So DayOut popped along to Kilronan Equestrian Centre recently to see what the guys there are up to…

It’s located on Kettles lane, off the Dublin Road that runs along Dublin airport and we’ve actually passed by it a number of times and had been meaning to call in. The guys there are working on some new signage which should be visible soon, so keep an eye out for this in the future.

First thing to mention is that Kilronan Equestrian Centre have an Open Day on the May Bank Holiday weekend in 2012. It’s on Monday 7Th May where anyone can pop along and visit to learn a little more about equestrian activities. There’s the opportunity to say hello to some great characters (meaning horses!) who just love meeting new people. They even made faces at us which I’m told is a quirky personality trait! It’s all good fun though and helps the bonding process with kids and visitors. There’s going to be Free pony rides for the kids and also adults who might like to experience trekking for the first time, or perhaps those who were involved before and just need an Open Day like this to re-introduce oneself to the activity. It’s a great place to just have a picnic also so if you fancy doing something different, why not pop along and set yourself up on one of the many green areas and just watch the days proceedings.

What was abundantly clear from Ciara Thomas and the team at the centre is their absolute passion for these beautiful animals.  There is a large collection of horses, neatly bunked up in stables and all superbly behaved. Not having been around horses for any great length of time, this really was a pleasure for us to learn a little more about them and a wonderful opportunity to hear about their daily routine. No question that the care and attention that the horses receive at Kilronan is simply first rate and you can tell that these horses really do have it made! (might move in myself)

A large indoor arena is on site where kids and adults can do circuits, they commence with reign lead laps and then build up your experience over time. A cosy gallery area is adjacent to the arena where mams and dads or friends can watch the proceedings. This area is adorned with wonderful drawings made by the kids and it’s just great to see. On the Open Day, there’ll be some exhibition stands in here from local businesses, as well as other equestrian related treats.

While we were there, some kids arrived to do lessons and the attention they received was just great – happy faces all around and a lot of individual attention ensuring everyone gets some one on one tuition. Outdoors, the centre as you’d expect is surrounded by fields, paddocks and trekking trails, it really is a treat for outdoorsy lovers and a chance to escape from the hum drum of your normal day. On Summer days, we expect it’s just one of those places you don’t want to leave!

What about Lessons?
Group lessons are available for all levels and ages and are divided into children, teenagers and adults.

• Beginner – Never sat on a horse or pony before or just establishing rising trot
• Improver (children only) –  Just off a lead rein  ready to begin canter
• Novice – Competent at walk , rising trot and canter
• Intermediate – Competent at walk, trot, canter starting to jump
• Advanced – Able to ride a more challenging horse/ pony , improving flat work  and control , jumping a small grid

What else?
Kilronan also cater for private one to one lessons with resident equestrian expert and professional show jumping trainer Johnny O Connell. Check out web site  https://www.johnnyoconnell.ie for more info.

Birthday parties, School Tours and Corporate events can also be catered for at Kilronan and are sure to add that ‘something different’ to your event. Pony Camps are a regular feature at Kilronan as well as Adult workshops. Livery facilities are also available.

Thanks to Ciara & Johnny for a lovely visit, we hope to see you again soon! Check out https://www.kilronanequestriancentre.ie for more info..

We had to include the following comment by a customer which just about sums things up…

“My daughter had begged me for many months to allow her start horse riding lessons. Not coming from an equestrian background I was apprehensive at first and didn’t know what to expect or where to go. A friend of mine recommended Kilronan so I nervously booked a child’s beginner lesson over the phone. When we attended on the first day the staff really made us feel welcome and I felt so relaxed – my daughter was so happy and I knew she would want to go back the following week.”

That was over 2 ½ yrs ago and my daughter has never missed a lesson since that first class . My daughter still attends her normal lessons every week and now rides at advanced child level . There are so many activities to do including camps, clear round jumping, bank holiday shows and off site outings that she is never short of something to do. I think most importantly she has so much fun every day – and has made some terrific pals along the way.

I would recommend lessons at Kilronan to everybody young and ( not so young! ) ,the entire Kilronan team provide a unique experience for every level of rider and truly stride to ensure everybody has as much fun as possible in a safe and friendly environment.”

Very happy customer ( Swords )