quality our riders deserve. We look forward to seeing everyone back in the saddle this Autumn.
Warm regards, Anna
