Aille Cross Country Trail

Riders are collected from their accommodations approximately at 10:30 AM and transferred to the Aille Cross. The morning is spent getting to know the horses and country. Ride through the forest to Killnadema where riders have the opportunity to jump small obstacles, while the guide assesses their ability. While there is plenty of jumping available for those who want to, it must be stressed that all obstacles can be avoided.

Today, fox hunt with the Galway Blazers. For those not hunting, cross-country riding to Knock Ash, site of an ancient ring fort. After a simple picnic lunch jump on the farmland surrounding the Aille Cross.

Begin riding at Dartfield Horse Museum and Park. There are 350 acres of rolling parkland with a superb cross-country course for riders to jump. Visit the museum after lunch. The afternoon is spent riding and jumping on the farmland surrounding the museum.

Once again those wishing to participate may fox hunt with the Galway Blazers. Those not hunting ride to Killnadema where there are natural obstacles and stone walls to jump. After lunch enjoy a hack through a large area of forestry with plenty of opportunity for fast gallops along woodland tracks.

Today return to the event course at Dartfield. This course has many professionally designed jumps for all levels of riders. It includes some of the best water complexes in Ireland. Those not wishing to jump can ride through the farmland around the museum and beyond into the surrounding area.

During hunting season (late October through February), riders may choose to join Willie and spend the day hunting with the Galway Blazers. For those not hunting this is a great day to attend the meet and watch the hounds move off. Those who want to ride but don’t want to hunt spend the day riding in the countryside around Aille Cross. Riders will be surprised at how much their confidence and ability has increased during the week.

Depart after breakfast.