I've just read the latest review and this doesn't even sound like the place I know. I used to help out on a Saturday for years. There are several suggestions that I find very offensive, especially the one of cruelty towards the horses, something I have never seen. The horses are extremely well cared for and loved. When someone new starts to help out, they are not expected to be able to groom and tack up a horse on their own immediately. They start by helping a more experienced person, who shows them exactly what to do. The expectation would be that after a few weeks they should be able to do it on their own, with a little bit of help to start with, after all they are still learning. The morning at the stables is always hectic, as the horses all have to be groomed and tacked up in plenty of time for the first ride, so I can understand that Bonnie might get annoyed if someone is continually asking how to do the same thing every week. Also to say the horses are badly trained is laughable, they are all capable of helping someone to ride upto BHS stage 2. The way this review has been written suggests that this person has recently left, but the shetland that is referred to hasn't been at the stables for at least 4 years, and he didn't have a bad attitude towards people. So does the person who wrote this actually have a grudge against the stables and Bonnie in particular! The only time I have seen Bonnie really shout at someone, is when they have done something that puts either the rider or horse in danger. And to be fair there is no way of doing this in a nice way. All in all I would always recommend this as place for people of all ages to learn to ride. read more

Lovely setting and lovely horses- however, Bonnie. Just hearing that name makes me shudder. Horrid woman! I started riding there when I was 8-complete novice girl who had a love of horses. This woman made me cry several times. I learnt very little as the lessons were mixed ability meaning as I was being led around on a 12hh there would be someone else cantering around on a 16hh! Generally a very nice stables but Bonnie and some of the grooms/instructors ruined that. I remember we were lined up on the yard after a lesson and were dismounting. Bonnie came round to me and told me to dismount. As I was only young i didnt know what to do with the reins, so i just let go of them and took my feet out of the stirrups. She yelled NO and walked off to someone else leaving me just sat there. Then she came over and told me what i did wrong. The way she taught really embaressed and patronised me. I left after a few months- thankfully not put off and started at a different stables where everyone was so friendly and I learnt so much and actually ENJOYED riding and being around the horses. I now have my own and am so so glad i was not put of by my shaky start. Facilities are ok. Feel free to try it there, but do not expect to be taught in a friendly and helpful environment. The horses were lovely however. read more

My name is Sophie Baker and Bonnie is a lovely woman i was at the stables for 11 years and loaned for 5 of those years. People are idiotic if they think Bonnie would EVER hurt any of her horses they are like family to her and she has to be strict at her stables due to the fact that its a business at the end of the day and she has to make sure that everyone is safe. I would recommend the stables to anyone who asked me for a good stable to go to for any level of experience she taught me a lot not only how to ride and care for horses but team work skills and life lessons at the end of the day the stables are lovely so is the horses, the horses are not treated badly at all i was shocked at the accusations made and Bonnie is a lovely woman she is just a tad strict which is needed in those circumstances and especially for adults to be writing disgusting comments you're pathetic and need to grow up. Finally I met many people at the stables that will be life long friends and i was able to meet people that I wouldn't normally meet due to differences in backgrounds which also framed my mind set towards other classes of people. Also Bonnie used to let us camp in her back garden and once took us to a fair and always held christmas parties and gives lovely presents. read more

my name is amanda and i'm 15, i came to clack mill riding stables for a riding lesson to see what it is like as i have seen many reviews some in which are good and some in which are bad. over half of the people who have written reviews about this place have said bad things about the owner bonnie. Bonnie is a lovely lady in which she looks after her horses and makes sure they are cared for and are not in danger during riding lessons. I do not see why people say they make there children cry as i was in a riding lesson with 4 other people, 2 which were about 13 and 14 and the other 2 who were younger who was about 5 or 6. Both children were enjoying themselves the instructor we had was jordan who told us how to improve and also how to do it. They are very friendly and i would definateley reccommend this stables as i am going to have some more lessons there. All the horses are friendly and cared for they range in different sizes and for people with different abilities. There is a indoor and outdoor school and if the weather is nice they get to go down to the fields. It is a great school and would recommend it! read more

I do not usually write reviews but for my own integrity I feel the need to warn others about this unethical and unsafe riding school. I had my own horses growing up and had lessons with several different instructors over the years, some stricter than others. However, I have never seen the kind of abusive and outright dangerous behaviour that I saw at Clack Mill. The owner, Bonnie, openly belittles and bullies both her staff and the children who pay (!) to work for her. She screams aggressively when teaching, causing both the riders and horses to panic. When people show concern about her behaviour she behaves in a very emotionally unstable and unprofessional manner, gaslighting her customers and telling them to leave. I believe the only reason this school is still running is because all the others are booked up. I can not understand why any parent would want their child to be treated like this or to witness such abusive behaviour towards others, and I find it disturbing that Bonnie's abuse has been enabled for so long. An appalling riding school. read more

