Written on: 08/05/2013
I have just started having lessons at glen jakes after having lessons in many other schools,I am an experienced rider and the last school I went to I felt I didnt learn anything but at GJ I learn constantly. The horses are well kept and staff are very friendly. I think the busyness of this school speaks for itself you have to book way in advance to get in as they are teaching flat out. If you are a experienced rider or if you actually want to learn a d progress and not just walk around a... (read more)
Written on: 14/10/2012 by Rachael113 (1 review written)
My son has been looking after ponies at an RSPCA approved animal sanctuary for a couple of years, and I would say is clued up on the welfare and how a pony should be kept, unfortunately he was unable to ride at the sanctuary, so when it came to lessons, we looked on line for riding schools close to our home, we knew about Glen Jakes, but didnt actually know anyone who had ridden there, so we were open minded . Choosing the nearest school wasnt an option, Ponies are unpredictable, and Im... (read more)
Written on: 24/08/2012
glen jakes riding school is grait thes staff are frendly the horses are nice and i love riding there . there is a lot of things you lern and you can get up to a very hi standard with pony club/ lessons / stable manigemant and lots moor . (read more)
Written on: 15/03/2012
I recently attended this riding school after finding the offer on the groupon website, being an older person and riding when I was younger, I decided I wanted to get back in the saddle, and this school was perfect! All the staff went out of their way to help me, and the instructor I had was kind and considerate, especially as I was a little nervous! the horse I rode was also great, really knew his job, and a real confidence giver... I will definitely be back to see them all soon! (read more)
Written on: 12/10/2011
When looking for a new riding school to attend regularly I was delighted when a Groupon voucher came through for Glen Jakes. However, I have been totally disappointed with everything about my experience with them. From no welcome on arrival, no personal service, being given an overweight and very lazy horse having specifically requested to ride a forward-going horse, to the ridiculousness of their Groupon voucher rule that you can have the first of two lessons now then you have to wait until... (read more)
Written on: 17/12/2011
the reason we give you lazy horses is that you think you can ride when you actually cant. and a good rider would have been able to get the horse going forward.
Written on: 15/03/2012
Couldn't agree with you more, Glen Jakes is appalling. Try Carrington or Croft Top @ Oldham. Both BHS approved, friendly, down to earth yards. Reeseheath also sends its equine students to Croft Top so it has to be good!!
Written on: 16/03/2012
Thanks for the recommendations. I have now tried Carrington and it is fantastic, couldn't be more different from Glen Jakes. I think their snide response to the review says it all about them really. As I have ridden for 20 years and competed in show jumping and cross country, i was able to get their lazy overweight horse eventually but it was not enjoyable in the least!
Written on: 16/03/2012
Yes, that comment probably came from one of the children that work there. One of their non qualified teaching staff or unpaid helpers.
I rode there and it was atroscious!! The place is dangerous, there's a bad atmosphere there, the staff are arrogant and the poor horses are miserable. I was also accused of not being able to ride, even though I have ridden for many many years and have a BHS Level 4 qualification;-)
Stick with Carrington hun, its Top!
Written on: 11/05/2012
and by the way, there is no such thing as a "bhs level 4 qualification". lol.
Written on: 15/09/2011
So, this riding school is possibly the worst I have been too and I have been to mill farm, bank farm, b1st, dean valley and hargate hill. And how this school really has a license is beyond me. When I arrived for my lesson I whitnessed a girl boot a horse in the ribs several times, horses tied up in stalls and was told they have been there all day, horses being completely over used and overweight. The staff were all rude and didn't even welcome, it is clearly based on profit and not the... (read more)
Written on: 16/03/2012
Thanks for the recommendations. I have now tried Carrington and it is fantastic and couldn't be more different from Glen Jakes. I think their snide response to the review says it all about them. I have ridden for 20 years and competed in show jumping and cross country and while I did manage to get their lazy, overweight horse going eventually, it wasn't enjoyable!
Written on: 19/04/2012
Ridden in show jumping and cross country.... hmm.... to what level was that then?! and by the way, im nothing to do with glen jakes, i live in wales. i just sympathise with them because i know what amateur horse-people are like!!!!!
