VILLAGE CAMPS Riding Camp: An outstanding programme for young riders of all abilities at an award-winning, top equestrian centre.

Whether complete novice or competitive rider ... whether sharing an
affection for or curiosity about horses and the sport of kings ...
VILLAGE CAMPS Riding Camp is all about FUN!

RIDING FACILITIES

The VILLAGE CAMPS Riding Camp is at the West Cork Equine Centre, located amidst the soft green rolling hills and rich farmland of the West Cork countryside. Just a short hack from the beautiful coastline, acknowledged as one of the most scenic in Europe, the Centre is owned and operated by Wayne and Geri Santry, specialists in the training and development of young riders.

Assisted by a fully qualified team of instructors, the program is based on each participant having a superb fun time -- with every rider encouraged to enjoy every moment of the experience. Whatever the level of rider, from ''first time on a horse'' right through to those trained for competition, this camp makes for the perfect choice. The Centre is the only one in County Cork to receive the coveted ''Fuchsia Award'' for quality.

The Centre is fully equipped with spacious indoor and outdoor facilities where riders learn to ride, jump logs and fences, hack, and gain hands-on experience in basic stable management and the care of horses. With seventy horses stabled, it is easy to match the size, ability and temperament of the horse to the specific needs of each rider.

Lessons run through the morning with a short afternoon session after lunch. Highlight for each student is the last day’s ride through the glorious West Cork countryside to a long, remote sandy beach where rider and horse enjoy thrilling ‘‘hacks’’ along the beach in soft golden sand and through the shallow waters of the Atlantic shoreline.   All campers, even those who begin the course as nervous novices, may be able to make the ride.

AFTER RIDING PROGRAMME – LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES

A unique, new VILLAGE CAMPS programme enhancement enables campers to participate in late afternoon Leadership activities, including problem-solving, decision-making and team-building. Based on a selection of courses adapted from the award winning Swiss Leadership Training Camp (LTC), this provides a truly beneficial value-added element to the entire camp experience.

ACTIVITIES

A wide variety of additional activities are offered daily to all campers after their principle programmes have finished, and on weekends.   The wonderful aspect of these activities is that they all involve both instruction and play, being supervised by competent coaches and counsellors with the requisite skills, experience and most importantly, enthusiasm.

The weekend includes accompanied excursions to terrific places of interest.

THE BOTTOM LINE

This exceptional VILLAGE CAMPS enhanced programme provides campers with a marvelous riding experience at a top stable under the guidance and direction of talented and experienced teachers and trainers.  And, as icing on the cake, there is the friendship, ambience and sheer joy of sharing after-programme time with fellow campers, playing, exploring or just plain resting and chilling out!

Horses, of course, and all the rest!  A bit of heaven in Ireland.