BCLocalNews – Victoria,BC,Canada
By Anne Patterson – Langley Times
Township of Langley horsefolk could learn a thing or two from the Republic of Ireland, where the equine and agricultural industries have joined forced with government to build a booming equine tourism industry that draws visitors from as far away as….Langley.
Selling horseback adventure holidays in Europe to people who live right in the Horse Capital of B.C. is the marketing equivalent of selling potatoes to the Irish, or ice cubes to Eskimos.
The irony notwithstanding, Sally Simmons and Margaret Brown, long-time friends who take riding lessons together at M & M Connemara stables in Langley, were so captivated by the idea of exploring Ireland on horseback that they made it a major goal to bring their skills in the saddle to a level where they could participate in one of the hundreds of riding tours in that country.
They got the idea while volunteering at an Irish horse show held at M & M.
“We picked up a brochure at the show, and the rest is history. There are rides all over Ireland, from single day rides to five-day trail rides. You have to be able to control your horse, and to be able to walk, trot, and canter. While we were researching the trip, we discovered there were rides all over the world, but I’d always wanted to go to Ireland,” said Margaret.
The success of the Irish equine tourism industry is the result of strong government support, provided in the form of both financial incentives like tax cut, and non-financial incentives like an aggressive international marketing program that promotes both Irish-bred horses, and equine tourism destinations.
Another factor in the Irish business model was the establishment of training and standards for members of the industry. The Association of Riding Establishments, and The British Horse Society worked closely to establish training and qualifications to promote safety and consistency in the relatively new industry. At Horse Riding Ireland, for example, all staff are tested to qualify as either assistant ride leaders, ride leaders, and riding holiday centre managers. Post-secondary degrees in equine tourism are available at Irish colleges and universities.
The result has been revolutionary. Farmers struggling to make a living in agricultural pursuits are enjoying a much-needed additional income from operating B & Bs and offering riding holidays.
In county Kildare, an international survey showed that over half the respondents associated Kildare with the horse industry, second only to Waterford, the famous crystal glass manufacturer.
On a consumer level, the equine tourism program in Ireland works exceptionally well. Sally and Margaret had a magical experience, and lived every trail riders’ dream.
“We rode on Mannon beach, and we got to take the saddles off and swim with the horses. We rode up and down mountains and at the end of the day rode into a farmer’s yard and set our horses free in a pasture. We even rode to a small island that’s only accessible at low tide. The food was good, and so was the Guinness when we rode up to a pub.”
Margaret described the scenery and countryside as “stunning” and the weather as OK.
“Even in July, it rained frequently. Not for very long, though. You need to bring rain gear.”
The riders were so enchanted with the Irish cobs and Connemara ponies which carried them from place to place, and the hospitality of their Irish horses, that they went on a lecture tour with their slides and stories. A talk they gave last year at the Vintage Riders Club was a hit, and inspired other riders to follow in their hoof prints.
For more information, check out these websites: www.connemaratrail.com; www.aire.ie/riding_centres; www.calliaghstownridingcentre.com.
Anne Patterson is a Langley writer and horse owner. accidentalrider@yahoo.com.
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