Riding Programmes
HORSE RIDING LESSONS
Cherry Orchard Equine Centre is a purpose built training centre, boasting excellent facilities such as indoor arena, outdoor arena, sensory riding trail, cross country training area and training classroom.
Our yard is BHS (British Horse Society) and AIRE (Association of Irish Riding Establishments) approved. All of our instructors are British Horse Society qualified, Garda vetted and have completed child protection and first aid certification.
• We offer a variety of lessons for both children and adults from beginners to advanced.
• Horse riding lessons take place Monday to Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday 9-5pm.
• Children must be 6 years of age to participate.
• All lessons are graded and delivered in accordance with the AIRE Syllabus. This is to provide progression and learning opportunities for all riders.
• Stable Management lessons are available to groups and individuals.
PONY CAMPS
Pony camps are run generally during the Easter mid-term break and throughout the Summer. Days & times vary each year, please see our social media pages for updated information. The camps involve horse riding, stable management, games and arts and crafts. Camps are very popular, early booking is advisable and a deposit is necessary to secure booking.
CHERRY ORCHARD PONY CLUB
We are home to Cherry Orchard Pony Club. The Cherry Orchard branch are a member of the Irish Pony Club that endeavours to promote and encourage horsemanship and loyalty in a safe and fun atmosphere, for all its members. To enquire about membership please contact Amanda Maher on amandamaher@cherryorhard.ie
ASSISTED RIDING LESSONS
We operate a number of weekly slots for children and adults with additional needs. We provide allocated classes each week, these lessons help with balance, co-ordination, communication, physical fitness, mobility and of course the connection and bond that is created when around these beautiful majestic animals. For more details, contact reception on (01) 6209160.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR ALL LESSONS
• All lessons are offered subject to our booking terms and conditions.
• Correct footwear and approved helmets must be worn.
• We provide boots and helmets, but it is advisable to purchase your own if taking up riding.
• We operate a maximum weight for each horse. Our current max weight is 13 stone.
• We strongly advise that full personal accident insurance is taken out.
• Horse riding is a dangerous sport, whilst the management endeavours to ensure the safety of each participant, we do not take responsibility for any accident / injury that may occur from equine activities.
• It is advised to arrive ten minutes before scheduled riding lesson in order to get correct boots and helmet.
• All new riders will be assessed in a half hour private session during which time all relevant paperwork will be competed.
• To enquire about lessons contact us on (01) 6209160 or email reception@cherryorchard.ie
Meet Our Horses
Here are our beloved horses and ponies who make it all happen.
Leader’s Programme
This programme is designed to educate young people between the age of 12 and 18 years old who have an interest in equines. The programme offers training in areas such as equine care and welfare, safety around equines, leading ponies in lessons and showing beginner rider’s basic skills, urban horse ownership requirements, team work and leadership.
The programme aims to provide a positive and safe place to learn. Educational day trips to offsite locations are conducted throughout the year.
The programme runs Monday – Friday 4-8pm & Saturday 9-4pm.
How to join:
You must have an interest in equines.
You must be aged between 12 – 18ys old.
Pick up a leader application form at reception and return fully completed.
Training
BHS Working Student Programme:
About the programme:
Delivered by a full time BHSAI (British Horse Society Assistant Instructor), scheduled daily riding and stable management lessons are conducted five days per week (Monday – Friday). These lessons are structured in accordance with the BHS Equine Pathways Syllabus.
Working students will volunteer their time, assisting with the day to day running of the yard in return for training. This will result in 10 hours volunteering in return for 10 hours training. Volunteer hours will be managed to suit the needs of the yard. The yard operates Monday to Friday 8am – 8.30pm, Saturday 8 am – 6 pm. The yard is closed to the public on Sunday. The programme trains students up to BHS Stage Two in Complete Horsemanship.
Criteria to apply for the working student programme:
Riding ability:
• Capable of walk, trot & canter independently and jump a small fence.
Volunteering:
• Available to volunteer 10 hours per week at the yard, at times to suit the needs of the yard.
• Available to attend training at the allocated times
How to apply:
• Please apply in writing with cover letter & CV to the Yard Manager – Michelle Leonard: yardmanager@cherryorchard.ie .
• If application is deemed suitable a riding assessment and interview will be conducted.
For those wishing to avail of training but unable to volunteer in return, training can be provided at a cost.