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Horseback riding tours
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Castle Leslie Equestrian Extravaganza
Monaghan
Ireland
Special Offer Available!!
A secluded and private estate in Co. Monaghan, covering over 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodlands and glittering lakes. This is the Castle Leslie Estate, one of only 30 great Irish castle estates still run by the original families. Since the 1660s, the distinguished and somewhat individual Leslie family have lived here, welcoming everyone from politicians to poets, ambassadors to ufologists.
Now it welcomes you with some of the most unusual and enchanting luxury accommodation in all of Ireland. Following a huge investment into it over the last decade, the beautiful Estate is waiting for you to discover it. There's something for everyone with a range of luxuries at the charming 4-star newly-renovated Hunting Lodge with its 30 bedrooms, cozy cellar bar, brasserie and Victoria Spa. You can also stay in one of the Heritage or Master Bedrooms of the Castle.
The jewel in the crown is the Castle itself which was recently completely renovated and is open for lodgings to our guests. Incredibly romantic, Castle Leslie is the most informal of Irish Castles and is also one of the most exclusive wedding venues of Ireland. There's so much to do while you're here, why not explore the countryside on horseback from our prominent Equestrian Center. But there's also plenty of space to relax too, especially at the Organic Spa. "At Castle Leslie, you will get a unique perception of time; its links with reality are tenuous indeed and thereby lies its enchantment." - Irish Tourist Board
The Castle Leslie Equestrian Center is the perfect location for a horse-riding holiday in Ireland. It is the perfect place for adventure and offers an idyllic setting for horse enthusiasts visiting Ireland. Imagine over a thousand acres of rolling hills, parkland and lakes to explore on horseback. Combine fun and thrilling cross-country riding with relaxing trail rides in the countryside and come home to luxury accommodations each day to unwind!
Riding Clinic Short Getaway Center-based ride
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Meeting:
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Glaslough
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Airport:
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Dublin /Belfast
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Transfer:
|
Dublin/Belfast
|
Riders:
|
Min
1 riders
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
Max Capacity
50
|
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Trip Brochure (PDF)
Trip Rating
Video
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Rates and Dates for 2018
Special Offer: 10% OFF for groups of 4 or more, or 5% OFF if 3 pax or less - valid for January to June 2018
Rates include*:
Accommodations at the hunting lodge (or castle), breakfast and a 2 course dinner each night at the Conor's Bar, 5 Riding days. Lesson Package – 3 hours per day of lessons on the cross-country course, show jumping, dressage instruction according to rider's ability and interest. Trail riding package – 3 hours per day of trail riding on the estate.
A | 2018 | 6 day trip, BB Horse Sport (Lodge) | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1800 |
B | 2018 | 6 day trip, BB Happy Hackers (Lodge) | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1800 |
C | 2018 | 6 day trip, BB Learn to Ride in 5 Days (Lodge) | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1800 |
D | 2018 | 6 day trip, BB Horse Sport (Castle) | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1800 |
E | 2018 | 6 day trip, BB Happy Hackers (Castle) | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1800 |
F | 2018 | 6 day trip, BB Learn to Ride in 5 Days (Castle) | 6d / 5n | €1500 | $1800 |
10% OFF for groups of 4 or more (January to June 2018)
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
2018
|
Transfer from Dublin or Belfast (2 - 5 people) pp, one way
- to be paid locally
|
€
40
|
$50
|
2018
|
Transfer from Dublin or Belfast (6 + people) pp, one way
- to be paid locally
|
€
30
|
$35
|
2018
|
Single supplement
|
€
400
|
$480
|
2018
|
Discount for children 7 to 11 years old
|
€
-295
|
$-355
|
2018
|
Transfer from Dublin or Belfast (1 pax), one way
- to be paid locally
|
€
90
|
$110
|
2018
|
Non-rider rate, dbl/single
|
€
-575
|
$-690
|
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Dublin International Airport (DUB) or Belfast International Airport (BFS). Check-in to your room: After 3:00pm. Check-out: 11:00am
Tour Dates for 2018
|
A |
2018
|
01/06
- 12/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, BB Horse Sport (...
|
1
/8
|
Reserve
|
B |
2018
|
01/06
- 12/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, BB Happy Hackers...