Written on: 20/04/2012
im reluctant to reply to this as it is such a ridiculous post but I think its incredible that someone would defend an organisation they have no experience of. Very strange. Its a terrible riding school and I don't need to defend my riding skills to confirm that this is an awful establishment. Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider i would stay away. I find it amazing that someone would question the riding ability of a complete stranger and it begs the question about their motivations. I just wish that everyone could ride happily not abuse others for sharing an experience.
Written on: 22/07/2011
i love glen jakes even though its a small stables. ive been riding for 5 monthes ther and had a few parties and im on level 3 already. i love all the staff and the horses especially tayha and buster (and if i could i would buy tayha)(or buster). the place is really nice. your luckey to own it even though its hard work. there is nothing that i dislike about it. i like the land and everything i lovelovelovelovelovelovelove it and the lay out and its got two paddocks and friendly horses. okay... (read more)
Written on: 09/07/2011
I love Glen Jakes. I've been riding there for 7 years, and I have no complaints about this riding school. The staff are all amazing, and are very considerate towards everyone and everyone's needs. The horses all have regular days off, and are looked after well, constantly having a supply of hay and water, with their required feeds given out at the correct time. If any of the horses are unfortunate enough to become lame, or ill, then they are treated well, and correctly, and are given the... (read more)
Written on: 27/04/2011
Love the place! I take my son every Sunday. He attends the special requirement class at 1.30pm. He always spends several hours there. It's so nice to see so many people learning while having fun. My son likes chatting to other families and the staff who always have time for him. The even gave him a rosette for his birthday. It's the highlight of his week. (read more)
Written on: 24/04/2011
I was riding at Glen Jakes for two months and it was awful.I didn't learn anything the instructors were on their mobiles the whole time.If I asked a question about how I was riding they just told me they didn't know.The horses are poorly looked after and they are in an awful state.All the staff were rude and I had a different instructor every week most of them were kids.Going there was a waste of time,effort and money (read more)
Written on: 24/07/2011
When were you riding as I have never seen an instructor on thier phone during a lesson, the only time I have ever known this to happen is if they needed to contact the Office.
Would you be able to provide more information regarding this?
Written on: 21/04/2011
Of all the riding schools I have been to , which is a fair few, Glen Jakes is by far the most welcoming. It has lots of variety in both horses to ride and activity on offer. The staff are always busy, but never too busy to help. There is a warm viewing area where you can relax and watch lessons. I would recommend Glen Jakes to anyone (read more)
Written on: 08/04/2011
it is an awful place they dont look after the horses properly and the stables are filthy... they never groom these poor horses. it is horrible i was riding there for 3 years and now i have had enough! i didnt learn anything new... the staff are young and dont know what they are doing! it is a waist of money !
it is ridiculous horrible some horses are too fat some are too thin. some they dont retire as they say " they dont want to " whatever how do they now that. stupid people
i hate the...
(read more)
Written on: 24/07/2011
From everything I have seen on the yard, all the horses live out in the fields, also some of the horses are semi-retired as some horses actually become stressed with the change in activities. If you have great concerns regarding the yard contact the owner: glenjakes@aol.com and she will take your concerns into account.
Written on: 28/07/2011
clearly cant have been that bad if you were riding there for three years...
Written on: 01/09/2011
If it was so bad why were you there 3 years?
Written on: 05/03/2011 by Will90 (1 review written)
I have been at Glen Jakes at least once a week over the last six months. The instructors are great and they make sure you progress quickly. Good variety of horses which helps learning. 2 hour hacks are great fun for riders and the horses. Late opening until 9pm through the years is very convenient for me as I work late. Glen Jakes is well run, I like the fact the horses have a good life as they are kept in the fields rather than locked up constantly in a stable. All the staff are friendly,... (read more)
Written on: 17/02/2011
Profits are prioritised well above horses welfare at Glen Jakes. They are overworked and not given the care they need. Standards are low, the horses don't appear to ever have straw down and always have their tack on. They need kicking on so much because they are all so tired. I would definitely consider other schools in the area before going to Glen Jakes. (read more)
Written on: 03/02/2011 by shaun1234 (1 review written)
very nice and friendly riding school I was recommended by friend who currently takes his daughters there, i found the instructors always friendly and professional they know what they are taking about and are very careering. My Daughter used to be scared of horses but after a few lessons at glen jakes she has overcome her fear which has improved her confidence. although she is a beginner we will continue to go to there thank you glen jakes riding school. Shaun (read more)
Written on: 30/01/2011
I have been taking my 5yr old for nearly 2 years now and she ADORES it.. the staff are lovely and friendly and professional !
