We offer Group, Private and Trekking (Casual) riding lessons for all abilities. All lesson details can be found here

It is best to email us at info@hitchmoughs.ie and someone will get back to you over the next few days. Please note that for most Group Lessons we have a waiting list. You can add your name to the waitlist here

Yes - The rider needs to be 7 years or older - The rider needs to be under the maximum weight of 85kg - If your child has special or additional needs please let us know and we can discuss options.

Make sure you have suitable clothing (see question below on what to bring) Make sure you are fully paid up If you have questions or concerns before you or your child starts it is best to call ahead of time or consult our website. On the day of your lesson, our staff have a limited amount of time to prepare and they are prioritising and attending to the safety and enjoyment of all riders. Please do not be offended if we don’t answer all questions on the day – we are happy to follow up at an appropriate time after the lesson Ensure you have filled in Our Registration and Risk Advisory Form Please come at least 15 minutes before your first lesson

Please come at least 15 minutes before your first lesson Directions to our centre are on our website (T12 PN52) – ample car parking is provided just don’t park in front of a gate 😊 Make your way to the office, which is marked in the car park and is a small wooden building Wait for your instructor or assistant to check you in for the lesson. If no one is in the office please call our contact number or check in the indoor arena. If you need footwear, a helmet and/or a back protector these can be found in the office. They are generally easy to fit yourself but please ask for assistance if you are unsure You will be given the name of the pony/horse you will be riding – please make sure you remember 😊 The horse/pony assigned to you is primarily for your safety, based on your ability and physical attributes. Please don’t be disappointed if you don’t get the horse you wanted. Lateness Please avoid being late. We can’t guarantee you will be able to ride if the lesson has already started Being late interrupts the lesson for everyone else Starting Your Lesson The rider will be brought into the large indoor arena, which is behind the office. The rider will be introduced to their horse and the instructor, and the instructor or assistant will help the rider mount up on the pony or horse. Especially for new riders/beginners, you must listen to and follow the directions of the assistant/instructor once you enter the arena The lesson will begin once everything is checked and the instructor is happy.

Clothing ✔️Recommend Jodhpurs/Breaches are ideal for riding, however, if these are not available leggings or fitted tracksuit pants are fine. Layering of clothes, especially in winter, is preferred for comfort A raincoat is advisable Clothes and coats should fit well and not be flapping or hanging down excessively. ❌Not Recommended Shorts are not suitable as the leather on the saddle is likely to pitch exposed skin Jeans or clothing which does not permit free movement are not suitable. Loose bottoms are not suitable as they can flap and scare the horse. Equipment We recommend purchasing your own Riding Boots, Riding Hat and Back Protector that is fitted by a professional and conforms to the standards below (we are happy to recommend O’Brien’s Saddlery or Saddles and Style in Cork) However, we understand that for beginners especially this can be a big initial expense so we do provide a limited supply of hats, boots and back protectors for you to use and return after each lesson If you do purchase your own equipment it will need to conform to the following standards found here

The lesson will consist of up to 7 other pony/horses and riders There will be 1 instructor in the arena with the group The rider will be mounted on the pony/horse for the full duration of the lesson For beginners, the instructor will start with simple instructions and activities, always with the safety of the rider and the rest of the group in mind. As riders improve, more advanced activities will be taught. The riders will be asked to do activities either as a group or individually. In the lesson, riders may have different abilities so the instructor may not ask all riders to do the same activity. It is vitally important that Riders: Listen and act on instructions promptly Do not try to distract other riders or the instructor unnecessarily Do not try to dismount the horse/pony unless the instructor is aware Do not try to distract the horse by making loud sounds, erratic movements, opening clothing, etc. Do not remove any equipment or clothing (jackets, jumpers) while mounted. If a rider is having any difficulty, or discomfort or generally feels unsafe they should alert the instructor immediately. When the lesson is finished, the rider will be asked to dismount and you may be then asked to leave the arena or lead your horse back to the yard area. Lastly, we expect you to have fun and enjoy the experience 😊

Children and Adult lessons don’t differ greatly, so please see the previous section There is a small viewing area at the top of the indoor arena, you are welcome to watch. It is normal for children to be apprehensive and nervous in any new experience - having a live animal underneath them may heighten these feelings 😊. Keep the following in mind: Arrive early so there is no rushing and that your child can get used to the environment Ensure you have appropriate clothing and have allowed enough time to get fitted so the child is comfortable. Be assured that we take care to ensure that we have the appropriate horse/pony for the rider and their ability, the safety of the rider is our number one priority. Have trust in the instructors, they have the training and experience to teach kids of all ages and abilities If you have any concerns ask Please understand that for safety reasons, if your child becomes upset, the instructor may recommend they do not continue the lesson For the initial few sessions, we ask that parents stay in the viewing area. After this we ask that all parents remain on site for half-hour riders, this is not necessary for hour riders. For whatever reason, your child may want to stop or you may want to stop your child. If this is the case, please get the attention of the instructor. Do not enter the arena. The instructor will dismount your child and escort them out to you. Unfortunately, we can’t let the rider re-mount as that will impact the experience for other riders. But we will try to help and give advice on how to move forward.

Please see our cancellation policy here. In all cases please email us at info@hitchmoughs.ie if you can't make a lesson

For riders but also for parents and spectators: Never walk close behind a horse or pony Be aware that horses and ponies might nip or bite Don't make sudden movements or loud noises around horses, it will frighten them. For spectators, there are areas in the yard where a horse or pony may be led past you. Remain calm - there is nothing to be worried about - step back out of the way if possible, don't make sudden movements or loud noises and don't try to rush past the horse yourself. If you are very nervous, alert the person leading the horse as early as possible. Dogs are not allowed on the yard, regardless if they are on a lead or not Please supervise children closely. You are entering a working farm and yard to ride or spectate so please be careful of uneven or slippery surfaces and wear appropriate shoes - it hurts a lot more when a 500kg animal steps on your foot and you are wearing flip-flops!