Calliaghstown Riding Centre

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For a number of years the was the official website for the Calliaghstown Riding Centre.
Content is from the site's 2007 archived pages.

NOTE to Equestrians: The Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre, owned by Anthony Byrne (BHSAI) since 2010, is now the vibrant hub of equine activity in Rathcool! The facility's current site is found at: http://www.calliaghstownequestriancentre.ie/

Calliaghstown Riding Centre
Rathcoole
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Tel: +353 - 1 - 458 8322

 

At Calliaghstown Riding Centre we have top class facilities and a friendly and safe atmosphere - whether you are learning to ride, keeping your horse on livery, or taking part in one of our holiday programmes.

Our facilities include: Indoor Arena – 22m x 45m Outdoor all weather arena – 35m x 70m Cross Country course for all levels Show Jumping / Derby arena Scenic hacking and trail riding in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains Lessons and instruction with qualified instructors available for all levels and ages of rider Specialised tuition in dressage, showjumping and cross country riding available Competition training also available Hunting available with the South County Dublin Hunt and other local hunts Full Livery available Young horses prepared for sale/ breaking in/ schooling Breeding Unit - homebred and professionally schooled horses for sale Pony Club and Riding Club based in the centre Career training and working pupil courses (FAS assisted) BHS Exam centre

 

 

Calliaghstown Riding Centre is regarded as one of the best known Equestrian Centres in Ireland. We are situated in Rathcoole, in a quiet rural setting in the foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, yet just 15 miles from Dublin City. No matter what you are looking for: horse riding schools, equestrian holidays and vacations, as well as child and adult horse riding holidays, you can be sure of safe quality horses, many of which were bred at the centre by its owner Grainne Sugars, who has ridden internationally for Ireland.

We have a number of different equestrian holiday programmes which we can tailor to suit your individual needs. Our ideal location in Rathcoole, close to Dublin City means you can combine visits to the city with a riding vacation if you wish. There are also many local attractions in Kildare and Wicklow, all within easy reach of our riding center.

Our riding vacation programmes include:
 

 

 

Calliaghstown Riding Centre can offer you the opportunity to experience the best of Irish hunting.

 

The Irish hunter is known worldwide as being brave and trustworthy Our Horses are safe and will cross any country - ditches, banks, fly fences etc. We are situated in the centre of excellent hunting country. The local packs are - South County Hunt, Kildare Hunt, Meath Hunt and of course easily accessible to Dublin City and Ports. For those of you who do not like blood sports the South County Hunt is a drag hunt (which is a non blood sport) We can tailor a weekend hunting break to suit your needs

 

We have a number of different equestrian holiday programmes which we can tailor to suit your individual needs. Our ideal location in Rathcoole, close to Dublin City means you can combine visits to the city with a riding vacation if you wish. There are also many local attractions in Kildare and Wicklow, all within easy reach of our riding center.

 

Make new friends and enjoy some beautiful scenery with our pleasure equestrian holiday!

The package includes five days riding (approximately 15 hours) The riding will be a mixture of tuition with one of our experienced riding instructors and hacking through beautiful countryside and forestry Your vacation will begin with an assessment lesson, after which we will match your riding ability with one of our quality horses - you can try different horses during your stay if you wish We have horses to suit all levels of rider - our riding school has many different types of Irish horse - including Irish cobs, Connemara ponies, Irish Sport Horses and Irish Draughts Six Nights accommodation with bed and breakfast in either a Guesthouse or 4 Star Hotel is included

 

 

Our popular children's riding holidays take place throughout the summer and are designed with fun and safety in mind.

 

We have a wide range of Irish ponies, cobs and horses to suit all abilities Your childs riding ability will be assessed at the beginning of the holiday and he/she will be matched with one of our quality ponies/ horses Our qualified instructors provide instruction in all aspects of riding and stable management Group lessons will be given in dressage, show jumping and cross country Fun events are also organised such as pony games, horse-ball and forest trails - there is also a fun competition and prize giving at the end of the holiday English classes are optional (10 hours per week) Children's holidays can be organised for one or multiple weeks Children are met at the Dublin Airport and stay with local host families throughout their stay During each week there is 5 days riding, one family day and one cultural outing

 

 

If you are interested in upgrading your skills or learning new ones, then put yourself into the hands of our professional instructors for specialised instruction in Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country.

The package includes five days riding (approximately 15 hours) Your vacation will begin with an assessment lesson, after which we will match your riding ability with one of our quality horses - you can try different horses during your stay if you wish We have horses to suit all levels of rider - our riding school has many different types of Irish horse - including Irish cobs, Connemara ponies, Irish Sport Horses and Irish Draughts This training course includes six nights accommodation with bed and breakfast in either a guest house or 4 Star Hotel Essential Equipment List

 

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More Background on Calliaghstown Riding Centre

 

Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, Calliaghstown Riding Centre has established itself as one of Ireland's most renowned equestrian facilities. Located in Rathcoole, County Dublin, just 15 miles from the bustling city center, this esteemed riding center offers a perfect blend of rural tranquility and urban accessibility.

History and Evolution

Calliaghstown Riding Centre has a rich history dating back to 1978. For three decades, it operated under the stewardship of Grainne Sugars, an accomplished equestrian who represented Ireland in international competitions. Sugars' expertise and passion for horses shaped the center's reputation for excellence and quality instruction.

