cooper's hill livery - private rides

We weren't able to go to the beach, due to the weather. But hacked down the road and then rode on some available farmland. It was a great ride full of cantering. James was nice as could be and we were allowed to tack our horses before riding, which I appreciated immensely. As students we had not transportation other than public trains and buses and James was nice enough to pick us up and drop us off in town. My friend was a beginner rider and James was able to make sure that we were both happy and safe on our hack. I would highly recommend riding here, I have heard that the cross country clinics are amazing as well as an amazing beach ride.

Had an amazing afternoon with James from Cooper's Hill Livery today,I booked in for the Cross Country Clinic and I have to admit i was pretty nervous starting off, but with some encouragement from James it wasn't long before i put faith in his beautiful horse and we were mastering the course.Thank you so much and i have to say i will definitely be back.

I rode with James down to the beach in the morning, got some lunch and then a cross country school in the afternoon. It was absolute blast, could not have imagined a better day. The beach ride was great, the ride to the beach was on the road but the horses were perfect, and the beach was beautiful. James was very nice and took some pictures for me. The beach was fun and a great introduction for me to the horse before jumping. Later that day we trailered to a great cross country course which I found challenging but exhilarating. I could not have asked for a more talented or fun horse (Starlight) to enjoy the day with. And Rachel Dubber took some fantastic pictures of us. The human and horse company were great, the barn in a beautiful setting and only a short ride from Galway. I am an experienced rider and would suggest this to anyone interested in enjoying Ireland the best way, from horse back. A note to anyone who does want to enjoy it, make sure you are honest about your riding experience and skills, that is how you are matched to a horse. I look forward to coming back to ride with James again!

There aren't many places where you get to tack the horse you'll be riding for the day which is something a I appreciated. I also appreciated James's sense of humor and willingness to share stories with us. As for the ride its self, I had a grand time riding through the city to the beach and then actually riding on beach. I will definitely be doing this again while I'm here.

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I was told the rendez-vous was at an inn on a very busy main road but I am delighted I took the plunge and made it there alone. The welcome from James and Ciara couldn't have been better. They really are quite charming and made me feel more than welcome. When we arrived at the yard I was immediately involved - from bringing Midnight in, grooming, tacking up etc. The ride was to be me and one other! James himself! And that was ideal - gone are the days of everything being micro-managed and regimented. I can't be like that and my own horse hates it too. So off we set through the traffic lights, juggernauts, double deckers, motorbikes, roads signs - have to say James would make a great mounted traffic officer! Lots of sitting trot and giggling. Liked the beach but would have loved it to be bigger! hey you can't have everything and the four of us were perfectly happy. Both horses are fit and cared for and obviously know and love their job. I hope to keep in touch with James and Ciara at Cooper's Hill and one day I will return and try the cross country or whatever else they think might be fun!. Hospitable isn't the word. These people with a passion for their horses won't disappoint. You may even get to meet James' father!

Communication in setting up the ride was excellent. Met on time clear instructions, good fun and value but not regimented/

From leading the horses from their feedlot, grooming, tacking up, and riding, this was well done.Horses are well kept and well behaved.The whole process is well suited to allowing the inexperienced rider to get comfortable with the horse, as well as allowing the more experienced rider the fun of basic horse care. (No stall cleaning required!)Lovely time was had, would certainly recommend to anyone wanting a pleasant jaunt whilst in Galway.

Having found Coopers Hill through Facebook I took the chance and booked a weekend for myself and friend. Best thing I ever did! From the initial booking through to the last day James and Ciara could not have been more helpful. The horses suited the fact we are both experienced riders and not only did we get the beach ride and cross country ride we were lucky enough to get cubbing as well. James was ' mien host' extraordinaire. He took us all over to view horses and meet his youngsters and those having a break and took us into Galway for a meal. He even bought a bottle of champagne when my friend loved her horse so much she bought it! Will be back again and again!

I went to Galway last weekend to visit my brother. I did not think i would have been riding so I brought no gear with me. I emailed Ciara on the Saturday morning to ask if by any chance she might have a space she replied in a matter of minutes and we arranged something. I was given such a beautiful pony (molly) to catch, brush, tack up and ride and they also gave my all the gear. I took her to the beach it was beautiful I was ridding for 2 and a half hours. When we got back to the yard as if the ride had not been good enough James offered me to ride another pony (Hercules) and take him to a show the next day, it was a amazing experience. I cant wait to go again to do the cross country jumping or hunting.