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This riding school is full of fun and enjoyment. It is the best one I have ever been to.I have been for nearly two years and I am loving it so much,the teachers are wonderful bonnie, Jordan and bev. Bonnie helped me progress for a novice to a confident rider .sometimes she can be firm but always fair she also likes to keep you and the horses safe,she will always put safety first.Jordan is such a lovely person having also been trained by bonnie, she also helps you if you get stuck!Every week end she always put a smile on my face and gives me confidence as well as bonnie and bev!!! I Highly recommend clack mill riding school for all ages young and old. p.s I loan a wonderful sometimes very naughty horse ,but well looked after horse named tufty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope u take my advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By Makenzie xxx read more

This yard is ideal for novice insensitive children as learning the basics here is very easy if you bypass how rude the owner is. It would be an amazing experience for a young person interested in horses if there were more advanced lessons and the lessons were not mixed ability. Opportunities at this yard are very basic and for many people that is ideal but dealing with the plain ignorance and rudeness of the woman that runs this yard makes it very difficult to leave your children the supervision without felling nervous. For the simple reason of how the owner treats customers, especially children i am not giving the yard a good rating or review, hope this helped. read more

I used to attend clack mill riding stables a number of years ago, i found that there was virtually no progression and seeing as i could already walk trot, canter and jump raised trotting poles this was of no use to me. I would not recommend clack mill to anyone unless you are an absolute beginner! Bonnie was always rude and many a time i got into the car crying. If you are looking for good worthwhile lessons, this is not the place to come. I haven't been riding for a few years now due to expense and lack of good riding schools, however i am still told that Bonnie behaves in exactly the same way she did when i rode here. read more

I have been riding here for about 2-2 1/2 years with my mum and it is AMAZING. All the ponies are always groomed nicely and all are amazing to ride. Bonnie and Jordan, the instructors, are always friendly and are willing to help you if you need it. There is always a range of things to do if you ask. I understand that some people may find Bonnie harsh and rude at times but she is only like it because she wants to make sure you are riding safely-she is a really nice person if you get to know her. All the ponies go really well if you get them up together. I highly recommend the stables. read more

I have been going to clack mill for 8 years now and i love it, i have made great friends, i love all the horses there. Bonnie is sometimes strict but she only does it for our safety, others safety and the horses/ponies. I help out on saturdays and have done since i was 7, (i am now 13.) I have learnt so much there and because my parents can't afford to buy me a horse and pay for all the stuff you need, it is like you have your own horse. I highly recommend this too anybody who has a love for horses, she takes any ages. Kiera D. read more

I went to clack mill riding stables for about 8 years and learned everything I know about riding and horse care from Bonnie and jordan. They are both amazing instructors that produce well trained riders. There is a range of ponies to suit all sizes and all of the ponies are calm, quiet and safe. They are also well looked after and are groomed for rides by the volunteers. The horses here love their jobs and are truly perfect ponies to learn how to ride ! read more

I have been going to these stables for a year now and i would recogmend this stables, there are brilliant ponies who are suitible for any age or ability.Bonnie and Jordon are amazing instructors even though they can be strict it is for a good reason because of your saftey but they make lessons fun and if you are a more advanced rider you are not ristricted in lessons and they are willing to let you try different things or help you if you ask. Megan .C. read more

Excellent Riding School suitable for children and adults. My Daughter has been riding here for nearly 4 years and she loves it. The instructors are very friendly and professional. There are a variety of ponies to suit all sizes. Lovely surroundings and there is also an outdoor arena and an indoor arena for when the weather is not so good. Highly recommended. read more

would not recommend this stables at all the owner is rude and disrespectful. i went there for about 5 years it is ok for novice riders but after you have learned to sit on a nose to tail pony and want some more educating leasons they have nothing to offer. both the indoor and the outdoor school are very small and there is very little space to work in! read more

I totally disagree with the comments that are saying the stables is horrible etc. This stables is a great place to go especially as the horses are well looked after and fed well. I go there every fortnight and it is a fabulous place to help out. I strongly recommend the stables to any beginner rider or a horse-lover looking to learn stable management. read more

I have been riding at Clack Mill Riding Stables for 15 years now, it is a great place to ride and learn how to care for horses and ponies. They do small group lessons so you get a lot attention to help you learn how to ride correctly. I would strongly recommend this stables to anyone who would like to learn to ride. read more

one interesting fact is how i have noted that the older most of us get we lose feign in our horses. im 34 and got back into it with help of bonnie. i was quite attacken by her lack of discrimination on age. everyone is soo nice big happy family. 6 years now done all my tests yeeeiii and was and will always be fun read more

I would highly recommend to all! It is a great riding stables to suit all ages and abilities with good friendly staff who are willing to listen and help. The ponies are brilliant. read more