Poplars Farm Riding School Stoke-on-Trent

Reviews

1. Becky Hadley ★★★★★

   I first started riding at Poplars 30 years ago, riding for a number of years. Following a break to go to uni, have children etc, I returned around 11 years ago, as soon as my children were old enough to start riding – thankfully, they caught the bug too and it is now a weekly activity that we all enjoy together. Staff are knowledgeable and lessons are varied (particularly love all the different pole work exercises). I feel safe knowing that my children are always put on ponies that are deemed suitable for their ability and I trust Pip’s professional opinion on what she thinks my children are capable of when it comes to the exercises she is asking of them in our lessons. The pony’s welfare is paramount to the family and the fact that there are still ponies on the yard (albeit in the retirement field) that taught me to ride all those years ago, is testament to how well looked after and cared for they are. I have no hesitation in recommending Poplars as a great place to ride, having already done so to family and friends.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Katie O'Connell ★☆☆☆☆

   AS YOU CAN SEE BY MY PHOTOS, THE DAUGHTER'S PONIES LIVE IN LUXURY WHILE THE SCHOOL PONIES LIVE IN FILTH. It is with a heavy heart to write this as I was actually Poplars best customer, attending with both myself and my daughter up to seven times a week, spending a small fortune in just over three years. I feel obliged to let other customers know that loyalty, custom and financial sacrifice to ride here will not be respected nor valued, despite the cost of living crisis. I have since joined another school and have improved in leaps and bounds in just six months and am ecstatic. I reluctantly attended trying to ignore any issues, hoping my loyalty would change things and being attached to some horses there, despite knowing I will probably never improve. During even very costly private lessons, there was no feedback and the whole idea of one-to-one training was completely missed. Lessons are merry-go-round in nature, repetitive and designed to take money hastily. The only focus with Poplars is to fund the competition side of the family's horses and the costs involved. Favouritism has ensured Pip, daughter of the owner (who is actually a lovely lady called Mandy), allows her friends to ride the best horses week in, week out, sometimes three times in one week, not conducive to running a successful business. Hence why they forfeited up to £137 a week from myself, and others are leaving due to the same unprofessional issues. Pip controls everything, yet ironically lacks any social skills to front a business dealing with customers on a daily basis, something Mandy excels at and is warm, kind and friendly. I was expected to give up my horse to more 'preferred' riders, receiving abuse and hostility when declining to do so, including swearing (common occurrence), and threats to get off my horse, despite feeling unwell. Pip was dismissive and said 'whatever' when I politely asked to discuss the situation later, and claimed that there are more important things in life going on, such as her daughter missing her while she holidays in the Carribbean. Bonnie is a lovely little girl who I do however wish all the best to and I enjoyed her smiley face around the yard on most days, and wish her the best this summer with her competitions. Prolific bullying exists between not only the adults, but the children attending. A lovely little girl was bullied out of attending by another vicious girl, despite the bullying being done openly, sometimes in front of the teacher. Heartbreakingly, I subsequently removed my daughter after witnessing this. I was personally discriminated against due to a disability, where I cannot hear properly, and regularly laughed at and treated like I was stupid for not being able to understand instructions. No effort or understanding was given when I wrote an extensive text message wanting to discuss these issues. Riders are selected to take horses outside the premises, whilst others are not, despite equal ability, and are not charged. Riders with wealthy, posher backgrounds are preferred. Only one gentleman rides there, and he has been mocked incessantly, the only adult male rider teased like something in high school. I saw a lot attending nearly every day, and hence am adequately qualified to judge this business in its appalling conduct. Other reviews left here are due to Pip encouraging people to post positive reviews as a response to bad reviews, which I witnessed. I grew up with my own stables, outdoor floodlit school and land with a young Hanoverian x TB, all at my own house as a young adult, and yet I was made to feel beneath everyone at Poplars just to attend their public yard for lessons. I say this not to show off, but genuinely for businesses to appreciate customers who quite frankly are used to much better, and not to judge people who come for lessons as poor and subsequently look down on them. You do not know your clients background. Poplars is sadly a non-inclusive place to be where you will feel uncomfortable, as it is more the family's social scene rather than a legitimate business.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Maisie Leech ★★★★★

   I've been riding weekly at Poplars for 5 years now and couldn't recommend their services enough. Since restarting lessons after a 15 year gap, my confidence has increased massively and this is all down to the instruction and patience I have received from their teaching staff, all of whom are professional, friendly and extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. From my experience, staff go above and beyond to help their customers to improve but also to ensure their wellbeing whilst at the farm; an aspect of riding which I personally have benefited from enormously, probably without the staff even realising, and for which I am incredibly grateful for. Every lesson is different, tailored to my ability and I feel I learn something new each time I ride, leaving me with a sense of achievement and confidence I have not experienced elsewhere. I am encouraged to try things I thought previously out of my remit and receive positive constructive feedback throughout my lessons. As a dedicated family run business, Poplars deserves it's excellent reputation locally, which is acknowledged by many in the area. My two young boys have loved coming to watch me ride at the farm and as a result have also started to have lessons. Without the staff fostering and encouraging their interest on a personal level, this would not be possible. All of the horses are impeccably looked after and loved, which is evident in the way the horses are treated and cared for. I wouldn't feel comfortable going anywhere else and nor would I want to.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Philip Bladen ★★★★★

   Granddaughter is learning to horse ride here she loves it and everyone is so friendly and helpful

   almost 3 years ago
2. marie cooper ★★★★★

   Absolutely amazing riding school, my 3 youngest girls ride here. Ones being riding here since 2019 and my youngest two girls since August this year and they already don’t need a leader , they are all doing so well . 100% recommend

   almost 3 years ago
3. Maurice Leach ★★★★★

   Grand daughter ellie really enjoys the experience very good teacher who gives her the confidence.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Emma Cushion ★★★★★

   Professional family run business. All riders are matched with ponies/horses that are suitable for their abilities. Friendly and welcoming staff that cater for all ages and abilities.

   almost 5 years ago

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