James and his team are some of the best horsemen and women I have ever met. I made last minute booking of their countryside tour and they did everything possible to accommodate me. Even picked me up at my hostel at 0700, even though I was running late that morning. When we arrived at the stables I was given a breathtaking horse named Midnight as my mount. Also received a personal tour of the stables and met many more stunning horses. The route we took was gorgeous! James was a great guide and set a perfect pace for me. It was such a wonderful time I chose to do the Cross Country Course the next day. Even having never jumped before James had me doing the entire course by the end of the training session. My mount was a beautiful paint with a heart of gold. Anything I pointed her at she jumped, even with my not so perfect form we conquered the course with grace. Even a person who had never seen a horse before would have been safe sailing across the countryside on this fine animal. I just can't say enough fine things about Cooper's Hill Livery. If you want a special trip to Ireland do it with these Irish Equine loving people.

We took the 4 kids riding (all novices) and had a great time. James was brilliant with the kids, very relaxed and friendly and the whole experience was great. It was so much more that just riding the horses. The kids collected 2 of the horses from the field, each horse was brushed by it's rider and made to feel comfortable and familiar with the horse. Worth every penny for the experience. On the way back to the mainland (end of holiday) we called in and the kids fed apples to the horses and picked out a horse shoe each to take home.

James was great! The horses were great!! We had a wonderful time, enjoyed great conversation and all the useful information. Can't believe this guy is still single!!

On the advice of a friend, my 15 year old daughter and I arranged for a day of riding with James at Cooper's Hill Livery. We were not disappointed. We started off with a "beach" ride followed by a pub lunch and then an afternoon of cross country riding (my daughter only--I was the designated photographer). In order to get to the beach, we trotted through city streets...amazingly the horses were not fazed by the cars or traffic and we felt very comfortable that James and our horses would navigate us safely to our destination. Once at Galway Bay, James let us canter up and down the beach, wade into the surf with the horses and canter along the coastline in the water. It was such an exhilarating feeling. I am an advanced beginner rider, but the horse that I rode (midnight) clearly knew the ropes and I felt safe and secure on him. My daughter, who is a very experienced rider, also felt like this was a novel experience and loved the ride. After a classic "irish" lunch of "cottage pie" in a charming pub, we trailered the horses to a beautiful cross country course, where James and my daughter jumped fences that were 4 feet high and 3 feet wide (there are bigger and smaller fences for other riding abilities). She was thrilled to be able to sent video footage of her accomplishments on the course home to her friends. I would definitely recommend Cooper's Hill and James for anyone interested in riding near Galway. We have ridden in various vacation destinations inn the past and have often been disappointed with the quality of the horses and the rides. James will vary the ride to your ability and it is absolutely clear that his horses are well loved and taken care of and enjoy their job of showing riders a great and exciting time. Well done.

I just returned from a trip to Ireland and got to spend a morning riding with James down to the beach and Galway Bay. The area is gorgeous and the horses all seem to be well taken care of. It was really fun to get to ride the horses through the city - I have a few years of riding experience under my belt, but Midnight has to be one of the greatest, most bomb-proof horses I have ever ridden (all the horses I ride wouldn't have been able to handle the traffic and other "scary" things that he didn't even blink at). The bay was beautiful and got some great pictures out of it. Booking was easy with Ciara. I didn't have a car so James picked me up / dropped me off at my hotel which was great. My only regret is that I didn't have more time to do a cross country course or some fox hunting! Just means I will have to go back!

If you are near Galway, check out Cooper's Hill livery for a ride through the city and down to the beach. James, the ride leader, is a nice man. He is safety minded but wants to keep it fun too. Be realistic about your level of riding experience so he can pick the best horse for you. It was the first time my helmet was considered useful for bumping your head on street signs as we did the "urban cowboy" thing through the city. Little trotting around and playing in the water at the beach, then back through town and back to the barn. Fun time. Check them out.