Mount Pleasant Horse Trekking - Co Down
posted in Down, Outdoors |Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ - Keep em Horses rollin’
Mount Pleasant is situated in Castlewellan, deep in the heart of County Down and is well sign-posted. It is about 10 minutes from the main road into Castlewellan town.
Horse Trekking. Oh my!
An exciting prospect for all of us. I am interested because I used to own a horse trekking business in New Zealand (back in the good old days) and the kids were interested because its just plain exciting. My boy was so excited I was not sure if he would be calm enough to stay on the horse.
We arrived a bit early but I was happy to do so as it was a good chance to get the kids used to the horses and the environment. This was essential as the 5 year old needed to calm down a lot. We dealt with the money side of things in the office and you are required to fill in disclaimer forms (this can be downloaded from their website before arriving). Once the technical bits were out of the way we were free to wander around and meet the horses. There are tables dotted around which would be useful in the summer. They have full toilet facilities which are clean and well kept. There is even a shower in the Ladies (though I didn’t check the Gents).
The staff were efficient and well-practiced at getting everyone on their horses and it was obvious that the horses were very used to the routine. My kids were mounted and very excited. The 6 year old (who can be a bit nervous) was put at ease by one of the staff. He actually moved her around so that she could stand next to me. The 5 year old could not take the smile off his face and we were still standing in the yard! To be honest with you, he would have been happy just sitting there.
Once everyone was ready for the off, (it took about 15 - 20 minutes to get us all ready) the barrier was dropped and my 5 year old led the way (the youngest rider in the group). He was on a lead-reign with a member of staff on foot. The horses jiggled and jostled into single file and the trek had begun.
We rode through a pine forest which had been harvested and re-planted. The scenery was not as stunning as some of the views we had seen on this trip but I think that in late spring or the summer it would be very pretty. Having said that I don’t think my two would have cared what they were looking at; they were too busy enjoying being on horses.
It was a big group and I thought the staff handled the different levels of riders very well. The experienced riders were able to hold back for the odd canter. This happened seamlessly and did not disrupt any of the younger/less experienced riders at the front.
A very enjoyable activity and one we will definitely do again. The kids wanted to book again for Monday! Thank goodness we didn’t as I don’t think they would have enjoyed themselves quite as much in the rain.
WOW Overview
Kids Say:
6 year old: My horse was called Ebony and she was a bit cheeky and kept eating grass. It was very wobbly and I liked the way they all walked in a line. I was in front of mummy and my brother was the leader
5 year old: My horse was called Evie and she was very good. I was the leader and was very good at it. It was like sitting in a boat because you rock from side to side.
Stress Level: 2 (To be honest with you I was a bit stressed to start with. Firstly because my son was bouncing off the walls and I was worried that he was going to freak out all the horses and secondly because my daughter tends to be a bit cautious. The last thing I wanted was her freaking out and not wanting to go 
I was put at ease very early on)
Fun Level 5 (Heaps and heaps of fun. But then I am biased :))
Cost Level 4 (I am putting this as a cost level 4 not because I think it is expensive for what you get but because it is probably the most expensive activity we have reviewed so far. I personally think it is value for money)
