Irish Pony Society and Dressage Ireland team up to deliver NEW educational programme to under 18 riders of all levels.

The Irish Pony Society and Dressage Ireland are working together to open up top level training and horsemanship  skills to all kinds of young riders. The programme which is kindly supported by Horse Sport Ireland is designed for any rider able to independently ride at walk, trot and canter. 

Elevate will provide affordable training to riders throughout Ireland across a series of regional events that incorporate flatwork training and workshops to improve skill levels in the saddle and on the ground. A range of topics designed to cover essential horsemanship skills will include horse and pony management, health and welfare, tack fitting, farrier, veterinary, grooming and turnout and how these skills are necessary for the care of different kinds of horses and ponies whether a happy hacker, child’s pony, hunter, or horses and ponies that may be competing in different disciplines. 

The subsidised cost to the participants is €25.00 per training day with top level coaches from different disciplines delivering the training. 

The minimum age requirement is 6 years old as of January 2023 through to 18 years old. The training will be in small groups and individual sessions according to age and ability. Whether a rider wants to get more out of hacking through the countryside, perform a dressage test, enter a horse show or participate in any other discipline, Elevate will provide a pathway of progression toward each rider’s goal.

A spokesperson for the programme said “The aim of Elevate is to provide accessibility to young riders and their horses and ponies across the scales of training to help them progress and explore riding and horsemanship. The Elevate team are committed to providing a welcoming, supportive environment to all ages and abilities and will encourage socialisation and inclusivity.” 

This innovative programme to improve riding and horsemanship is a welcome addition to the equestrian calendar and the first training day with coach Mark Ruddock will be held on 16^th April at Ballinasloe Showgrounds Co. Galway

Bookings will open soon through Its Plain Sailing under Dressage Ireland Events.