Equestrian Learning Centre

Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Centre provides an inclusive environment that fosters each person’s learning, personal development and well-being in a supportive, nurturing and fun manner

Children, teenagers and adults can enjoy a variety of learning experiences through a wide range of equine-related activities that we can offer. These include Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Learning, Supported Helper Programme, Group and Private Lessons, Pony Camps and Clinics.

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Reputation for Excellence

Our Equestrian Learning Centre has developed a strong reputation for excellence in high-level coaching, including children and persons with additional needs, through therapeutic riding and learning programmes. It is recognised as a place to have fun. We provide an integrated working and learning environment to hundreds of people every month.

Our Equestrian Learning Centre is approved by the Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE). Our excellent facilities include a very large all-weather floodlit indoor arena, a large outdoor arena, outdoor paddocks and three sensory trails. Maintaining excellence in Horse Welfare standards is a cornerstone in everything we do.

Our Equestrian Coaches hold qualifications from the British Horse Society (BHS) and/or Horse Sport Ireland.  In addition, all our Therapeutic  Coaches are graduates of the Quality in Qualifications Ireland Level 6 Therapeutic Riding Certification Programme.

We are committed to delivering high-quality coaching for people who wish to learn to ride.

Festina Lente Equestrian Learning Center continuously invests in the up-skilling of all the coaching team.

One innovative way we can help clients is by working with the Horse Simulator which we named Troy. Troy is a five-speed mechanical horse simulator that can assist those new to riding or those who need to develop particular skills. “Troy” can make both upward and downward transitions with buttons on his side allowing the coach to control speed and focus on the rider’s areas of improvement. Troy can also be worked with the leg sensors by the rider.

Troy is the perfect starting point for a beginner of any age to learn the basics in riding. Troy is also very beneficial for intermediate or advanced riders who would like to perfect their skills.

Troy works either from the command buttons in the side, which are controlled by the coach, or from the side leg sensors, which would normally be worked by the rider. Troy has the following benefits:

  • Improves rider balance
  • Improve fitness levels
  • Improves rider confidence
  • Improves muscle tone and strength
  • Improves co-ordination
  • Improves rides feel
  • Improves flexibility.

In addition to the more traditional equestrian activities, we also provide various equine-assisted programmes that educate and encourage children and adults with additional needs to develop their skills working with and learning from our horses.  These programmes are undertaken with a trained coach and are customised to the individual learner’s needs.

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We also offer a range of QQI accredited learning programmes for anyone interested in upskilling their equestrian knowledge and developing their careers in the equine industry.

Horse Riding Lessons and Camps

Festina Lente Equestrian Centre provides a wide range of private and semi-private horse riding lessons to both children and adults throughout the week in a professional and enjoyable environment.

All levels from beginners to advanced are catered for – whatever your interests, we have the lesson for you.  If you ride in competitions or just for fun, then Festina Lente Equestrian Centre is perfect for you as we have experienced,  qualified, patient, and friendly instructors who can help you achieve your riding objectives and goals.

We strongly believe that lunge lessons for all levels of rider hugely improve rider balance and technique, so perhaps try one out privately and feel the difference.

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Equestrian QQI courses

Festina Lente Is a QQI Approved Training Provider  which offers programmes leading to qualifications included in the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).  Programmes are delivered at Levels 3,4,5 and 6.

QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) is an independent State agency responsible for promoting quality and accountability in education and training services in Ireland. It was established in 2012 by the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012.

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