The Yard is well kept and the horses are well looked after! :)
Highly recommended!!!! A****************
~X~
(read more)
Written on: 20/11/2010
This riding school is an all around quite good school. You can start lessons their, and most the staff their are friendly. I started riding lessons about 5 years ago. I am now in the top level of riding, which is good I guess. I go every Saturday for a half an hour lesson which costs £9.50. They have a range of different horses, but all the horses are capable of jumping and doing the overall basics. They are mainly healthy, but not too clean. The arena is big enough to jump and canter, but... (read more)
Written on: 18/11/2010
What is happening here! It used to be a lovely riding school. I think it needs more experienced professional instructors,especially for the advanced riders. (read more)
Written on: 06/10/2010
I have now been riding at glen jakes for a year, Fist of all it was great until my instructor left to go to new zeland then everything changed! my new instructor is great , but we did the same thing ever week, (which was very boring). then one of the parents told the 'manger' then it changed. we started doing jumping , going in and out of blocks ect. so it's GREAT now !! But i do think the horses are over worked , plus the arena isn't very big...and the horses always have dried mud on them,... (read more)
Written on: 08/09/2010
I NOTICED AT GLEN JAKES THAT SME OF THE STAFF ARE QUITE RUDE TOWARDS THE CHILDREN. THE FIELDS ARE NOT IN GOOD STATE THE HORSES SOMEHOW CAN GET OUT ON THE ROAD. DIRTY, FILTHY, OVERWEIGHT AND UNDER WEIGHT HORSES/PONIES. AS I AM AN ADVANCED RIDER THERE IS NO HORSES THAT ARE ADVANCED AND NOT YOUR BASIC COB RIDING SCHOOL PONY. MOST OF THEM THERE ARE YOUNG OR COFFIN DODGERS AND TGHR FACILITIES THERE ARE RUBBISH AND THE INSTRUCTORS ARE NOT ALL QUALIFIED AND DONT TAKE NOTICE AND SIT OIN THE BLOCK... (read more)
Written on: 23/11/2010
I found this review very helpful because...I feel the same about this riding school. Some of the stables smell awful....never smelled anything like it anywhere else. Some staff have an attitude problem. I have seen young kids cantering round the school when really they should have still been walk/trotting......so dangerous!! The horses themselves were filthy as though they hadnt been groomed properly for some time......a Riding School run by kids!!
Written on: 06/09/2010 by williams23 (1 review written)
When my sister used to go to this riding school she was kept in the lead rein for a year and when my mother asked when she would be able to progress they answered maybe in a year. My sister has progressed very well at another riding school and after a few years is jumping at a BSJA level. This is the only experience I have had of the rding schol for teaching lessons. However during this summer holiday I did ragworting for numerous people and was shocked that this riding establishment did not... (read more)
Written on: 06/09/2010
There are a number of stables and liveries and probably private owners around this area so it might not be glenjakes fields or horse mentioned in the last review. (read more)
Written on: 02/09/2010
the field in question in the previous review probably does not contain glen jakes's horses.Their is currently no mare with foal there. (read more)
Written on: 02/09/2010
There is a mare and foal in there, she is black and white, looks like a cob and the foal is grey. I pass it regularly at weekends, even before the mare had given birth.
