Athenry Equestrian Centre now resides at our
stable yard near Riversands in Fourways. The basic facilities are complete
- stables, dressage arena, jumping arena, lunge arena, tack room, ablution
facilities, etc. The yard is show-ready, and training shows have been very
succesfully hosted.
The photos below were taken on a particularly rainy day, so forgive the
pools of water :)
There are currently 24 stables (5 wooden and 19 brick),
which are standard size and very
well ventilated with half barn doors. The horses are fed three times a day, and are groomed every
morning. During the day, they are put out to one of the many individual or group
paddocks on the property with a teff net and water. They are brought in every
evening and blanketed in winter. A washing bay is situated close to the stables. There is a secure tack room in which all the
saddles and bridles are stored. Brand new ablution facilities are available for riders. The entire yard has a beautiful view overlooking
Riversands Farm.
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There are currently four functioning arenas on the property.
A very large square sand jumping arena (about 60mx50m) with new sand and a
retaining wall, is used for jumping lessons and shows. It is stocked with
jumping poles and equipment. Adjacent to the main arena is a 40mx30m warm-up arena for shows and lessons.The 20mx40m
sand dressage arena is used for dressage and schooling lessons. One floodlight
is already installed for night time and early morning riding, and more are
planned. A 10m lunge arena is used for lunging horses, lunge lessons and
beginner lessons. A small jumping race are planned
for the future. Cross country training is done on the Riversands farm cross
country course across the road from the stables.
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An electric fence surrounding the property has recently been
completed. The staff and horses are securely enclosed. Access to the yard is
only through an automatic gate, and clients need to organise with Ingrid to get
a gate control. There is also armed response for the property. The stable
manager (Ingrid) and grooms live on the property, ensuring that the horses are
always well cared for and in safe hands.
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There is lots of shady parking for clients' cars. A horse
box is available for use, and is especially useful when going to shows. Grooms
are available on show days to assist with horses at shows, and Ingrid is usually
available to assist riders with walking courses and preparing.
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For beginner riders, and riders
without their own horses, there are fantastic school horses. They are, on the
whole, well schooled and of mild temprement, yet not lacking enthusiasm or
talent. They need to be ridden to be fully appreciated. Some of them are also
available for full or half bait.
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