Thursday, April 17 (Thurles, Ireland) - In all my years of traveling, the longest trips I've taken were only a week to 12 days. Because I've been on shorter trips, I have always loved fitting in as much as possible starting on day #1. But sometimes I find myself rushing into everything without giving my body time to adjust to the time difference, weather or culture. I've been a victim of getting sick towards the beginning of a trip (bad cold in Thailand, bronchitis in Costa Rica) because of my 'go go go' mentality, and it can certainly put a damper on the fun.
So in planning my getaway, I wanted to start off the right way by staying somewhere for four days where I can get accustomed to the time change and have time to relax, while still getting in one of my favorite things to do: horseback riding. I knew that Ireland is famous for their equestrian culture, and that many barns host guests who come from all over the world to mix riding with vacation. So I did plenty of research and decided I wanted to start my journey at the Crossogue Equestrian Center in Thurles, just an hour and 15 minutes from Dublin by train.
So in planning my getaway, I wanted to start off the right way by staying somewhere for four days where I can get accustomed to the time change and have time to relax, while still getting in one of my favorite things to do: horseback riding. I knew that Ireland is famous for their equestrian culture, and that many barns host guests who come from all over the world to mix riding with vacation. So I did plenty of research and decided I wanted to start my journey at the Crossogue Equestrian Center in Thurles, just an hour and 15 minutes from Dublin by train.
I arrived at Crossogue yesterday afternoon and was greeted by Mark and Sophie who run the business and guesthouse respectively, a few other guests and about 70 horses. The farm caters to kids and adults with a focus on cross-country riding (natural jumps like logs and fences in a big field). The core business at Crossogue is actually breeding and training race horses to compete in steeple chasing (3-mile races filled with large 4-foot jumps throughout, think of a marathon type of endurance but for horses).
In the guesthouse, I’m staying in a simple, yet comfortable room that probably has more square footage than my NYC apartment, and that looks out on one of the pastures. The house itself has been in Mark's family for five generations and can hold about 30 guests at a time (but it feels super cozy with just a few of us at the moment).
Sophie is in charge of the cooking and not just the three daily meals – she is a master baker and every time I step foot in the kitchen, there is a new treat on the counter waiting to be eaten.
In the guesthouse, I’m staying in a simple, yet comfortable room that probably has more square footage than my NYC apartment, and that looks out on one of the pastures. The house itself has been in Mark's family for five generations and can hold about 30 guests at a time (but it feels super cozy with just a few of us at the moment).
Sophie is in charge of the cooking and not just the three daily meals – she is a master baker and every time I step foot in the kitchen, there is a new treat on the counter waiting to be eaten.
Since arriving, I have had ample time to ride and relax without feeling the slightest bit bored (a problem I often face at home when I feel like I always need to be doing something and sitting down is just not an option). I've walked around the grounds, sat in the grass in front of the house to soak in the unseasonably warm sun and I've gone to bed early to get in the sleep my body needs from the travel and the intense riding.
After an 11-hour sleep, I had my first ride this morning to get acquainted with Becky as my instructor and Rosie as my heavily-shedding grey mare. Super comfy trot (yes!) and equally smooth canter. She is an honest jumper and an all around good and willing horse. Can’t wait to take her out in the cross-country field this afternoon!
After an 11-hour sleep, I had my first ride this morning to get acquainted with Becky as my instructor and Rosie as my heavily-shedding grey mare. Super comfy trot (yes!) and equally smooth canter. She is an honest jumper and an all around good and willing horse. Can’t wait to take her out in the cross-country field this afternoon!
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