written by DaniellaWoodard on 14/08/2017
This is the best riding school around. I have been riding here for roughly 3 years, the staff are so knowledgeable, friendly and fun! The sisters have established such a amazing riding school and livery yard. All the horses are extremely well looked after and are not over worked,the horses are matched to your ability and they have horses to match all riding abilities. I love that the horses are not worked in to the ground and all have character and personality! The lessons are different each week and teach you how to be a rider and not just to sit there. The welfare of the ponies and horses are at the forefront of everything they do. The safety of riders and horses are paramount, The facilities are 5 star and the cafe does a great breakfast!! Love this place and could not think of anywhere else I would want to go, thanks to all the staff and horses for making this place so amazing it wouldn't be the same without all you do.
written by AmelieMcCullough1967 on 10/01/2017
Croft End is an outstanding riding school. All the horses and ponies are looked after to an amazing standard, there is a great selection of horses and ponies of all different sizes and something to meet all riding ability. The instructors are top class. She is fantastic teacher who makes the lessons different each week and fun! all the team at Croft End are so welcoming there is nothing they don't know about horses. I have been riding there for over 2 years and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. The cafe is great too. Thanks :-)
written by 193Curtis on 30/06/2014
Croft End Equestrian Centre in Bardsley, Oldham, is a truly exceptional Riding School, College and Livery Yard! My boy is always looked after to the highest standard and i still get to do whatever i wish to do with him. I grant you Croft End is strict, this is only due to safety, as i and many people would rather be safe than sorry. Expenses, nobody is ever able to keep a horse in peak condition without a large expense. Not only are horses expensive animals anyway, but the cost of the care they receive is priceless and cannot be capped. They have regular turnout, and adequate exercise, and they always take into account and respect the decisions you make involving your horse but always give the best advice. The lessons are fantastic. Cut a little short but this will happen everywhere, horses are well behaved but always an exception as they are unpredictable! Livery lessons run regularly including lessons from International Scottish show-jumper Andrew Hamilton, training from freelance instructors and resident instructors and yard managers. 100% recommend croft end equestrian centre to new riders and regular competitive riders.
written by on 26/03/2014
I have had my first horse on working livery at Croft End for over 11 years and have recently with the help, guidance and support of the two sisters bought my second horse who has jjoined the Croft End family. Working full time there is no way I could have horses and balance work, family and my passion my horses. My boys are extremely well looked after by the professional team and I can honestly say they are happy fit and love giving pleasure to all the clients who ride them. Despite a period of ill health the management and staff couldn't have supported me or my boys more, including extra exercising so it was safe for me to ride and assisting with duties. It is like being part of being part of a big family and I couldn't imagine anywhere better to keep my boys. On another note - Croft End is a great place for a corporate away day, great classroom facilities, on site refeshments, cafe and then a great riding exoerience on the mechanical horse Troy, lesson or hack out in the country park. My team had a beano and can't wait to come back.
written by 10Higgins on 23/03/2014
GREAT FACILITIES AND GREAT HORSES TO RIDE. However, i have heard from my friends that are on livery there that croft end is VERY strict, no free lunging, no jumping bareback, its frowned upon to ride bareback. at the end of the day, you have a horse to have fun on, my friends say they feel like going to the farm is like going to school, too many pointless rules.
written by on 19/02/2014
As a livery at Croft end, i am down there regularly. My horse is always kept skipped out, brushed , fed and watered and my school tack is always maintained to the highest standard! My horse is used on student lessons As well as customer lessons and is used for all capabilities! The facilities for the whole yard are also used by us liveries including those on full, especially the winter turnout and the outdoor arena with a wide variety of jump types. A very well run establishment where everybody is treated fairly. The lessons are brilliant yes maybe cut a few minutes short but well worth it! I cannot fault any of the staff as they are all experienced in their own ways! For example many of the staff have horses of their own on Croft End who regularly compete at shows and even the odd Olympia/Scope festival qualifications! This is all due to the training received from the livery staff and the riding instructors who not only help the riders, but also help the riders to bring on the horse they are riding!