|
1
/8
|
Reserve
|
C |
2018
|
01/06
- 12/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, BB Learn to Ride...
|
1
/8
|
Reserve
|
D |
2018
|
01/06
- 12/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, BB Horse Sport (...
|
1
/8
|
Reserve
|
E |
2018
|
01/06
- 12/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, BB Happy Hackers...
|
1
/8
|
Reserve
|
F |
2018
|
01/06
- 12/19
|
6d / 5n
|
6 day trip, BB Learn to Ride...
|
1
/8
|
Reserve
|
|
Available any time throughout the year. Weekends sell out early !
|
Rates do not include:
Lunches. Additional lessons, trail rides or cross country jumping are available a la carte.
Riding helmets are mandatory (available).
Horse Sport Package - This package is for experienced English riders (Good intermediate and above) and includes daily riding of approx 3 hours. This is a daily lesson package and includes flat work/dressage, cross-country jumping and show-jumping.
Happy Hackers Package - Like the name implies, this is a hacking (trail riding) package for low intermediate riders and above.
Learn to Ride in 5 days Package - This package is designed for beginner to intermediate riders who wish to improve their riding skills. Each rider will receive a series of daily lessons culminating in a 2 hour hack (trail ride) around the estate.
Sample TIMETABLE
Day 1 - Arrive on Sunday early in the afternoon for an orientation ride and in time for dinner at 7.30p.m. (rooms are generally available from 6 p.m., although we will accommodate people arriving earlier if possible).
During your stay - Guests will chat over breakfast (with their instructor about their riding ability, aims etc. first day)
Morning rides commence at 10:30 AM and afternoon rides at 2:30 PM
An initial assessment of riders takes place in the indoor or outdoor schooling area on the first riding day.
Lunch is available at 1:00 p.m.
Dinner is served at 7:30 p.m.
Last day - departure after breakfast
The Equestrian Center is located around five new courtyards and tucked behind the Hunting Lodge. It offers all these amenities:
-
1,000 acres of private estate
-
300 new cross-country jumps from "knee high" to "knee tremblers" built by Willis Bros. of Badminton Horse Trials fame
-
21 miles of bridleways for meandering along
-
Mile-long all-weather gallop
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56 stables
-
A Virtual Horse for beginners
-
50 x 30 meter indoor arena with indoor cross-country fences
-
Tiered seating for 200 plus private dining/viewing room
-
Catering for all levels from 7 yrs upwards
The center provides a wide variety of programs to non-riders who can enjoy excellent fishing, golf, walking or cycling in the surrounding countryside. There are numerous places of interest to visit within easy driving distance.
Meeting:
Glaslough
Airport:
Dublin /Belfast
Transfer:
Dublin/Belfast
Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Dublin International Airport (DUB) or Belfast International Airport (BFS). Check-in to your room: After 3:00pm. Check-out: 11:00am
Tack:
|
|
English
|
Horses:
|
|
Connemara and Irish Hunters
|
Pace:
|
|
The pace is varies depending on the package chosen.
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
4
out of 5) Al riding levels
|
Age:
|
|
Min
7
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
50
|
Horses:
The horses range from the 'Baby-sitters' & 'Flying Armchairs' for the more novice or nervous rider, to typical spirited Irish hunters who provide more of a challenge for the experienced rider.
The Riding
Qualified instructors up to B.H.S.I.I. lead the cross-country rides and also teach all levels and will make sure that everyone can make the most of their holiday with sympathetic instruction or just the right amount of encouragement for the rider who does not want 'formal tuition'. There are extensive trails on the Castle Leslie Estate with natural and man-made obstacles spread over a wide area, also riding on adjacent farmland and a competition course is available with a large number of fences to suit all levels. We will organize a range of demos and clinics with Equestrian luminaries such as Anne-Marie Taylor, Ian Stark, Pippa Funnell, Lucinda Green and many more! We continue to have Jeremy Spring BHSI here for clinics on a monthly basis.
Horse Sport Package - This package is for experienced English riders (Good intermediate and above) and includes daily riding of approx 3 hours. This is a daily lesson package and includes flat work/dressage, cross-country jumping and show-jumping.
Happy Hackers Package - Like the name implies, this is a hacking (trail riding) package for low intermediate riders and above.
