Pony Trekking

1h trek:

Suitable for riders of all abilities. After being assessed and mounted on suitable ponies, we will head down to the shore via lovely grass lanes, quiet country roads, and down to the sea with its amazing views of the Kerry coastline. Weather permitting, you can ride into the beautiful clear sea water, and admire sea flora and the occasional curious seal.*

Price: €40**

1.5h trek:

Suitable for beginners, but you must be comfortable to sit on the saddle for this amount of time 🙂 If you’re not sure, try the hour trek first!
After matching riders to horses and starting off in the arena to ensure everyone feels happy with their mount, we head west on quiet country roads, to the old Catholic church and climb the hill to get a full 180° view of the west coast of Valentia, all the way to the lighthouse. Views on the way down are just as spectacular as we pass the 2 small islands: Beginnish and Church. We cross the village of Knightstown and its clock tower and follow the sea shore for a paddle in the sea, before heading home.*

Price: €55**

* Discounts available for families / groups, ask at time of booking.
** Riders can have a canter at the end of both treks based on ability.

Pony rides:

From 5 years old up, get a taste of horseback riding on our quiet ponies, we will lead you around the arena (parents can watch and take pictures as we have the sea and Kerry mountains in the background) and down the lane for a 20 minute walk and chatter.

Price: €15

Lessons

Horse riding:

Want to learn how to ride a horse but never find the time at home? Come for a lesson in the arena, and get comfortable walking, steering, trotting (and cantering when you are ready). We also explain how to understand your horse and get to feel this bond of being united with these amazing creatures who let us ride them and travel on their back.

Price: €35 for 30min private lesson, €30 for 2 riders (30min), €25 for an hour lesson with 3 riders or more.

Understanding horses:

You love horses but don’t feel like getting on their backs? There is much more to do with them. They are very sensitive to emotions and what we express through our body language. So are us humans too, but not everyone is aware of it as much as they are.

Horses today are used for various types of therapy and coaching techniques. We will teach you the basics, based on our own experience and yoga practice. We start on the ground with a few stretches (for the human – to relax the body and release any tensions), then we will pair you up with a pony and explain how they communicate through their bodies and how they read ours. This is a great way to develop self-confidence and assertiveness.

Similarly to a yoga or mindfulness practice, this is a very personal experience and we’ll move at your own pace. The focus is on feeling. Let the horse teach you something about yourself 🙂 If you feel like it, we finish the class with a ride, getting deeper into the bond with the animal and your inner self.

Price: €50 for private lessons, €35 each for 2 people, €25 for 3 or 4.

Book directly with Valentia Island Pony Trekking at +353 (0)89 707 0895 and further details at valentiaislandponytrekking.com