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.
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.
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!