Connemara Equestrian Escapes is owned and managed by me, Cáit (Cathriona if you can’t pronounce Cáit ) Goaley.
I turned my combined love of horse riding and passion for Irish culture and scenery into my dream business in 2013.
I was born into a family of horse breeders and rode my first Connemara pony at the age of 4.
Cáit and Connemara Pony Curra Whoopi. Competing from an early age, I took a break from competition during college years but my love for horses drew me back to invest in my first of six foundation Connemara mares that went on to breed many top class Connemara performance ponies over the past 15 years. With a strong belief that the Connemara pony is one that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, I now breed a larger type of Connemara pony to allow this versatility.
Jenny is one of our super guides who will accompany you on part or all of your riding excursions. Jenny was born in the UK and she and her husband moved to Ireland (decades ago she tells us) for the love of the Irish horse and equestrian life. Jenny competes at national level in dressage, show jumping and cross country and has produced Irish Draughts and Irish Sports Horses as hunters and eventers.
Joanne, joins us as a guide on our trips near Ballynahinch Castle, Cashel House Hotel and Renvyle House Hotel. She is becoming FAR too fond of Whoopi, my competition mare and has recently fallen in love with Big John.
Eileen, originally from Co. Wicklow, moved to Connemara over 30 years ago to marry a local fisherman and gilly Paddy. Eileen is a qualified Equine Specialist certified by EAGALA – Equine Assisted Growth And Learning. You will most likely meet Eileen on Day 1 of your equestrian holiday with us as she introduces you to your Connemara Pony or Irish Draught and helps you learn how to communicate with it. Eileen would rescue every horse in need in the world if she won the lottery!
Mary is our dressage, show jumping and cross country instructor. Mary has a great record for breeding and producing top performance Connemara Ponies. She is also a qualified Equine Specialist certified by EAGALA – Equine Assisted Growth And Learning along with many Horse Sport Ireland and British Horse Society certifications. Together, Eileen and Mary run Horses Connect Enterprises, designing and delivering a range of equine-assisted programs, workshops and retreats, some of which are based at Curra Farm with our herd of Connemara Ponies acting as co-facillitators.
Carolin, the youngest member of our team, hails from Germany. She came to work with us in the summer of 2015 and has the role of breaking and schooling our younger ponies and helping our with logistics and trail rides during your holiday with us.
Our farriers Kevin and Brian ensure our equines’ hooves are kept in tip-top condition all year round. Find them on Facebook
Our equine vets, Philip and Rita,are always at the other end of the phone for any equine health related issues. They are part of the team ay Glenina Vet Clinic, the finest equine health clinic on the west coast of Ireland.