Learn to Ride in 5 days Package - This package is designed for beginner to intermediate riders who wish to improve their riding skills. Each rider will receive a series of daily lessons culminating in a 2 hour hack (trail ride) around the estate.
Facilities Include:
-
1000 acres of private estate land to explore
-
21 miles of bridleways to trek and absorb the beautiful scenery
-
Mile long all-weather gallop to thunder along
-
300 new cross country jumps from the knee-high to the knee-tremblers!!!!(Built by Willis Bros. of Badminton Horse Trials fame)
-
The Virtual Horse - Ireland's first fully sized simulated horse
-
Side-saddle lessons
-
Carriage driving on the Estate
-
50 x 30 meter indoor arena with tiered seating for 200 people
-
20 x 40 meter outdoor arena
Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).Note: Wh. more
The dominant influence on Ireland's climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude.
Average annual temperature is about 9 °C. In the middle and east of the country temperatures tend to be somewhat more extreme than in other parts of the country. For example, summer mean daily maximum is about 19 °C and winter mean daily minimum is about 2.5 °C in these areas.
Mean annual wind-speed varies between about 4 m/sec in the east midlands and 7 m/sec in the northwest. Strong winds tend to be more frequent in winter than in summer. Sunshine duration is highest in the southeast of the country. Average rainfall varies between about 800 and 2,800mm.
With southwesterly winds from the Atlantic dominating, rainfall figures are highest in the northwest, west and southwest of the country, especially over the higher ground. Rainfall accumulation tends to be highest in winter and lowest in early summer.
Full service laundry is available at the Hunting Lodge for cost.
Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com
If you are traveling from the USA you may wish to check into unlocking your cell phone to use with an Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or www.bilemo.com/unlock
This list is only a guideline for you |
|
Travel documents and Voucher |
Flight tickets |
Personal Travel Insurance |
Passport |
Visa (check with your consulate) |
|
RIDING GEAR |
Jodhpurs or comfortable jeans (used if possible!) |
Long riding boots: leather or rubber or boots and mini chaps. |
Riding helmet (mandatory) |
Riding gloves |
Hat (with chin strap) for sun protection |
Lightweight Waterproof pants and jacket or long riding coast. No capes |
|
PERSONAL CLOTHING |
Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
Jeans |
Shorts |
Underwear and socks |
Pyjamas |
Bag for dirty clothes |
Light summer jacket |
Warm jacket |
Trekking boots/ comfortable shoes |
|
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
Personal Toiletries |
Insect protection |
Personal medications |
Sore cream (for an emergency) |
Sewing kit |
Handkerchiefs |
Adapter for electric appliances |
Camera and extra batteries |
Sun glasses with strap |
Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations are usually arranged at the Hunting Lodge:
The Lodge at Castle Leslie Estate, with its 30 rooms and cut-stone stable courtyard, has been lovingly restored and imaginatively decorated retaining its period features and original character. It provides cozy and charming accommodation for those looking to explore the northeast of Ireland or partake in all that Castle Leslie Estate has to offer. With local knowledgeable staff to give you the inside track on anything in the locality, there are a plethora of things to enjoy both on and off the Estate.
Located at the entrance to the Estate, it is the bridge between the Estate and the village, bringing as it does, locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. It is the social hub of the Estate, the ideal spot to relax with family, friends or new acquaintances.
Buzzing with activity, there’s always something going on at the Lodge. It is adjacent to the Equestrian Centre and perfectly located for those who wish to explore the countryside and parkland on horseback. It also houses the organic Victorian Treatment Rooms – the perfect place to luxuriate in a relaxing massage following an activity-filled day. Wireless internet access is available in all public areas in the Lodge. And if you just want to escape with your newspaper or book or enjoy a game of scrabble with your partner, there is an abundance of nooks and crannies and common areas in which to do so.
The Bedrooms
Each bedroom has been decorated in keeping with the building's period features and designed with comfort in mind. Our superior bedrooms are particularly spacious and offer balconies overlooking the Equestrian Centre's courtyards or a comfortable sitting area where you can relax with your favorite book. Our classic bedrooms in the original building and stables are decorated in a cozy, traditional style while the ones in the newer wings are more contemporary in style. The spacious bathrooms include roll top baths and separate power showers and many rooms feature super king beds guaranteed to induce a wonderful night’s sleep.
