THE Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE) is the body authorised by the Department of Agriculture to regulate standards in all riding schools and equestrian centres across Ireland.

Established in 1974, AIRE now has around 180 members. AIRE works to help the industry and businesses operating within it in a number of different ways. It promotes the sport of amateur horse riding, representing, developing and encouraging the highest standards of quality and service in the management and operation of horse riding establishments.

AIRE also works on behalf of its members, liaising, consulting and cooperating with bodies and individuals who have similar or associated interests. Education is another very important aspect of AIRE. The body promotes education in a variety of ways and is involved in arranging and providing for different show, conferences, public meeting, exhibitions and much more.

AIRE is recognised by Failte Ireland as the body in charge of regulating riding centres and it is also as affiliate of Horse Sport Ireland.

APPROVED RIDING CENTRES

Whether you are looking for riding lessons, trekking, therapeutic riding and anything in-between AIRE approved riding centres will have all the boxes ticked for you.

Every AIRE approved riding centre is inspected on a yearly basis to ensure that the quality of teaching, child protection, safety regulations and welfare of animals are up to standard.

One of the major benefits of choosing to go riding at an AIRE approved riding centre is that all you need to bring is yourself. The centre will provide everything from the horse to all your riding equipment, including helmet, boots and tack.

AIRE also works closely with the British Horse Society (BHS) and a number of AIRE approved centres run BHS training courses. Riders get the added benefit of getting coached in stable management together with their riding lesson.

For anyone who is interested in getting professionally involved in the industry the BHS exams are the recommended pathway. AIRE centres welcome students embarking on their BHS exams and assist them in whatever way they can.

Certain AIRE centres are approved to stage a 48-week traineeship in conjunction with the City of Dublin Education and Training Board, details of which can be found on www.aire.ie. CDETB/AIRE Traineeship is currently available in 18 centres around Ireland.

Horse riding is a risk sport however AIRE go to every length possible to ensure that the risk of injury is limited.

AIRE schools must have first aiders present and instructors are approved with the necessary qualifications. It is also a requirement that AIRE approved staff have taken a recent Child Protection Course.

LESSONS FOR CHILDREN

AIRE approved riding schools can take children for lessons from the age of five years old but it is best to check this with your local approved riding school before getting your child’s hopes up!

Beginners can vary in age from teens upwards, there is no age limit on the sport and we strongly encourage people of all ages to get involved. Be it for a stroll along the beach, a show jumping or dressage lesson or a lead rein hack. The message is simple – enjoy horse riding and get fit!

During the holiday periods there a number of pony camps run in various centres across Ireland.

These tailor made riding camps are very popular with the kids for fun and varied activities with their friends.

AIRE gives riders an opportunity to improve their skills through the AIRE Amateur Tests. These courses are accessible to a novice level of horse riding.

DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES

There is no end to the variety of horse riding you can do and there is something to suit everyone. Riders can get their confidence and start riding in a safe and secure environment and then progress to hacking out and trekking. This is one of the best ways to see hidden parts of Ireland and enjoy an afternoon.

As rider’s progress or for more advanced riders AIRE centres offers dressage, show jumping and cross country lessons. Certain AIRE centres also offer slightly less conventional riding lessons, including lessons in polo and in western riding.

TRAINING

DAY WITH SALLY

CORSCADDEN

‘Joining the dots for all disciplines’ training day on Monday 21 October in Tipperary Equestrian Centre, Thurles. Sally Corscadden Team Manager of the very successful Irish Eventing Team at WEG 2018 will take control of the day coaching demo riders on the flat and over show jumps and cross country.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information on getting involved in horse riding or even just to have a chat about the sport don’t hesitate to contact AIRE on 045 854518 or visit www.aire.ie or www.gohorseridinginireland.ie

The AIRE website will help point any future rider in the right direction. It has a full list of all AIRE approved centres and plenty of information.

Garda Vetting form, membership forms and consultation forms can all be found on the AIRE website.

AIRE AGM

The AIRE AGM will take place at the Irish National Stud and Gardens on Monday March 25. The AGM will begin at 11am and a tour of the stud will take place after the meeting. This tour and garden access will be free to members who book in with the office.

Please call 045 854518 or 087 9500732 or email info@aire.ie to reserve your place.