Association of Irish Riding Clubs (A.I.R.C.)

• For members of A.I.R.C. affiliated clubs training is an integral part of the Club and Associations activities. 
• The A.I.R.C.'s mission statement highlights this whereby one of its principle aims is to improve and maintain the standard of riding and horsemastership in Ireland, this is acheived through our training sessions at club, regional and national level.
• Training at club level can include weekly or fortnightly lessons.  Regions generally organise training clinics or seminars for  dressage, show jumping, cross-country, showing, equine nutrition and so on. 
• A training bursary provided by A.I.R.C. supports the regions with their various training programmes.
• On a national level, training is provided through a series of seminars and exams in various areas. 
• Exams are provided for riding and stable management, for show jumping officials (judges and course designers).
• The Association promotes all training activities whilst enjoying equestrianism.
• Members are encouraged to participate in the riding and horse management exams as it allows members to attain a higher standard of both stable management and equitation, and so improve the conditions and welfare of the horse in Ireland.
• The stage by stage approach encourages the rider to strive for the next higher level and provides a consistent and impartial yardstick by which their progress can be measured.

The examinations being used at present include:

Riding and Stable Management Exams:

Grades I
Grade II
Grade Inter III
Grade IIII
Grade IV

Stable Management Phase Exams:

Phase I
Phase II
Phase III 

Association of Irish Riding Establishments (AIRE)

AIRE the body that regulates standards at riding schools and equestrian centres in Ireland also runs courses aimed at those that have an interest in furthering their knowledge about horses or would like to pursue a Professional Equine career.