written by on 14/01/2014
I rode at croft end for about 1 year and I left because I just felt so judged and I felt like I never did anything right. Throughout the whole year I never cantered they kept me on trot for a year, they do not move you along at all! The prices are so high and the instructors always cut the lessons short! When you went up on a Saturday for the day , if it was cold you were bot aloud to wear a coat other that the coat you had to buy that said 'croft end' on it! The farm might look good and clean but that is purely to attract customers the lessons are so not worth the money! I moved to husteads in saddleworth which Is a small family run yard and it's is so lovely and friendly nothing at all like croft end
written by on 02/01/2014
THE MINUTE YOU ARRIVE AT CROFT END EQUESTRIAN CENTRE , YOU JUST LOOK AROUND FROM THE STABLES TO THE HORSES , YOU CAN SEE THAT ITS A PROFESSIONAL SET UP , YOU ARE ALWAYS GREETED WITH A SMILE FROM THE EXPERIENCED STAFF , WHO ARE ALWAYS SO HELPFULL ,YOU HAVE A WONDERFULL CAFE ON HAND , WITH THE BEST BACON SANDWHICHES IV EVER TASTED , YES THE TWO SISTERS HAVE GOT THIS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE SHIP SHAPE , IN MY BOOK THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE , IF YOU ARE THINKING OF HORSE RIDING , OR STABLING FOR YOUR HORSE THEN COME AND HAVE A LOOK AROUND FOR YOURSELVES , YOU WONT FIND THESE FACILITIES ALL UNDER ONE ROOF LIKE THIS , NOT TO MENTION THE CLASSROOM FOR HORSE QUALIFICATIONS YES COME AND SEE FOR YOURSELF THEY HAVE IT ALL . AND IN MY OPINION THE PRCE IS RIGHT FOR PROFESSIONAL TUITION .
written by on 20/09/2013
I phoned to rearrange a lesson and they treated me appallingly they said ,I quote :I cant believe you put me with this girl and I don't want her shes a complete nightmare.This treatment over the phone when arranging a horse riding lesson.They probably treat horses better but treat people like something left on their shoe.They will not get business off me in future and its a wonder they are still in business.I had decorators in and needed to rearrange and I think they thought I couldn't hear them but I did and will look elsewhere now.A MEMBER OF STAFF DENIED THEIR STAFF HAD SAID ANYTHING BUT AT END OF DAY I HEARD WHAT I HEARD.AND ITS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR WHAT IT IS AFTER ALL THERE IS A RECESSION ON.Not happy with the way got treated and they never even apoligised but made out I misheard.
written by Taltyl on 23/05/2013
This place is fantastic the lessons are absolutely brilliant!!if you want to learn to ride then go anywhere but if you want to learn to ride properly and understand how to ride technically then go to croft end!! Can't rate the lessons highly enough my daughter loves it and I feel she's learnt more here in a few months than in years at other riding schools everything is explained in the lessons very clearly and everyone is super friendly!! The cafe is lovely and the indoor is very cosy for parents even has seats lol all the ponies are cared for to a very high standard unlike a lot of other riding schools and they also put you on "real ponies" as my daughter calls them not the type that just stick to the track no matter what so the lessons are sometimes eventful and kids don't get a false sense of what a pony really is!! My 3 year old also loves the boxer dog :) you always feel welcome and all the kids there are friendly too :)
written by on 02/07/2012
Croft End has actually changed me for ever . It has changed my whole life ,given me confidence and looked after me, helped me find my perfect partner , and now I am going out and winning classes .They have taught me patience and now I know it takes time to form a meaning full relationship . Thank you Sarah.!! Thanks Pat and Carol .!
written by on 15/06/2012
Croft End is the best riding school in the area. The facilities are excellent and they have a range of horses and ponies to suit most ages heights and abilities. The instructors are all British Horse Society qualified. I would recommend Croft End to anyone who wants to learn to ride or who is returning to riding after a break (as I did.)
