Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a lesson and a walkout?

We have lessons and walkouts to suit both adults and children who are complete beginners.

Lessons take place in the arena with one of our qualified instructors. During a lesson, you will be taught how to ride your horse or pony. Beginners will be taught how to stop, start and steer and will begin to learn how to trot. There are lots of intermediate and advanced lessons available for more advanced riders.

Beginner group lessons take place at 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These are suitable for both adults and children.

Walkouts involve a ride up into the scenic Dublin Mountains on your horse or pony. Each walkout will have an experienced trek leader.  Beginners will be accompanied by a leader who will walk beside you on foot. 

Beginner walkouts take place at 1pm on Saturdays and Sundays. These are suitable for both adults and children.

 

2. Do you offer treks at a trotting and cantering pace? I would like a fast trek through the forest !

We only cater for walkouts which are very gentle, scenic treks at a walking pace where all riders will be led on a lead rein regardless of riders standard. 

 

3. What is the private walkout?

Private walkout and lessons take place at pre-scheduled times according to our school timetable. 

Private walkouts and lessons can be booked by calling 087-2237981. If you choose a private ride, you will ride with just the people that you have booked in and the trek leader or instructor.

 

4. How can I pay?

We accept both cash and cheque. Please note that we cannot accept credit or debit cards at this time.

 

5. What should I wear?

You should wear comfortable clothing and bring waterproofs with you in the event of rain. Long trousers are preferable over shorts as these can be uncomfortable when riding, particularly on hot days.

 

6. Can I borrow equipment?

You can borrow riding boots and hats which comply with the latest safety standards. Please note that we do not lend out back protectors.

We have a wide range of equipment available for sale at our onsite shop including hats, boots and back protectors.

 

7. How can I get to the Paddocks?

We are accessible by public transport as below:

By bus:

44 Bus - Larkhill to Enniskerry. Get off at the Stepaside stop. It is a 20 min walk from Stepaside to the stables. Please see the map on our Contact Us page for further directions.

44B Bus - Dundrum Rd-Ballybrack Rd Hillview. Get off at stop 19.It is a 5 minute walk from the stop to the stables.

Please check Dublin Bus website for the bus schedule.

By Luas:

Green Line Luas, St Stephens Green-Sandyford. Get off at Sandyford stop. The stables are 10 minutes away by car.

 

8. Does it matter if I have never ridden before?

Not at all! We have walkouts and lessons available which are suitable for complete beginners. We have availability for private walkouts every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm and group lessons every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. These are suitable for both adults and children.

Private groups can be arranged by contacting 087 2237981.

 

9.What happens if someone some people in my group are experienced and others are not?

For safety reasons, we will always cater the pace of ride to the weakest rider in any group. If you are an experienced rider and others in your group are not, the ride will be aimed at the least experienced rider.

 

10. What time should I arrive at the stables?

You should arrive at the stables at least fifteen minutes in advance of your ride so that we can fit you with hats and boots and fill out your registration form.

 

11. How do I buy Gift Voucher?

Gift vouchers can be purchased onsite in the Paddocks Riding Centre Office. Alternatively, we can arrange for vouchers to be posted or emailed to the relevant person. Vouchers are valid for 6 months. 

 

 

 



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Upcoming Events 2024

Ingrid Kane Show-jumping
Beach Ride 

Advanced Camp

*Dates TBC*

Summer Pony Camp 2024

PONY CAMP

RUNNING SELECTED WEEKS FROM

17th June

Some weeks in August already fully booked

MONDAY - FRIDAY

FULL DAY 10 - 3  €350

HALF DAY 10 - 1 €280

Details available on the pony camp page

Booking requires payment in full 


PRIVATE LESSONS:

* PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE *

PLEASE NOTE IN ORDER TO BOOK, YOU MUST DROP UP TO THE STABLES WITH PAYMENT (CASH OR CHEQUE)

OR CONTACT FOR BANK TRANSFER DETAILS

AND WE CAN BOOK YOU IN FOR AN AVAILABLE SLOT WITHIN 7 DAYS OF PAYMENT.

Please look at the 'lesson' page for details. 

48hr cancellation policy


Private walkouts available every day (during summer holidays)

 ALL WALKOUTS WILL BE VERY SCENIC, GENTLE, WALKING TREKS, WITH ALL RIDERS ON A LEAD REIN. 

WE DO NOT CATER FOR TROTTING, CANTERING TREKS, REGARDLESS OF THE RIDERS STANDARD. 

Private and group lessons and walkouts available.

Please call 0872237981 for details.

 

*YOU MUST ARRIVE AT LEAST 20 MINUTES BEFORE ANY BOOKED WALK OUT & LESSON* 


Beginner Lesson

Every Saturday at 10 o'clock, Saturday and Sunday at 2 o'clock 

Suitable for adults and children

1 hour lesson

€50 for adults or €400 for 10*

€45 for children or €380 for 10*

Phone 0872237981 for more details

​*to be used within 11 weeks

Riders are assessed on an ongoing basis and allocated a space in a lesson of an appropriate standard 

Lessons and walkouts

Available most days

Scenic, gentle walking treks only with leaders at all times. 

Don't hesitate to call to check availability

Phone 0872237981 for more details


 

Competition Training Events 

Coming Soon!!!

Booking deposit required

Phone 0872237981 for more details


 

Birthday Parties

   A fun and exciting way to celebrate a birthday

Please look at the bottom of 'lessons page' for details

 Phone 0872237981 for more details

 

Locate Us

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