All Over Ireland!

Well, my course at the Irish National Stud is now finished, having had the graduation yesterday afternoon. The 25 of us graduated, eaching receiving a Certificate stating that we completed the five or so month course at this well known property.



So, now I have friends and horse related contacts from Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, England, Hungary, France, Canada, Scotland, Belgium, and America!

Half of the students are checking out the Southern Hemisphere shortly, most coming to Oz and a few to New Zealand so it'll be awesome to be able to catch up with them. One will be just up the road!

Head off today to see Connemara and then on to Giant's Causeway. Then - the horsey area of France that is Normandy! Going there with one of the girl's from the course - can't wait!

You cannot beat travel with work - the experiences, the people you meet and the contacts you gain.

"I am still under the impression that there is nothing alive quite so beautiful as a thoroughbred horse." - John Galsworthy

Pony Club

Got a horse crazy kid in Australia? Pony Club is a great way to help them to learn to ride, show and look after their horse. Pony Club was my first introduction to riding lessons and in a group. My first pony, Pride, that I now own, was available to me initially on a lease basis - $50/month and the horse was mine, tack was available to ride him in and 100+ acres to ride across. An added bonus to where I leased him, Pony Club was run the first Sunday of every month on the property.

PC allows kids to ride together with classes on dressage, show jumping and games and learn about horses through theory lessons each month. Kids that are eager to improve are encouraged to be graded on their horses (from base level 4 - 1) and complete certificates (D/D*, C, B, A, K) that test knowledge of the childs fitness of the horse, nutrition, care, grooming, etc.

PC is great for kids wanting to compete, learn to instruct orjust improve their relationship with their horse and capabilities to care for it.

Irish Pony Club Website
UK Pony Club
Hong Kong Pony Club
US Pony Club
Pony Club Australia
Canadian Pony Club
New Zealand Pony Club

"All horseback riding is great until you go to a $40 show for a 75c ribbon."