Riding Holiday decisions! Clonshire/Annaharvey/Talland/YRC?

[giggles mum]

Can anyone help to swing me in favour of or away from any of these riding centres?

The only factors I have to consider is that the Irish ones seem to be more expensive, plus we'd have to pay for flights, but on the other hand you seem to get 3 or 3 1/2 hours riding at the Irish ones and 2 hours at the English ones. Also the Irish ones place quite an emphasis on cross country from the sound of it which I'd really like to do.

 

[starllight]

I have only been to YRC, but it is fantastic. So good that I have been for the last seven years. Sometimes twice a year!

 

[giggles mum]

Thanks, that's reassuring as it all seems to be very expensive!

not just YRC but all of them!

 

[starllight]

I know. It does, but honestly it is well worth it. Don't go for staying in the house at YRC just go for the chalets you still get fed, but just not as poshly!! Are you planning to take your own horse or ride one of theirs?x

 

[giggles mum]

Ride one of theirs - sadly don't have one of my own but it sounds like theirs are rather nice!

 

[little_flea]

I have been to AnnaHarvey - I loved it, Sam and Aisling are great instructors, although I don't think Aisling is teaching there anymore. The horses are pretty good too. Great CC, dressage and SJ - me and my sister are experienced old competition riders and they catered brilliantly for us, as well as for my boyfriend who is almost a complete beginner. Lovelt place to stay with great food to - the Deverell family is lovely.

Another place I can recommend is Flower Hill in Ireland - pretty full on cross country - we were out jumping 2* fences within 20 minutes of our arrival!Most of their horses are for sale, so generally very high quality - plus they have some safer ones for the less experienced rider. PM me if you want any more info.

 

[giggles mum]

So at Annaharvey would you say we would get some instensive instruction on a holiday or is their programme meant to be more relaxing and for having fun?

Flower Hill also looks great - so many choices! Only thing is, the teenagers' courses are 12-16s. I'm 16 and my friend who I want to go with is 17 so it looks like we're one 'teenager' and one 'adult'. We'd have to fine out if they run the courses the same weeks...could be a problem.

Thanks for your help.

 

[little_flea]

AnnaHarvey will tailor it to what you want (so will Flower Hill - we wanted to do some SJ and they sorted that out for us) - me and my sister rode 3 times a day at AH, a combination of dressage, showjumping and cross country - they are really helpful.

I am sure Flower Hill would be ok with your age, they are relaxed. You can't stay at the actual riding centre though, so have to stay in a nearby B&B, so for the overall experience, I'd say Anna harvey. The cross country at FH is second to none though - but not for the fainthearted or very inexperienced!