All of our packages are confirmed in Superior rooms unless you prefer to stay in one of the classic bedrooms (very charming).
Castle Leslie - when available we are happy to reserve a room at the castle at no extra charge (usually from Nov to March)
With its authentic interiors and old-style hospitality, The Castle exudes old world grandeur and offers complete respite from the world. It is a truly private retreat free from distractions and intrusions of the outside world. The Castle is not a typical hotel experience - you won't find televisions, radios, wifi or minibars in the Castle bedrooms. The unique and dramatically different bedrooms are tranquil and calm - havens for sleeping and dreaming. It’s entirely up to you whether you sleep until noon or rise at dawn to enjoy all the Estate has to offer.
There is no pressure at the Castle to do anything except relax and indulge yourself. Log fires crackle in the hearths and there are several elegant rooms in which you can relax in privacy or in the company of friends. Breakfast is served until eleven in the dining room. You can sneak off to a special screening in the private cinema or test your skills at the full-sized Snooker table. You may prefer to relax in the magnificent Drawing Room with its grand piano and famous De La Robbia fireplace.
Weather permitting, why not enjoy a picnic in the woodlands or a pre-dinner drink on the lawn. If you are staying in Castle Leslie Estate as part of a group, you may like to enjoy an informal BBQ on the terrace. Dine by candlelight in the Dining Room or Gallery or if you’re looking for something more intimate and romantic, dine privately in the hand-painted Blue Room.
The Bedrooms
Filled with beautiful furniture, antiques and heirlooms, the Castle has twenty original and uniquely decorated bedrooms and bathrooms. Each is full of character, furnished with authentic flair and dotted with family heirlooms.
From romantic boudoirs designed with relaxation and privacy in mind to more flamboyant bedrooms decorated with rich deep colors, there's a room and a view to suit every taste. Each bathroom is unique and features include the oldest plumbed bath in Ireland, a throne toilet and a complete bathroom hidden away in a doll’s house. Some baths are fabulously large, ideal for a romantic soak for two.
Meals: Included in your package are breakfast and a 2-course dinner at the O'Connors Bar. Lunches and meals at the Brasserie or at the Castle are not included.
No matter where you eat on the Estate, you will enjoy the best of classic Irish cooking. We source regional and artisan foods locally and prepare and present them with imagination and flair. Freshness is our by-word. Our daily-baked breads and scones and homemade preserves are enough to tempt any guest.
Andrew Bradley, the Executive Chef at Castle Leslie Estate, combines years of Michelin experience and personal passion with some tried and tested delicious recipes of the past. Cleverly re-inventing the Castle Leslie Estate Cook Book – a compilation of dog-eared family recipes dating back for centuries – Andrew has cleverly stamped a whole new meaning on the expression ‘old meets new’. He and his team cater for all guests’ needs with style and a smile!
At Castle Leslie Estate, it’s all about choice. We cater for those looking for casual dining as well as those seeking a more formal, elegant and romantic experience. Guests can look forward to lazy breakfasts, light lunches or picnic lunches in the woodlands, Irish country cooking in the bar or brasserie and candlelit dinners and formal afternoon tea in the Castle. So there’s little chance of anyone going hungry.
Conor's Bar at the Hunting Lodge
Unwind over a drink in this snug cellar bar with its roaring fire, cosy corners, great music and lots of craic. It's the perfect place to relax with a pint, or enjoy our traditional country home cooking in a more casual setting.
Snaffels Brasserie at the Hunting Lodge
Enjoy delicious meals with a wonderful view of ancient woodland. Set on a mezzanine floor, the open-plan brasserie is light and spacious with its dramatic hand-carved ceiling and robust oak beams blending effortlessly with a striking wall of contemporary glass.
The delicious menu uses the highest quality local ingredients without compromising on taste and choice. Offering a fresh approach to Mediterranean cuisine, food is cooked in the state-of-the-art wood-burning stone oven. This healthy style of cuisine complements the wellness concepts of our Organic Victorian spa.
Organic Victorian Spa at the Hunting Lodge (extra charge)
Welcome to Ireland's first truly organic Victorian Spa. Located on the Castle Leslie Estate in County Monaghan, it's destined to become one of the most popular luxury spa hotels in Ireland.
