All the wild horses

There’s something magical about Connemara. The scenery, the people, it’s history and, of course, the ponies. It was these attributes, and more, that inspired Cáit Goaley to set up Connemara Equestrian Escapes in 2014.

Specialising in horse riding holidays across Connemara, Cáit has catered for hundreds of guests from across the globe ever since.

When asked what initially drew her to the area, Cáit said: “I’m from Galway originally. I worked in IT for several years and had a lot of clients in Connemara. Every time I went out there on a service call, I saw new beauty.”

When Cáit followed her heart, it was the perfect location for her new business. Cáit’s love of the Connemara pony developed from a young age thanks in no small part to her late father Johnny Goaley.

She added: “My late father bred ponies and did a lot of showing. From a young age I was exposed to their temperament, versatility, kindness and sure-footedness.”

Perfect pony

Indeed, the Connemara pony is known the world over for its wonderful temperament and this makes them the perfect choice for riding holidays such as those which Cáit has established so successfully over the past eight years.

They can adapt to any terrain and are as comfortable on rocky ground as they are on a sandy beach. And, in Connemara, there is plenty of choice.

Naturally horse riding is the main attraction when it comes to booking a holiday with Cáit, but there is much more besides.

“As well as riding, exposure to the culture and history of Connemara is a huge part of what we offer. Guests tour with me on the “Cáit Coach” after their morning ride and get to see places such as Kylemore Abbey, local castles and sample some of the finest food Connemara has to offer.”

One of the highlights of her itinerary is a ride through the grounds of the spectacular Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. Guests are accommodated at Cáit’s farmhouse for the first half of their week-long tour and the second half is spent in Clifden.

Connemara ponies average in height between 13.2hh and 15hh, but Cáit has a team of ponies up to 16hh to cater for adult riders. She breeds some of her own stock, and purchases other ponies as required, preferably unbroken, so Cáit can train them her own way.

“I find that the taller ponies are equally versatile for children and adults but are hard-found as they are sought after in Europe and beyond,” she said. I have a couple of Connemara cross breeds to cater for the taller rider.

Record year

Business in 2019 was a record year and bookings for 2020 were healthy, but when the pandemic hit in early 2020 it brought everything to a sudden halt. With all overseas travel cancelled – and with some 25 ponies to feed – Cáit had to look at other options to keep her business afloat.

Although week-long stays are the most popular – and lucrative – Cáit decided to open up to the Irish market for shorter breaks once national restrictions were lifted.

“The following year was also tough as international guests account for the majority of my business and again they were not allowed travel,” she said.

In recent years Cáit has travelled to various equine and travel shows across the globe to market her business, and her efforts have paid off, with guests now coming from as far away as Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

“We previously attended Equine Affaire in the USA which brought much business, and in 2021 Horse Sport Ireland kindly distributed our brochures and spoke about our trips at the Land Rover three-day event in Kentucky.”

Coming in droves

Cáit also recently updated her website with assistance from Fáilte Ireland. As 2022 dawned, the majority of those who had intended travelling in 2020 contacted Cáit to re-book.

When the season opened in May guests came in their droves. “We get a huge amount of returning visitors. One couple in their 70s came on their fourth visit. This time they fell in love with one of the ponies and shipped him to Kentucky!”

Looking ahead to next year, Cáit is pleased to confirm that some popular dates are already booked up, with others expected to be filled this side of Christmas. Americans, in particular plan their holidays many months in advance, especially with the dollar now so favourable against the Euro.

However, with the cost of fuel, horse feed, insurance and other associated expenses still rising, Cáit will have to factor in everything to make a profit.

It’s hard work and she has a fabulous team behind her, but there are always new challenges. The proposed legislations to ban horses, among other activities, from beaches in County Galway could have a detrimental effect on her business if passed.

“We use the beach quite a lot – I even walk my dogs there – and we are always conscious of safety and give priority to people on the ground. Many of my guests live miles from the coast and their dream is to ride on the beach, but if I can’t offer that service, what effect will it have on my sales?” she concluded.