In 2008, the center underwent a significant transition when Grainne Sugars decided to cease public riding lessons due to health concerns. However, this change did not mark the end of Calliaghstown's legacy. Many of the center's activities continued, including livery services, riding club events, and specialized training programs.

The year 2010 marked another pivotal moment in Calliaghstown's history when Anthony Byrne, a British Horse Society Instructor (BHSAI), took ownership of the facility. Under Byrne's leadership, the center was rebranded as Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre, signaling a new era of growth and development.

Facilities and Offerings

Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre boasts an impressive array of facilities designed to cater to riders of all levels and disciplines. The center features:

1. A 22m x 45m indoor arena

2. A 35m x 70m outdoor all-weather arena

3. A comprehensive cross-country course suitable for various skill levels

4. A dedicated show jumping and derby arena

5. Access to scenic hacking and trail riding routes in the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains

These state-of-the-art facilities allow the center to offer a wide range of services, including:

• Riding lessons for all ages and abilities

• Specialized instruction in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding

• Competition training

• Livery services

• Young horse training and sales preparation

• Breeding programs featuring homebred and professionally schooled horses

Educational Programs and Certifications

Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre is not just a riding facility; it's also an important educational hub for aspiring equestrians. The center is recognized as a British Horse Society (BHS) exam center, offering students the opportunity to pursue internationally recognized qualifications.

Additionally, the center provides career training and working pupil courses, some of which are assisted by FÁS (now SOLAS), Ireland's further education and training authority. These programs play a crucial role in developing the next generation of equestrian professionals.

Community Engagement and Club Activities

One of Calliaghstown's standout features is its vibrant community engagement through various club activities. The center serves as the home base for Calliaghstown Riding Club, one of the most active clubs in the West Leinster Region of the Association of Irish Riding Clubs.

The presence of both a Pony Club and a Riding Club at the center creates a lively atmosphere that caters to riders of all ages and skill levels. These clubs organize regular competitions and events, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition among members.

Equestrian Tourism and Holiday Programs

Leveraging its prime location and excellent facilities, Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre has become a popular destination for equestrian tourism. The center offers various holiday programs tailored to different interests and skill levels:

1. Adult Holidays: These programs combine riding instruction with scenic hacks through the beautiful Irish countryside.

2. Children's Holidays: Designed with fun and safety in mind, these programs offer a mix of riding lessons, stable management instruction, and enjoyable activities like pony games and forest trails.

3. Intensive Training: For more experienced riders looking to enhance their skills, the center provides specialized instruction in dressage, show jumping, and cross-country riding.

These holiday programs not only attract domestic tourists but also draw international visitors, contributing to Ireland's reputation as a premier equestrian destination.

Cultural and Social Significance

Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre plays a significant role in preserving and promoting Ireland's rich equestrian heritage. The center's focus on breeding and training Irish horses, including Irish cobs, Connemara ponies, Irish Sport Horses, and Irish Draughts, helps maintain these important native breeds.

Moreover, the center's involvement in local hunting traditions, particularly with the South County Dublin Hunt, connects riders to a centuries-old Irish cultural practice. This aspect of the center's activities provides a unique opportunity for both locals and tourists to experience an authentic piece of Irish rural life.

Innovation and Adaptation

In recent years, Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre has demonstrated its ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances. For instance, in 2014, the center participated in a Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) and Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) initiative that offered free riding lessons to women. This program, funded through the Irish Sports Council's Women in Sport Programme, aimed to encourage more women to take up or return to horse riding.

The center has also embraced technology to streamline its operations and improve user experience. It now uses online platforms like ItsPlainSailing to manage events, memberships, calendar bookings, and payments, making it easier for clients to engage with the center's services.

Environmental Stewardship

Given its location in the scenic Dublin and Wicklow mountains, Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre has a unique opportunity to promote environmental stewardship. The center's cross-country courses and trail riding routes allow riders to experience the natural beauty of the area firsthand, fostering an appreciation for the local environment.

As part of the broader tourism strategy for South Dublin County, the center aligns with efforts to develop sustainable linkages between the city, the county, and the mountains. This approach aims to balance increased visitor numbers with environmental conservation, ensuring that the area's natural beauty can be enjoyed by future generations.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Like many businesses in the tourism and leisure sector, Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the center's diverse offerings and strong community ties have helped it navigate these difficulties.

Looking to the future, Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre is well-positioned to benefit from growing interest in outdoor activities and nature-based tourism. The center's proximity to Dublin, combined with its rural setting, makes it an attractive destination for both city dwellers seeking an escape and tourists looking to experience Ireland's equestrian traditions.

As part of South Dublin County's tourism strategy, the center could play a role in developing the area as a hub for outdoor and adventure tourism. Potential collaborations with other local attractions and integration into broader tourism initiatives could further enhance the center's appeal and contribute to the region's economic development.

Conclusion

Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre stands as a testament to Ireland's enduring love affair with horses and equestrianism. From its humble beginnings in 1978 to its current status as a premier riding facility, the center has consistently adapted and evolved to meet the changing needs of riders and the broader equestrian community.

With its world-class facilities, diverse programs, and commitment to education and community engagement, Calliaghstown Equestrian Centre continues to play a vital role in Ireland's equestrian landscape. As it looks to the future, the center is poised to remain at the forefront of equestrian excellence, inspiring new generations of riders and preserving Ireland's rich horse-riding heritage.

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