written by on 26/04/2012
On entering reception you are greeted by a friendly member of staff and made to feel welcome, The horses always look well cared for the yard is spotless. The lessons are fantastic value, you are paying for a qualified instructor and they are very friendly and helpful after being away from riding for a while I am feeling confident and feel I have progressed in a short space of time as the instuctors are experienced and very good at what they do.
written by on 24/04/2012
I have kept a horse at Croft End and my daughter has kept three at Croft end . She moved from weekly lessons to now being able to go out and compete around the north west. Livery costs are good value,and compare exceptionally well to any thing else in the area, for the service , care, attention to horse wellfare, and facilities.I have not seen a better kept yard anywhere. To keep horses well is never going to be cheap and no one should expect to be able to do it cheaply , you can not expect a horse to look after you if you do not look after your horse.There are a range of outside experts who come in to do training sessions in many different disciplines, riders who want to do well are given every opportunity.It is a happy and friendly yard and Pat and her staff do an excellent job , Oldham is very lucky to have such a fantastic facility.
written by on 08/10/2011
I have been riding at croft end for around a year now and it is amazing! All of the horses are well cared for and always properly groomed and mucked out. The farm has and indoor and and outdoor and fantastic hacking trails. There are no bad points about croft end, all the staff are friendly and helpful and the instruction is amazing. There are good jumping facilities and great lessons for children on the lead rein and starting out. All the horses and ponies are friendly and happy and have good sized stables with automatic water feeders and hay bars. The working livery is good- some may think it is quite expensive but your horse gets mucked out, groomed and fed ect when your not there and has an hour lesson each day. Also Troy the mechanical horse is amazing for beginners and nervous riders! Croft end is great!!!
written by on 28/08/2011
The Sunday morning lesson at 10.00 am is always less than an hour. The payment is for 1 hour and today's has been 45 minutes. The instructor ( Jackie) was late starting by 7 minutes, spent most of the lesson leaning against the fence and drinking tea, and ended the lesson 8 minutes short. A total of 15 minutes or 1/4 of the lesson short. This stable is cheating its customers on a regular basis and people should not pass over their money.
Written on: 29/09/2012
I totally disagree with your comment about been short changed. You have to allow time for mount your pony/horse. This will happen which ever riding school you attend. And as for you comment about jackie do you begrudge her a cup of tea after all she will have just spent the last hour teaching i should know because im on that lesson.( which included mounting my horse) (name removed) is a brillent instructor and while you think she wasnt teaching trust me she will have been.
Written on: 31/08/2011
In response to 'short changed on time', Croft end takes great pride in it's customer service. Should an issues arise, we encourage our customers to discuss them with us in the office rather than anonymously over the Internet. This gives us the opportunity to resolve the situation.
Pat Shepherd
Proprietor
written by Ciara x on 26/11/2010
I currently go to a great place called Stamford Ridng School i love it so much but when some people there for some reason leave they go to croft end and say that it's amazing and some friends i know loved it to, so this place must be fandabiedozy lol !!! x :) x
written by on 07/09/2010
I absalutly love Croft end! I have been riding for over 3 years now an find it just as exciting as it was when I first sat on a horse. There is nothing that disapoints people and with all the range of horses I can garente it will be fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
written by on 31/08/2010
i used to go riding there, but the costs were far too expensive compared to the lesson I was on, I had to quit and I really miss my riding. 1 hour lessons cost £21. But I like the saddle club, Its free after you are thirteen, then I might be able to do my lessons again!!!
written by on 26/08/2010
Croft end is brilliant there is loads of stuff to do when your not riding I go there every Saturday to ride and all the teachers are friendly but firm and help us move up in lessons as much as possible if you want to go anywhere you want to go Croft End.
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Croftend's Comment
Written on: 31/08/2011
In reply to 'short changed on time', Croft End takes great pride in it's customer service. Should any issues arise, we encourage our customers to discuss them with us in the office rather than anonymously over the internet. This gives us the opportunity to resolve the situation.
Pat Shepherd
Proprietor