News And Events

Course with Vanda Osterhuis on May 8th and 9th

We had a wonderful and fun weekend workshop with Vanda.

Here is what Micki, one of the participants wrote about it::

I totally loved the course, I feel it may really help me for my usual once-a-week lesson, giving an intense, in depth work out in practice and theory, which there is normally not really time for in the usual lesson.

Here is what I really liked:

The partner exercises we did were brilliant. I found the insight it provided into the horses point of view a total relevation! It was amazing to see what effects the even small things I do (or don't do) with my body have such a profound effect. The TTouch exercises were lovely, too, it was nice to see the horses enjoying themselves, seeing that I get so much enjoyment out of them, it's nice to give something back! Vanda is a brilliant teacher, and so patient. She makes it look so effortless. The course was just as suitable for beginners as it was for more experienced riders, and nobody was bored or overwhelmed. I hope she comes back soon, I would definitely take part again. Lucky we have our own Uschi until then, who is just as brilliant. This was my first ever horsey workshop, hopefully the first of many!

For more review visit our facebook page.

Other News:

We have our first 2 foals: The first one ( Cleona’s foal by Gurran Golden Eye RID ) got us by surprise on Saturday the 8th of may – the day of our Centered Riding course – so we aptly decided to call it “Vanda”.

Number 2 ( Goldie’s foal by Carlton Hill)is also a little filly …. We haven’t named her yet – still waiting fro inspiration …and open for suggestions.

March 21 2009

Rediscovering the beauty on our shores - The Irish Times

The following morning, with Sligo bathed in resolute sunshine, we trotted through Yeats Country in a magnificent hand-crafted wagonette, drawn by a pair of traditional Irish cobs. We had travelled out to Grange, to Island View Riding Stables, a family farm between the Atlantic and Benbulbin, which provides pony trekking along the coast and on the foothills of the mountains and which is also the home of Swingle Tree Carriage Tours. The covered carriage in which we made our sedate way around glorious countryside is, as proprietor Raymond O’Connor pointed out, a pleasant alternative to trekking for older people or families with young children. Read more...

22 Feb 2009

A green oasis for all the family - The Guardian

About 20 miles away are the Island View Riding Stables. Owners Ursula and Raymond O'Connor have more than 50 horses and Ursula had saddled up Lollipop, a steady mare for me, Salty for Em and little Percy for Luke. She quickly had the children, both novice riders, trotting down a country lane, and unleashed them as soon as they reached the beach. Read more...