Clonlara Equestrian Centre

Clonlara Equestrian Centre is a family-run riding centre set on around 130 acres of farmland near the village of Clonlara in County Clare. The setting is quiet and rural, with open countryside, fields and the centre’s own horses and foals grazing in the surrounding pastures.

The centre caters for riders of every level, from complete beginners to advanced riders, and welcomes children from about four years of age. Lessons cover a range of disciplines, including flat work and dressage, showjumping, cross-country and hacking or trekking out through the farm. Sessions are offered either as private one-to-one lessons or in groups, and new riders are asked to take a few individual lessons first to build up the basics of handling and controlling a horse before joining a class.

Facilities include an international-size indoor arena, an outdoor arena, stabling for around 65 horses and ponies, a horse walker, a mini cross-country course and plenty of parking. Alongside its regular lessons, the centre runs children’s summer camps, offers livery, and has a long-established special needs riding programme for children with a range of needs.

It is best to contact the centre in advance to check availability and to book lessons, camps or trekking.