Last July, a group of six Langley women who range in age from early boomer to 77 years old, returned home from the equestrian adventure of a lifetime.
Rita Rawstron, Donna Morris, Reta Eddleston, Barb Ellis, Susan Chaworth-Musters and Lilian Ewen, who met through the Langley-based Vintage Riders club, spent a fascinating three weeks exploring Ireland by bus and by horseback.
Because they spent months researching stables, accommodation and transportation instead of signing up for an organized tour, the cost of the experience was a relatively modest $5,000 per person, including airfare.
After arriving in Dublin, they checked into a 300-year old stone lodge operated by the An Sibin Riding Centre in County Clare.
They were happy with the quality of horses and safety standards maintained by the Irish stable operators they rode with, with one exception — a ride that took them through busy city streets on horses they had just met under supervision of only one guide, who rode at the front of the dude string.
“We learned one question to ask before you choose a stable: how many guides do they have. You absolutely need a guide at the back as well as the front of the group to keep an eye on things. One ride we went on even had a resident farrier. I would also suggest that you contact people by phone in addition to doing Internet research,” said Reta.
Although equestrian tourism opportunities, available in a growing number of countries in Europe, are marketed to novice riders, the Langley group felt a solid walk, trot, and canter is a must.
Most of the women are experienced riders, but one described herself as a late bloomer lacking in confidence.
For Donna, the Irish adventure was a “trial by fire” as she puts it.
“I’m used to hanging onto horses for dear life, and this was just another opportunity, only on really big horses. I wanted to keep up,” said Donna.
Keep up she did. The reward was memories that will last a lifetime.
During a series of four-day, two-day and one-day rides, the group rode through bogs, across streams and lakes and criss-crossed the lush emerald green Irish countryside. Fields were enclosed by rock walls, often covered with wild azaleas, and dotted with ancient stone cottages in various stages of decay. The gallops along the beach were a highlight for all.
The trail horses were good at their jobs and displayed a degree of level-headedness that many local riders would find amazing.
The draft crosses, Irish sport horses and magnificent Gypsy Vanners so popular as trail horses, sailed past loose horses, cows and snorting bulls without spooking.
“We even had a mink alert at one point on the trail. In order to get across one steep ditch we sent all the horses across first, by themselves. We felt really safe with our horses,” said Reta.
The trail guides stopped frequently to let the horses drink and nibble grass. They also stopped for stories about the many historic sites they rode past.
At night, the horses were turned out onto rented fields while the Canadian riders were stabled in cozy, charming bed and breakfasts. They were entertained by Irish broom dancers and fellow travellers from around the world. One inn featured a professional chef. Despite the long hours in the saddle, no one claimed to lose weight.
Riding techniques and equipment are a little different in Ireland, they found: mounting blocks are not used, despite the great size of the horses.
“We used rock walls, overturned buckets, whatever we could find to stand on,” said Susan.
The trip was also a celebration of a great friendship: “I never laughed so much in my life. We all got along so well, there was no conflict,” recalled Susan.
Well, not exactly. One woman blurted out during our interview: “Don’t write about the snoring” but refused to give details.
They are now planning a trip to New Zealand.
Anne Patterson is a Langley writer and horse owner. Contact her at accidentalrider@yahoo.com.