SEPTEMBER in Kildalton saw the arrival of a dressage simulator. This is an invaluable tool for helping riders increase their riding fitness outside of class time, improving their core strength and making them stronger and safer riders.

Riders can practice riding through movements in a dressage tests and learn about refining aids for various movements including leg yielding, shoulder in, flying changes and half pass.

We had record numbers of Level 5 students starting in October. These students have been busy developing their handling and riding skills, for many this is the first time they have been surrounded by like-minded people who are passionate about developing a career in the equine industry.

The Stud students have been out two days a week in excellent stud farms in the locality which is a fantastic ‘real world’ learning experience for them.

The Level 6 Equitation students have just completed their Young Horse Breaking and Training module where they started five unhandled three-year-olds and brought them right through the breaking process from teaching them to lead in hand, long rein and loose school.

Then they brought each horse through the backing stage right up to riding away and finished with some cross country schooling in their last week.

Handling mares

The Level 6 Stud students were busy handling and weaning mares and foals. Part of their course involved training Kildalton-bred youngstock and bringing them up to the backing stage. Their module finished with a trip to Goffs where Mark Wallace spoke to them about Grenane House Stud and consigning, he answered lots of questions about feeding, sales prep and discussed the importance of a good walk in foals. The Equitation students headed off to Go for Gold sales on the same day.

Are you tempted to come to Kildalton yet?

If you would like any more information on our courses please get in touch with kate.solon@teagasc.ie