It's the ultimate spa destination where you can spend the whole day indulging in our comprehensive range of treatments and therapies.
Based in The Hunting Lodge, the Victorian Spa boasts seven treatment rooms, two Victorian steam boxes, a hydrotherapy bath, relaxation area and hot tubs overlooking the stables. You'll leave feeling refreshed and revitalised after pampering by our highly-trained therapists who'll use your choice of treatments from the exceptional Eminence Organic range.
Eminence 100% Organic Skin Care reflects the uniqueness of Castle Leslie with its unspoilt natural surroundings, rich in wild plants and mineral springs deep within its lakes.
Treatments
We aim to make your visit to the Victorian Spa an unforgettable experience for all the right reasons.
After consultation with our highly-trained therapists, they will tailor each treatment exclusively to your needs. This encompasses treating mind, body and spirit to leave you relieved, indulged, relaxed and at peace with yourself.
Using different combination of our hand-picked organic products, body and face treatments can be relaxing and soothing, revitalising and energising, detoxifying and cleansing, or stimulating deep tissue massages.
Treatment list:
Stimulating Deep Tissue Massages
Relaxation and Soothing Treatments
Revitalising, Energising, Detoxifying and Cleansing Treatments
Facials
Men-only Treatments
Massage Treatments
Finishing Touches
Alternative Treatments
Various Treatments Available on Request
Day Experiences
Hot Tub & Steam Boxes
Tack:
|
|
English
|
Horses:
|
|
Connemara and Irish Hunters
|
Pace:
|
|
The pace is varies depending on the package chosen.
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
4
out of 5) Al riding levels
|
Age:
|
|
Min
7
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
210 lbs
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
1 riders
|
Max
8 riders
(per riding group)
|
Max Capacity
50
|
Horses:
The horses range from the 'Baby-sitters' & 'Flying Armchairs' for the more novice or nervous rider, to typical spirited Irish hunters who provide more of a challenge for the experienced rider.
The Riding
Qualified instructors up to B.H.S.I.I. lead the cross-country rides and also teach all levels and will make sure that everyone can make the most of their holiday with sympathetic instruction or just the right amount of encouragement for the rider who does not want 'formal tuition'. There are extensive trails on the Castle Leslie Estate with natural and man-made obstacles spread over a wide area, also riding on adjacent farmland and a competition course is available with a large number of fences to suit all levels. We will organize a range of demos and clinics with Equestrian luminaries such as Anne-Marie Taylor, Ian Stark, Pippa Funnell, Lucinda Green and many more! We continue to have Jeremy Spring BHSI here for clinics on a monthly basis.
Horse Sport Package - This package is for experienced English riders (Good intermediate and above) and includes daily riding of approx 3 hours. This is a daily lesson package and includes flat work/dressage, cross-country jumping and show-jumping.
Happy Hackers Package - Like the name implies, this is a hacking (trail riding) package for low intermediate riders and above.
Learn to Ride in 5 days Package - This package is designed for beginner to intermediate riders who wish to improve their riding skills. Each rider will receive a series of daily lessons culminating in a 2 hour hack (trail ride) around the estate.
Facilities Include:
-
1000 acres of private estate land to explore
-
21 miles of bridleways to trek and absorb the beautiful scenery
-
Mile long all-weather gallop to thunder along
-
300 new cross country jumps from the knee-high to the knee-tremblers!!!!(Built by Willis Bros. of Badminton Horse Trials fame)
-
The Virtual Horse - Ireland's first fully sized simulated horse
-
Side-saddle lessons
-
Carriage driving on the Estate
-
50 x 30 meter indoor arena with tiered seating for 200 people
-
20 x 40 meter outdoor arena
Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
Passport Required? |
British |
1 |
Australian |
Yes |
Canadian |
Yes |
USA |
Yes |
Other EU |
2 |
Visa Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
No |
Canadian |
No |
USA |
No |
Other EU |
No |
Return Ticket Required? |
British |
No |
Australian |
3 |
Canadian |
3 |
USA |
3 |
Other EU |
No |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
|
|
|
|
Castle Leslie Equestrian Extravaganza
Tour Code:
IT-IRSR04
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,800.00
Dates :
Available all Year
Trip Rating :
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained A | Beginner  | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
|