Written on: 02/09/2010
I was horrified to see glen jakes field as i was driving through offerton estate. there field was overcrowded with about 20-30 horses including a mare and foal, there was little grass and lots of ragwort which is a danger for the horses. i will certainly not be going back there for a lesson as the horses that are living in those conditions are not fit enough to be in lessons. ther RSCCA and the pony club center have been informed about the matter but in all i think it is a complete disgrace... (read more)
Written on: 05/09/2010
I am not sure about a faol, but I myself went to this establishment early last month to see wether they wanted any work doing in their field, whic I have seen with my own eyes to be full of ragwort, the manager said she wasn't sure and would speak to the owner and give her one of my leaflets, I was not asked to work there and the ragwort remained
Written on: 28/07/2010
This is a friendly well run riding school with excellent teaching. (read more)
Written on: 24/07/2010 by Ellie 1999 (1 review written)
i think glen jakes is a good riding school because it is fun and entertaining. glen jakes is the best riding school ever. my favourite horse are all of the espesillay little john lol. i like little john because he dosent keep reacting to things that are going on. (read more)
Written on: 25/06/2010
i dont understand why there are so many bad comments. Glen Jakes has been such a big part of my life. Glen Jakes gave me the confidence that needed to do well in school. All my life i had wanted to ride but i never got the chance when i heard about Glen jakes i had to go to find out what i had been missing. For my 13th birthday my mum gave me a riding lesson and it was amazing. although i had to be led around with someone else it was the only way i was going to learn. after that lesson i... (read more)
Written on: 25/06/2010 by clair 2010 (1 review written)
I recently arived in the offerton area and went to look around this school, I was not asked if I needed help, so I watched some lessons in the feild ,I was amazed to see ponies running into the muck pile !!! with children on them !!! the coach was riding ,and setting a BAD EXAMPLE ,she was scruffy had no style for the pulils to aspire to ,and had NO control over her ponies, it was dangerouse ,the jumps were not erected correctly just lose twigs or tyers that were leaning over in an unsafe... (read more)
Written on: 19/07/2010
it is the riders choice if they were a a body protector on proper cross country fields that is what the jumps are so if you want to see a bad riding school got to bank farm
Written on: 14/06/2010
the ponies are worn out and overused like machines. they do not get enough bedding to have a propper lie down and are just treated wrong in general. (read more)
Written on: 07/06/2010 by dandelion (1 review written)
I live near to this riding school and went there recently with a friend who's child was having a lesson. I was apprehensive about going as having seen the ponies out on hacks (filthy dirty, unhappy looking, being led out on the roads with no one older than about 16 in charge) I thought the place looked highly unprofessional. Sadly the actual riding school proved this to be the case - its obvious income is more important than horse welfare. As far as I am concerned this place is an accident... (read more)
Written on: 05/06/2010
I used to ride at Glen Jakes before getting my own horse, and it's only when you go away to get your own, you realise how little you know!
I Love Glen Jakes, i really do, but i think there are better riding schools in the area.
The horses are lazy. No two ways about it. You have to constantly be kicking and whipping to get anywhere. Then they shout at you when you're not getting your horse moving, which is totally not your fault.
I have had many amazing lessons there, but i've also had a few...
(read more)
Written on: 28/05/2010
DO NOT GO THEIR....I went for a party at the weekend I was disgusted the ponies were very thin!!!, the children were being dragged around even if they didn't want to go faster the leaders just made them, my daughter was terified when she got off. They just seem to want you'r money,but not look after the animals,the staff on the yard were cheerfull but the girl teaching the party seemed unintrested in the riders and as if she didnt want to be there,it all seemed very UNSAFE i would not... (read more)
Written on: 13/05/2010 by slyvia (1 review written)
glenjakes is a lovely place and the staff are qulified and so are the helpers i know this beacuse i help . the horses come in on the mornings they are given thier feed unless htye are bieng ridden in less then a hours time. some are tuned back out to have the day off . the ones that are left in have very little work during the day in the evening it is quite busy but they are given at LEAST a half hour break between an hour of work and they are carfully alacated to the level and to the... (read more)
Written on: 11/05/2010
The horses appear worn out and listless. Staff were mostly friendly but appeared to have little technical knowledge.
Some of the "helpers" were unhelpful and I saw them bully a small girl.
Fine if you want to plod around on a worn out old nag!
