Offers of Horseback Riding Tipperary

As the old First World War song goes: “It’s a long, long way to Tipperary, but my heart’s right there.” It’s true that is a fairly remote county, in the heart of the south of Ireland, but whether the sweethearts of all the soldiers who sang this song are waiting in the county is less clear. But something that certainly does have is horse racing heritage. Coolmore Stud is the largest breeding centre in the world for thoroughbred racehorses, covering 7,000 acres and hosting almost 70 stallions, and many mares besides. Among the dozens of champion horses that have emerged from the farm, the most famous include Saddler’s Wells, Danehill and Galileo. While you might not be interested in racing, this is surely a sign that there’s something about here which is great for horses.

The Coolmore Stud farm is a multimillion euro operation, but you don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy a ride on horseback here. Leisurely trekking is popular in the Tipperary Mountains, lessons are available at stables around the county, and pony camps and equestrian holidays are a great option for horse lovers of all ages. With wide open spaces, clean air, and good Irish grass for eating, this is a happy place for horses - and we expect it will be for you too.

Where are the best places to go horse riding in Tipperary?

• Tipperary Mountains: There are almost 150 mountains here, the most striking of which are in the Galty or Galtee range. The highest, Galtymore, is one of the most prominent peaks on the whole of the island of Ireland, but the entire range is impressive and beautiful. From the vantage point of a horse’s back, you can catch glimpses of the ancient inhabitants of the area. Hidden amongst trees and bushes, and tucked into the landscape, there are Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age hill fort, Celtic forts, and a standing stone that dates back around 6,000 years. It’s also an important place in the semi-legendary life of the outlaw Ned of the Hills, known in Gaelic as Éamonn an Chnoic. Trekking through these mountains in the area of Rusheen Moor is a journey through time as well as space, which takes you from the everyday world to a fantasy realm where anything seems possible.

• The Devil’s Bit: This is a mountain which stands alone near the town of Templemore. Legend has it that the Devil took a bite out of the mountaintop, giving it its distinctive shape. On breaking his tooth, the devil spat out his mouthful, and the site where this landed is the Rock of Cashel, a promontory which is now topped by a castle. Devil or no, this is a fantastic place to experience in the saddle. The views from the top are said to take in 9 different counties on a clear day and the flora and fauna of the mountain are pretty and varied.

• Lough Derg: This lake, one of the biggest in Ireland, is on the River Sharron which forms the border between Tipperary and County Clare. It’s a pleasure to take a trip along the shores of the lough, and it’s a great place for children to take part in Pony Camps too.

• Thurles: One of the most comfortable equestrian experiences in the county has to be on a traditional farmhouse outside the town of Thurles. You’ll find charming horses and great routes, as well as accommodation in the historic building that lets you turn a horse ride into a holiday.

• Cahir: With the ruins of an abbey, a mediaeval castle and the ornamental Swiss Cottage that dates back to the nineteenth century, Cahir has more than enough to make you dream of a simpler time. You can make those dreams come to life by getting into the saddle, and letting mankind’s ancient companion transport you through the parks of the town and out into the countryside.

Kind of equestrian experiences that can be organised

There are few people who can resist the idea of teaming up with a noble horse and taking a ride through some beautiful scenery, but we all find ourselves struggling to find the time for activities like these. Well don’t worry, because you can take short treks through the Tipperary landscape that give you a break from the stresses of the modern world and some deep breaths of fresh air in just 1 hour. Longer rides are available too, from 2 hours to 5 hours, or even full day treks in which you’ll cover a lot of ground and form deep bonds with your horse. If even that’s not enough for you, make a holiday out of it, staying on site and riding everyday.

- Fantastic tuition is available here too, not just for jockeys at Coolmore Stud, but for people of all abilities around the County. You can have lessons as an individual, or enjoy them with a group. They usually last between 1 and 2 hours.

- Tipperary is a popular holiday destination, and if you like horses, why not organise your holiday around them? They’re available for adults, or you can send your children to pony camps. They’ll spend up to 5 days at the stables, getting plenty of opportunities to ride, but also learning about the practical aspects of stable life.

Requirements to do this activity

For many children, spending time with horses is the stuff that dreams are made of. So give them the chance to live out their wildest fantasies! Small children from 4 years old and up can have their first equestrian adventures on a lead rein ride, where the animal is guided by someone on foot. From 6 years old, your son or daughter can start taking lessons and attending pony camps, though they’ll have to wait until they’re 12 years old to take part in these on a residential basis. And it’s not just children who can learn. There are simple trekking routes that are suitable for adult novices, and lessons can be arranged that cater to beginners too.

It’s a long long way to get there, but it’s very, very worth it! Come for a ride with us.