About Ballyleigh Riding School
More than a riding school. A place to belong.
Ballyleigh Riding School began in 2009 as a small dream — a dream built around a love of horses and a belief that everyone deserves the chance to experience the incredible bond between horse and human.
We wanted to create a place where people could learn, grow, make memories and discover the joy that comes from spending time with horses — whatever their age, ability, experience or background.
What started as a small dream has grown over the years into a large and welcoming community, bringing together people of all ages and abilities who share a love of horses.
But while Ballyleigh has grown, one thing has never changed:
THE HORSE ALWAYS COMES FIRST
Our love and respect for the horse is at the heart of everything we do.
We believe that riding is about so much more than what happens in the saddle. It's about understanding the animal beneath you, learning to care for them, building trust and developing a relationship based on kindness and respect.
And above all, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience that.
A PLACE FOR EVERYONE
People come through our gates for all sorts of reasons.
Some come for their very first riding lesson, excited — and perhaps a little nervous — to sit on a pony for the first time.
Some come to develop their riding, learn to jump, compete or work towards a personal goal.
Some come with their own horses as livery clients, becoming part of our ever-growing yard community.
Some come to pony camps, events and activities, making friends and creating memories along the way.
And some come as children, grow up with us, make lifelong friendships and eventually find that Ballyleigh has become a part of their lives.
Everyone has their own reason for being here.
And that's what makes Ballyleigh special.
DREAMS COME IN ALL SHAPES AND SIZES
We believe that every rider has a dream.
For one person, that dream might simply be to sit on a pony for the first time.
For another, it might be to trot independently, learn to canter, jump their first fence or overcome a fear.
It might be competing at a local show, achieving a personal best, moving up a level or simply becoming more confident around horses.
Your dream doesn't have to be the biggest one.
If it matters to you, it matters to us.
We want to give every person the opportunity to discover what they're capable of, to experience the joy of horses and to work towards whatever their own personal dream may be.
Because we believe that everyone deserves a chance.
A chance to learn.
A chance to grow.
A chance to build confidence.
A chance to make friends.
A chance to achieve something they once thought they couldn't.
A chance to experience the joy of horses.
A chance to find a place where they feel welcome, accepted and that they truly belong.
And most importantly, a chance to experience the special connection between a person and a horse.
Because sometimes, finding your place isn't just about learning to ride.
It's about finding people who understand you, friendships that last, and a community that feels like home.
WHERE FRIENDSHIPS GROW
Over the years, Ballyleigh has become about so much more than riding.
It's the conversations around the yard.
The children helping one another.
The excitement before a competition.
The celebrations when someone achieves something they've worked hard for.
The pony that becomes someone's absolute favourite.
The families who return year after year.
The riders who start as strangers and become friends.
And the friendships that last long after the lesson has finished.
Some people come to Ballyleigh to learn to ride.
Some come to keep their horse here.
Some come for the ponies.
Some come for the community.
And some simply come — and stay for a lifetime.
OUR BALLYLEIGH FAMILY
We want everyone who walks through our gates to feel welcome, included and valued.
Whether you're four or sixty-four, a complete beginner or an experienced rider, a horse owner or someone who simply loves ponies, there is a place for you here.
You don't have to be competing.
You don't have to own a horse.
You don't have to be experienced.
You don't have to have a particular goal.
You simply need a love of horses and a willingness to learn.
Everyone starts somewhere. Everyone has a story. Everyone has a dream.
And we'd love Ballyleigh to be part of yours.
THE HEART OF BALLYLEIGH
After all these years, our original dream remains at the centre of everything we do:
To create a place where everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of horses, learn, grow, make friendships and achieve their dreams — whatever those dreams may be.
Ballyleigh may have grown from that small dream into a huge community, but the heart of it remains the same.
The horses.
The people.
The friendships.
The dreams.
And the love that brings us all together.
COME AS A RIDER.
COME AS A HORSE OWNER.
COME AS A BEGINNER.
COME AS YOU ARE.
AND BECOME PART OF THE BALLYLEIGH FAMILY.
Contact us
Location
Ballyleigh, Waterfall
T12 ET71 Cork
Join Us at Ballyleigh Riding School
Experience the joy of horse riding with our experienced team of instructors and well-trained horses. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned rider, we have something for everyone. Book your lessons or events today!