Love it My daughter has so much fun She loves it sooo much and the people are really nice And we'll trained read more

the people at the yard are ok although they do often look down their noses at you. I am not the most confident of people so I do find this a little unsettling. I have been riding for12 years now but only at Sandwell valley for two. the instructors are really nice and helpful. unfortunately the horses are not in their prime and are quite old and typical riding school plods. I may be a little biased as I was at a show yard for four years but I would expect a little more variety and different personalities. the lessons are quite basic if you have the experience however they are fun and you do get your money's worth. read more

It really is a shame that I can't give this Riding Centre anything less than a star. It really doesn't deserve a single one. My 6 year old daughter and I were caught in a the rain and had to seek shelter, on our walk up to the farm, and I phoned ahead to let them know, and hopefully delay our 2x 1/2 hour sessions. I was told that it wasn't possible as they were fully booked up. So my only option was to cancel the first 1/2 hour lesson, without refund, and make our way for the second. We pressed on, after traveling from Wolverhampton, and after my daughter counting the days til we could go, I was not about to turn back. Luckily it was my daughter's first Horse Riding experience, so she had nothing to compare it too. I, however, have worked in stables and have been around horses most of my life. My first criticism is the customer service. The welcome was cold, not in the least bit friendly or helpful, and actually a little judgmental. I sensed a little looking up their noses at me. And a few sneers at my handbag! Second criticism would be for the state of the horses. My daughter's face lit up when she saw the first pony being led around the yard, but after they brought out a very wet, sad looking pony for her to ride on, I could see that the first pony was clearly a pet, and not a 'work pony'. Still soaked from a previous ride and looking quite weathered, with not even a groom inbetween. Very disappointing. Onwards I go.. My daughter was told get a hat and then lifted onto the soggy pony and the reins shoved in her hands and off she was led out of the yard, through a car park and onto the MAIN ROAD! Then came a second rain downpour and the ride was called off, after 18 minutes! We made our way back to the main road to the 'office' (which was filled with teenagers! A very filthy yard, sad and wet ponys standing around, and all these kids can be bothered to do is text??), we were both soaked to the skin, and when I asked if the was somewhere we could change, or dry off, they pointed to the back room/lunch room and not a second glance was given. Luckily I have the nonce to pack spare clothes for my daughter on day trips, but I asked for a towel, or paper towels to dry our hair, but was refused point blank. I changed my daughter and we left pretty sharpish. My daughter had a great time, thankfully she likes an adventure. I myself am partial to getting my money's worth, and I left feeling like I'd just visited a Gypsy site! AVOID read more

After booking lessons we were meet by a lovely lady who helped my daughter mount the horse. She was taken into a paddock and guided every step of the way with care and attention. We couldn't ask for better tuition especially as it was my daughters first time on a horse. A********* service. Very friendly people. read more

I took my daughter here for a private lesson a good 18 months ago in which their friendliness and communication skills were a lot to be desired.. Seems the place hasnt changed much from the reviews at all. My daughter was being guided by Charlotte who seemed more keen on talking to another girl, safety check of the saddle hadn't taken place so why in gallop my daughter came flying off the horse. On returning to the office, they mislaid the first aid book and the manageress never once asked how my child was and seemed more concerned about whether I was going to sue! As a result, my daughter lost her confidence, however she is now at a decent stables in romsley were the horses are treated more like the beautiful animals they are. Unlike Sandwell valley who seem more keen on the livery side of things and see lessons as a burden. Avoid like the plague! How it hasn't lost it's license and been closed down is behind me. read more

Terrible! I bought the riding lessons through groupon, and instead of having two separate lessons I had a 1hour private one. I have 7years of riding experience so I know what I'm onna about. On arrival the overall appearance looked a but run down, located under a bridge near a train track. We made our way to the office, where 3 teenagers were sitting and a lady at the desk. She said your lessons at 2, so you can wait outside whilst someone gets your horse ready. So we left the office when a lady approached me and said would I rather go on hack instead of a lesson- she said I'd do more on hack then a lesson which I doubted. I agreed to the hack and went back to the office to fill out a form. Everyone in there stared and stopped talking! I wen back onto the yard and another lady was stood there holding a horse and said come on he's yours. I little introduction to the horse was made. My stirrups were very short so she put one of them down. The. Only put the other side down a hole! I told her it was way to short. So she adjusted. Eventually they were ok. A girl aged probably 17 was riding her own horse said follow me and off we went. WE rode along fairly busy roads with no High- Viz vest!! We had one trot on the road. Then reached a path which led to a field where we had 2/3 canters. And then we walked all the way back! Which was not alot.if I had done the lesson I would have hoped to do alot more. Throughout the hack the girl was on her phone! And her horse kept spooking. And was riding way ahead of me! My horse could a galloped of and she wouldn't notice. She was not old enough to lead out the hack which was very worrying. On the way back bikes came behind and my horse spooked. And if that wasn't bad enough, on a ROAD my horse got spooked and bolted of with me. The girl turned and said' hello there'. She didn't ask if I was alright or anything!!!!!! I cannot believe the 'riding school' put me on a horse which was unsafe!! Even though im experienced it still shook me up and was stupid, a little girl may of been riding that horse. It was pathetic. as we made the way back to the yard little girls just stared and judged me. The girl got of her horse so I got of mine and was left standing there with my horse whilst she untacked hers. Overall it was a terrible place, the worst I've ever been to and I've been alot of places. !!!!Avoid at all costs!!!!!! Wouldnt recommend it. read more

i have had a couple of lessons at sandwell valley riding centre and to be honest i really wouldnt recommend it! i got there after ringing up the week before to book my 1st lesson, i paid in the office and was told which horse i would be ridingthat was it! i wasnt shown where to get a helmet from or anything. i got out to the horse with my helmet on and was put straight on to the horse no introductions to staff or the actual horse! i was then taken round the menage with a teenager holding the front of the horse's bridle during the whole lesson the teenager and instructor was texting on their mobiles! if my horse had reared up or decided to bolt they wouldnt of been prepared for it! i was briefly told how to hold the reins and that was it, wasnt told how to stop or slow a horse down or steer them. they then proceeded to have me trot on this horse knowning i'd never ridden before i asked the girl holding my horse what do i do? and she turned round and said just hold on..i could of come off! my second lesson was exactly the same, i had an even younger girl leading my horse and was told the horse i was riding that lesson was known for being stubborn and a pain to stop so i was a little worried what would happen if my horse decided to play up as we was on an open field this time and i was on one of the biggest horses at the centre. during this lesson i was very very briefly told how to steer the horse. the lesson consisted of a couple of walks round a field a little bit of trotting and a game obviously meant for kids.i'm in my 20's!. i didnt think the lessons were very well thought out for older riders. if you want to ride a horse just for a laugh or you want to take your kids for a day out i'd recommend this riding school, but if your serious about learning to ride and want to feel in control of a horse i'd stay clear. read more