(read more)
Written on: 23/04/2010
RUBBISH RUBBISH RUBBISH !!! the ponies are slow and unhappy,the teachers don't know much,and have their faveroutes. some of the bigger horses i'v seen are thin and stand with their heads hanging low.i didn't like the way whips are quickly used on the ponies,it just made them run off.the staff all are very young and sometimes very rude if you do not agree with them ,Iwill not be going back their !!!!! (read more)
Written on: 10/04/2010 by Neeshie (1 review written)
I started riding at Glen Jakes in late 2004 after being dissapointed with a previous riding school. I have to say that for my riding time there I did enjoy it, I learnt how to ride within a few months and was able to volunteer there early the following year. The riding instructors I had (I don't think alot of them are there anymore) were very good - they knew what they were doing and they pushed me into doing things I wasn't very confident in doing. This wasn't a bad thing however as it gave... (read more)
Written on: 07/05/2010
I must agree with the bit about sharron but she has no been fired i do not though agree with rest!
Written on: 09/04/2010
glen jakes is the best riding school i have ever been to the staff are amzing the horses or soo nice and kind they are all safe to ride and will look after you very much. the yard satff are soo helpful and hardworkers to keep the place looking how it does i have been riding there for 5 years now and never want to leave the yard smetimes i come down and help them with the yard and stuff the instructors are verry good indeed and made me tobe the rider that i am now thankyou soo much glenjakes (read more)
Written on: 30/03/2010
Glen Jakes are very cruel to their horses, they whip them with lunging whips just to get them canter. They are not quilified and there aren't enough stables for the horses, and there doesn't seem to be many horses grazing, they don't care about horses, they are just there to earn some money for themselves, and don't spend it on the horses. (read more)
Written on: 30/03/2010
i have been riding at glen jakes since i was 4 i am now 13 i am level 4! i have known the staff for a very long time! they only run around the paddok with long shooling whips because some of the ponies/horses at glen jakes are very very lazy ! they have a huge amount of selection for different ponies/horses for different levels and hights. the levels are; 1=begginners,2=better begginners,3=advanced begginners,4=inntermidiate,5=advanced intermidiate.they also have different types of... (read more)
Written on: 18/04/2010
first off, just because a horse is lazy, doesnt mean to say you can run around whipping it.
<br/>and you wouldnt need to do that anyway, if your a good rider you use your legs not a whip.
<br/>
<br/>secondly, has anyone worked out why they are "lazy"....
<br/>
<br/>based on this reveiw i'd say, they were over worked.
<br/>
<br/>
<br/>its not all about the money. think.
Written on: 20/04/2010
1st of all you dont work there.. the horses dont get whiped with a lunging whip it makes a noise which the horse hears to move it foward.
<br/>
<br/>2nd of all none of the horses do more then 2hrs a day bein as were open 9 till 9 on weekdays and half 7 till 7 weekends thats good.
<br/>
<br/>3rd of all the horses get days off and holidays, days off they have a day off in the field to graze and holidays they graze for a week with other retired horses in that field.
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<br/>4th I dont agree with the point that ppl jus want the money, everyone that works there cares about the horses they get groomed everyday fed twice a day and the older ones stay in were it warm and dry.
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<br/>5th it dont matter bout havin enough stables they dont live in, they live out so wen some are on the stalls, some our in the stables and vice versa they get swapped around all the time.
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<br/>So dont always belive what you hear glen jakes is a good riding school, dont l3et ppl make ur choices for ya.
Written on: 22/03/2010
This riding school is the best riding school I have been to. I have been to three and they were very rude and never talked to you one of them made you canter in your first lesson, where as at Glen Jakes they make sure you are confident and have good balance. I have been working there for a year and a half and I know very well they get treated very kindly may I just point that I am only 11 years old! In the first lesson they work on your balance and trot before you try anything harder. They... (read more)
Written on: 07/05/2010
i find this review very helpfull and truth full the horses are looked after well
Written on: 19/07/2010
I completely agree with you this is so true the horses aren't under or over weight the size depends on the breed of horse.
Written on: 22/03/2010 by sarah xx (1 review written)
DISGUSTING!! i took my daughter to have a riding lesson as her pal goes their ,I was shocked at what a saw,the girls teaching chased the ponies around with BIG LONG WHIPS!!!! TO MAKE THEM CANTER .I was not happy the one my daughter was on just ran off to the back of the group and she could not stop, then a small child came in and had to hold the front ponies back till their turn JUST for the teacher to chase them to make them canter. all in all i was disgusted, on talking to the people... (read more)
Written on: 22/03/2010
I found this review not helpful because...the small child was my friend who is a helper and couse to pony club and the lunging whips were used in the same way u do when u lunge
Written on: 07/05/2010
How many times had you accentual been all the ponies have different personalities if they hold the ponies it is so they don't start walking of if the rider isn't strong enough. They don't chase them with a LUNGE whip for no reason it if the rider is not strong enough to get the pony/horse moving!
