Job opportunity!
Trainee required to learn horse management, training, handling. Speciality Western Riding.
Please enquire using the contact details below.
Ardfern Riding Centre - open all year round
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The West Highland estate of Lunga lies just 100 miles from Glasgow and 150 miles from Edinburgh. Its untarred roads and tracks pass through many types of riding country. The stables overlook Scotland's newest sizeable yacht harbour, Craobh Haven 22 miles South of Oban on the Sound of Jura with views across the Firth of Lorne to the islands of the Inner Hebrides (map at the bottom of this page). The Estate is however not on any public transport route and so it is essential to arrive and leave in a car. |
Natural Horsemanship
Lucia and Nigel Boase founded the centre in 1972 with Appaloosa horses they brought back from Argentina. Lu is a Western Equestrian Society Approved Instructor, a British Horse Society Assistant Instructor and has a lifetime experience of many branches of horsemanship. and particularly "natural horsemanship" inspired by American "horsewhisperers" Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Pat Parelli to mention a few. |
Appaloosas
The Appaloosas and part-bred American Quarterhorses are bred and trained on the estate. These breeds are remarkable for their intelligence, versatility and quiet temperament. They make reliable 'school-masters' and love to please. Many small children ride them with confidence. At least one qualified leader accompanies the riders. |
Lessons and Riding Out
Previous horse riding experience not necessary Horse activities on offer include group, private or lunge lessons: Natural ground training; Schooling on the all-weather arena round pen with gymnastic jumping lane or over outlying cross-country jumps; Peaceful hacks or day-rides with cameras and picnic bags. |
Western riding is an increasingly popular, relaxing way to ride. Riding Out may include a visit to local shrub gardens, to vilIage inns, rounding up hill cattle or simply splashing along the seashore. The stables are open all year. May and June are best for sunshine when there's up to 20 hours daylight each day. October for fewest visitors and wonderful colours. At Christmas and New Year there are horses for hire. |
Expeditions
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Expeditions recommended for between rides or for non-riders, on foot, by car, on mountain bike or by boat; sea angling, visiting islands, historic ruins and castles, wildlife centres, craft workshops and a choice of eating places and hostelries, Many serving fresh local delicacies. Other activities nearby include dinghy-sailing, wind-surfing, canoeing, skin-diving, with or without tuition. Beach barbecues and fishing on 5 hill lochs for brown trout. |
Accommodation:
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The Boases run a good value Self-Catering Rental Cottage with four bedrooms next to the stables |
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Other places to stay nearby include: (Nigel and Lu are happy to advise and help arrange accommodation but like you to make your own bookings.) Telephoning from overseas: leave off the 0 and add UK country code 44. 
Traighuaine, Tel: 01852 200227, Fiona Wyllie welcomes guests for Bed and Breakfast at her house with panoramic sea views. |
Tariff:
| Ride Outs: | One hour £22.50, two hours £37.50, 4 hour pub rides £70.(only for experienced riders) |
| Tuition: | Group lessons £30 per hour. Private Lessons 45 mins £30. Lunge lesson half hours £25. |
| Youngsters: | Under 14 yrs £2 off all rides, Lead Rein, half hour for small children (or anyone) £12.50 |
| Holiday Riding Package: | 5 hours out, 3 hours tuition, one 4 hour pub ride. To be booked ahead. Any one week £250 |
| Quantity Discounts: | Large discounts for regular lessons ansd rides: Local rates. 10% of more than £150 per person riding in any week. |
| "Natural" Horsemanship |
Ground Skills and Horsemanship £20 per hour. |
| 2 hour Introduction to Western Riding |
Psychology, Saddlery, Gear, Methods of Training Horse and Rider, & Arena Riding. £40 per hour |
Holiday learning!
Holiday learning opportunities for Spring and Autumn in Natural and Western Horsemanship Clinics. Bring your own horse or use ours. Please enquire. |
To enquire or to book:
Enquiries only (The House):
Nigel and Lucia Boase
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Nigel says: "If you email, and want to book, please include your terrestrial address and telephone number! We'll get back to you." See this page about the Nigel and Lu's Self-catering holiday cottage: Kennels Cottage |
Enquiries and Booking (The Stables):
Bookings should be requested and made to the telephone in the stables, number below. (ie; Sorry, bookings cannot be made by email.) |
The best times to ring are (GMT) 9.00am, 1.00pm and 5.00pm approximately, |
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Please tell Nigel, Lu and Mary you found Appaloosa Holidays through About Scotland! | |
Map of the area:
