Holmescales Riding Centre, Cumbria

Whilst on holiday we were able to book a ride out or Hack at Holmescale Riding Center for my teenage daughter. It was a fab experience from start to finish. The way my telephone enquiry was dealt with which was helpful and informative without being pushy, a great start. This was followed up on arrival with staff who were expecting us and welcomed immediately putting her at ease . Freya the instructor was a star and could not have been more helpful, loads of knowledge given in just the right way. The horses, stables, owners and staff were super and we would definitely recommend this centre to our friends in fact we are already planning when we can return ourselves. Thanks to everyone at Holmescale

Fantastic riding centre, very professional and all horses well cared for. The staff were very helpful and knowledgeable making it fun all the time you are learning. Whilst waiting to ride I saw a group of children getting on their ponies for a ride and was impressed with the patience and kindness of the staff with what were not the most well behaved children. It was obvious throughout my visit that safety is taken very seriously but also you feel as if they really want you to have fun. Would recommend to anyone - great riding making sure you had a horse suitable to your ability to make the most of your visit. Well done Holmescales.

Took my two children here for a riding lesson after having been several times in the past and finding it great. I watched from the side with a group of family and friends, eager to see my children take part in a leisure activity that they both love.

The instructor stood in the middle of the arena barking orders at the group of children and did not move nor help them. My son at 8 years old, seemed one of the youngest and the instructor put him at the front of the group of riders. He is not confident at the best of times but seemed frozen solid the more she barked at him. "IS THAT A 20 METRE CIRCLE? WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING?" she screamed at him from leaning on the poles in the middle of the arena. "I told you to hold the reins SHORTER!!" She yelled at him, before marching up to him and yanking his hands off the reins and jamming them back down lower. Despite him trying his best, she threw her arms up at my son and other children in the group. No-one was smiling. No-one was having fun. Even my other child was frozen solid, scared to put a foot out of place.

I went to see the manager who assured me that this was one of her most popular instructors. She returned with me to watch the lesson and the minute we stepped foot into the arena the instructor clocked her, painted on a smile and started running round with the horses and showering the kids with praise.

Returned reluctantly for another pony day that week (which had been paid for in advance) to find after 2 hours when I rang to see how my son was, that he had been put with the same instructor and was so frightened that he wouldn't take part at all. I went to collect him and asked for a refund and was treated with contempt and a smug rudeness by both owners who refused to refund my money or even listen to my concerns.

Keep well away. There are much better riding schools out there who care about the riders, not just collecting the money from their parents.

Amazing staff with full attention to riders calm and amazing ponies suitable for all ages and people

I want for a pony day and it was amazing. The staff are very friendly and they help you alots. The hoses are very good to.

Great riding stables, everyone friendly, great horses and ponies! Lessons can be a bit full though (sometimes 10-11 people in lesson). Would recommend to anyone beginner or advanced. Ponies to suit everyone!

Hi Eleanor /Sarah,

Just back after our two days riding. Everyone at the stables were really friendly and welcoming which was really nice,

Day one we went out with Ashley and had a great time with Alan on Georgia and Julie on Lloyd/Mick.

Day two we went out with Hannah this time Alan was on Bootsie and Julie on Georgia. This was an even beter ride as the experience of the day before set us up ready to go.

We really want to say a big thankyou firstly to Ashley and Hannah who took us out on two excellent hacks.

They were really friendly and very informative adding to the overall enjoyment, please pass on our thanks to them both.

And of course a huge thanks to our horses Georgia, Lloyd, Mick and Bootsie, who were beatifully turned out and very well behaved. Especially considering it was their first run for a while after the winter season and the recent poor weather !!!

We really look forward to coming over again, many thanks and see you soon.

Alan and Julie

this riding stables are brill, the lessons are always fun and you learn quickly how to ride but without pressure. they find the perfect horse or pony to suit you.

I highly recommend people to come to Holmescales Riding Centre because the staff are always friendly and remember everyones name, (unlike some riding schools!), and they have over 25 excellent horses and ponies with fantastic riding facilities avalible and there's also now a pony club for those wanting to learn more about looking after horses (mucking out stables, cleaning horses, earning badges, etc).

They offer free use of riding hats, provided by the school, and riding sticks if your horse or pony won't go! Although I find its better to own your own when you know your definitely going to stick at it! They let a sensible number of people ride in the school at one time (no more than 7-9) so you can enjoy your lesson as fully as posible, they also offer private lessons for those wanting 1 on 1 tuition although in my experience, you don't need to be learning any faster than you do already in the group lessons. As I have only been riding for 11 months and I'm already doing more advanced stuff than people I know from other riding schools that have been going nearly three years! But they don't rush you at Holmescales, they wait until you're ready to move on and that way you feel happier and learn quicker!

With the high standards of teaching you're sure to enjoy Holmescalles Riding Centre whatever age, ability or even weight you are!

Good centre but needs improving, i really Holscales Riding Centre