Written on: 02/03/2010
glen jakes is an amazing riding school. all of the horses are well looked after and clean and very nice temperament. the staff are lovely well manerd very helpful, the instructors a t glen jakes are very profesional i learn something new every week. i have been riding at glen jakes for over 4 years now and i have come a long way from when i started at another riding school. if anyone is looking to learn horse riding then go there the hacka are amazing and the lessons too thanks glen jakes
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Written on: 22/03/2010
I found this review not helpful because...when i attended a riding session i found the school very poorly run ,every body running aroung ,and the ponies looking tierd and fed up .
Written on: 07/05/2010
I agree with your review it is an amazing riding school and i work there so i no wat it like on an average day
Written on: 25/06/2010
the review is unrealistic sounds like the staff have had a hand in this as when i went to look around they were very unhelpfull as they just sat around and egnored me ,i was left for a good 15 mins before anybody came to help me ,but i had seen enough by then .i would not recomend this school
Written on: 01/03/2010
An Absolutey shocking riding school. I have been a horse owner for over 30 years and have never come across a riding school where the horses and staff are treated so badly. I took my daughter there for a group lesson and the instructor had no interest in her gaining confidence or being relaxed, she just shouted orders at her, reduced her to tears and took my money! I have found a lovely little school in Shaw and now she is very happy. I would not recommend this place to anyone who loves and... (read more)
Written on: 23/02/2010
family run school which is friendly my son loves it. Patient staff which is really important when kids are just starting. The horses are all well groomed and nice tempered would highly recomend (read more)
Written on: 10/02/2010 by becky cranmer (3 reviews written)
good points
every thing
bad points
nothing
im 11 and been riding at glen jakes for 4 years now i love all the ponies there and have learnt loads more than any where else ive been riding nothing to complan about all the staff are freindly ive done stable mangement there very informitive but fun you learn something new every lesson yard some time can be a bit dirty but what do u expect overall very good riding school.
(read more)
Written on: 02/02/2010
I am 11 years old and i go riding at glen jakes. I go twice a week , and my favourite horse is jakes, he taught me to ride prperley. in my last lesson i bought a new hat, and you could get a lot of riding equipment from them, they are very good. All the staff are very friendly and they have different classes for begginers, better begginers, an=dvanced begginers intermediat, and so on. (read more)
Written on: 28/01/2010
glen Jakes has a friendly atmosphere and you are always treated well. The instructers use different techniques to benefit different riders and enable you to build you confidence. There as a wide range of horses on offer, broadening your awareness and making you a more accomplished rider. I have been riding there for 10 years and have never felt the need to try another riding school, the clients are well recognised by the staff and the staff are polite and friendly with you. (read more)
Written on: 22/01/2010 by shellflet (1 review written)
Both my children have attended Glen jakes riding school for nearly a year now they are aged 4 and 6. They look forward every week to their lesson. All the teachers and staff are friendly and helpfull.Last september my son had his birthday party at Glen Jakes (i couldnt stomach another ballpool party)!!!!My son really enjoyed it and the other children (none of them had ridden before) said it was the best party they had been too. My son had slight behavioural problem and the staff always have... (read more)
Written on: 22/01/2010
Bad comments made about Glen Jakes are un true if they were then Glen JAkes would not have been aorund for more 10 years. The horse and ponies all come from loving natures, they have there off days but so do us humans!!! Staff in sure they have at LEAST 2/3 days off a week and do not exceed there allowed work hours. They somtimes look a little dirty but they love to rool aorund - the girls cnat groom wet horse so they ahve there best intrests at heart. ALl the staff and helper are trained to... (read more)
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Bekii10's Comment
Written on: 02/11/2011
Couldnt agree more with this review!
try mill farm or b1st, i have been to both and rate them very very highly!