The raw outback of Connemara seen from atop a horse is an experience worth having. I recently went on the Connemara Trail Tour with Willie Leahy and am left longing to go again. Our group met up at the Meyrick Hotel in Galway City and Willie led us out of civilization and the bustling busy city into the small town of Oughterard where our horses were waiting.
Willie is an amazing man, old enough to have lived a little while and young enough to still be hopping up on a horse. As we all stood and waited to be given our horses by the ever wonderful Maeve who assisted Willie the week of this tour, Willie began his work shoeing some of the horses. He capably and easily picked up the hooves and started to work with nails and hammers and horse shoes. His skill and patience with the horses made me think of the Horse Whisperer. The horses knew their master well and I could see that they trusted him.
The day began with blue skies, sun and walking our horses through the wild and rugged Connemara area. The air smelled warm and lush, prompting me to breath deeply to cleanse my lungs and I could feel stronger as we walked further into the beautiful mountains. The terrain varied from rolling hills to mountains and included rocks, bogs and waterway passages. As we walked our horses up the side of the mountain, I realized that the horse knew exactly what he was doing. I was at times afraid of how high we were going and the angle of the mountainside, but Willie told us to give the horse lots of reins and he would find his way. The fear in me was pushed aside by faith in my animal, who was born and bread on these mountains. The Connemara Pony is strong and the reality that this countryside was his playground helped me surrender the control of this challenging climb to the horse. It was magical to feel the relationship between the horse and I develop and as he had faith in my ability to ride with skill, I in turn had faith in his strength and knowlege of his home, these Connemara mountains.
The Connemara Trail is for experienced riders who would like to challenge themselves. This trail is the true test of horsemanship endurance with some days leaving us in the saddle for up to seven hours. I felt as though the Connemara was daring me to give up and I decided that if I could get through this beautiful, rugged and character building tour, I would be able to conquer anything and earn the respect and friendship of the mountains.
Willie has been working for himself since the age of fourteen and wouldn't have it any other way. He says that he could be doing other types of business by why? He loves the mountains and loves his animals. Willie has never stayed home in bed for being sick, according to him, he does not have time to get sick. The Irish air and mountains have made him strong and his eyes are full of a love for life that is infectious. After a week with Willie, I feel stronger and ready for anything, especially knowing that I will be back soon. This tour builds ones soul and revives the heart, but you have to let go and be willing to learn and grow. You will leave changed for life and richer for having known Willie.
I fell in love with Willie and fell in love with Connemara and will be back next year to do his Connemara Coastal Tour, only eleven months and one week, but who's counting?
Photos and story by Nathalie Ellison
