My experience of the 5 day Beginner Rider package (now listed as “Happy Hackers” on the Globetrotting website )
This 5 day riding package at Castle Leslie was truly a magical experience. The horses were responsive, yet quiet. Instructors in the arena lessons were very supportive and gave fresh perspectives on our positions, challenging us to try things we hadn’t done in lessons at home. This ride was also so special for me because friends from the riding school I attend were able to come along, too. My mom also came as a non-rider, joining us for a single hack at the end of the week.
Each day we were treated to a massive continental breakfast spread, one arena lesson, and one hack on the estate (3 hours riding in total). The days concluded with dinner at one of the two restaurants (Snaffles or Conor’s Bar).
On this ride, we were assigned different horses throughout the week. It was really fun getting to know each one, and over meals we talked at length about which ones were our favourites.
Inside the Lodge and around the Estate – Photos
Dining area
Dining area
Dining area
Dining area
The castle at night
Inside the castle
Sights around the estate
View from the hotel room balcony
The package included two meals per day (breakfast and dinner), and the Globetrotting page did say that lunch is typically not needed due to the meal sizes. Personally, I found this to be accurate, and never got hungry enough in between rides to really miss it.
I would like to note that some of my friends did feel peckish around lunch, and grabbed small bites (scones) and tea at Conor’s bar between the rides. These snacks were not included in the ride package but were not too expensive.
The amazing food at Snaffles and Conor’s Bar – Photos
The riding schedule had us in a 2 hour arena lesson and a 1 hour hack each day. On the final day, we had a 1 hour lesson and a 2 hour hack on the estate which was a great way to finish off the week.
I loved this ride package. The horses and instructors were superb, the accommodations were so comfortable and the food was amazing, too. I would definitely return for a ride here in the future.
My complete packing list for this 14 day holiday with 5 days of riding
Clothes for riding in November
3 pairs of riding pants – two hiking pants and one pair of breeches
1 merino base layer set – a long-sleeve shirt and a pair of leggings
1 Icelandic sweater – in case the weather got really cold (it never did)
1 pair of riding gloves – mine had thin material
3 sports bras
3 pairs riding socks
1 pair of thermal knee braces – hoped to reduce some pain in that area
1 black coat – to protect against wind & rain (we never really got any wind or rain)
1 pair of thermal knee braces – I hoped to reduce some pain in that area
Clothes for other activities
1 pair of jeans – (could swap for any nicer pant or dress to wear around the nearby villages)
3 nice sweaters – for dinner at the restaurants
1 pair pyjamas
1 tank top – to layer under sweaters on cold days (never needed a base layer as it was always fairly warm)
1 swimsuit – (I did not end up going to the on-site spa so I did not need it)
1 collared shirt – for dinners and outings
1 pull-over sweater – another warm layer
4 pairs of socks – I would bring more pairs next time (I was staying an additional 7 days in Ireland, beyond the riding package)
2 buffs – to keep my neck warm (didn’t end up using them while riding)
1 pair of leather chelsea boots– to wear outside and to dinners
20 pairs of underwear – there is no such thing as too many pairs
Toiletries & Extra Items
Toothbrush & toothpaste tabs – toothpaste tabs are an excellent way to reduce liquids in your carry on
Small bottle of mouthwash
Hairbrush
Antiperspirant – I try to use antiperspirant on horse riding vacations (instead of deodorant) so my clothes last a bit longer before needing to be washed
Sunscreen/Sun cream – a small amount for face & neck
Lip Balm with SPF – mine is slightly tinted
Kohl eyeliner powder and mascara
Hand sanitizer – mostly to use on travel days (plane, bus, train, etc)
Nail clippers & nail file – only if you feel the need to keep them shorter like I do
Razor
2 laundry strips – just in case we needed to do a wash
2 packs of tissues
Ibuprofen, Immodium (loperamide), Pepto Bismol (bismuth), Tums Antacid (calcium carbonate) – managing pains or headaches, and any digestive upsets you might encounter while deviating from your normal diet
Extra-Strength Benadryl for Allergy & Sinus – essential for me to avoid terrible ear pain while flying
Notebook & Pen – for jotting down notes and recording which items I used or did not use
Mesh laundrybag – great for washing your clothes with others’. Keeps your things contained while allowing water through
Electronics
2 GoPro cameras & 2 Helmet straps – great for handsfree video recording while riding. My friend wore the second one
Gopro camera battery charger station
Cellphone
Cellphone charge cable – also doubles as the camera charger cable
Power adapter
USB charger (if the power adapter doesn’t have USB slots built-in)
USB hub – Having a multi-port USB block can allow you to charge multiple things at once
Smartwatch and charger cable for watch
Wired earbuds – for music on the plane and bus rides
Things I packed but did not use (and would not pack again)
Icelandic Sweater – it was never cold enough to wear it on the ride – HOWEVER – following our stay at Castle Leslie, it snowed once and the temperature dropped below freezing, so I was glad to have it. Please note, I am travelling from Canada so I may be used to slightly cooler temperatures. You may find you need warmer clothing
Zip sweater –it did not get cold enough while riding
Check out the Globetrotting page
Thinking about trying this ride? Check out the Globetrotting site for more photos and dates
