Barleyfields Equestrian Centre

Apr 12th, 2023

Apr 1st, 2023

My first time rider experience: Had the 30 minutes semi private lesson today with my other 2 friends today. My friends ride well, but the lesson was supposed to be Beginners Lesson, which is mainly for me, a first time rider. Instructor had no patience of showing me how to hold the string, instead of letting my friends to show me. If I need her to explain again, she quickly lost patience. Instructor didnt sympathise with my fears of first time riding on a horse. She didnt brief me with any safety or self care (I.e if I fall off the horses). I felt scared and asked if I can just experience a bare-minimum for today, and give me time to try to get used to it. as I am worried the consequences if I get injured. Maybe the word bare-minimum is offensive to her, as I am not a native speaker. She then told me to just sit on a horse, while watching my friends riding. After 10 minutes, she asked me to get off the horse to swap with my friends. As her horse is very independent. Since then, I never got back on to any horse, So I stood with her for 20 minutes until the lesson finished. Meanwhile, she didnt speak to me at all. To be fair, she was giving instructions to my friends. And completely ignored me. I went to the office to ask for a full refund. Theres defensive arguments. I got 14 back, half of what I paid for. I dont feel its the money. I felt her attitude toward me is a humiliation. The instructor decided to let me stood there for 20 minutes without any communication, no caring, no encouragement, no eye contact I truly hope you get better experience than mine as a first time rider with this instructor.
Mar 24th, 2023

My 3 and 5 year olds have enjoyed the tots sessions during half terms this year. They initially get chance to brush and care for the pony. Then they get time in the mnage and the chance to trot before going on a lovely jack down the bridle path. At the end today they received a medal, rosette and certificate so they were proud as punch. The staff are lovely and the ponies are very happy and safe. Highly recommended.
Jan 9th, 2023

After seeing a post on Facebook about horse riding for adults, rang the yard up and asked about the group and who it was aimed at. The lady I spoke to was kind and helpful explaining about the 2 groups i could join one more experienced than the other so booked in for that. When I got to the yard on Saturday, I was surprised at how big it was . A kind gentleman pointed me in the direction of the office which was clean, bright, modern and professional, the lady (who's name i have forgotten) was so friendly, got me to complete a form asking for my contact and emergency contact details as well as experience. She then introduced me to another lady in the group, and we walked to the area together as I didn't know where I was going. The horses were gorgeous, the young members, if staff were genuinely smiley and very helpful, the other people in the group were friendly and hilarious, and our instructor Nicky made it fun for us all As we were all experienced, the lesson was progressive and fun. If you didn't quite look like Charlotte Dujardan or Zara Phillips, it really didn't matter. There are other lessons you can have to do all the fancy stuff and jumping if you want to. That's not what I wanted, but I did get what I wanted. I can't wait to go back next week ! Fun had by all. My only suggestion is more signage for directions to different parts of the yard. Other than that, with their 2 other menages (one indoor), you are going to get a lesson you want with an instructor you like. You can pay by cash or card. The yard has no preference for either, which is good for a change.
Jan 6th, 2023