Patrington Haven Leisure Park Equestrian Centre

Advantages: Friendly, dedicated staff. Excellent choice of horses.
Disadvantages: The price (but that is the same everywhere).

...I have been having riding lessons at Callum Park for the last two years. I am sure that I have challenged some of the instructors, as I am in my 50s and had not ridden for 30-odd years! Everyone is helpful and the instructors are willing to let you progress at your own pace (helpful when you have had a fall and lost confidence for a while). Although a bit pricey, the horses are rested for two days each week, and never work for more than four hours on any of the other days. I have found that there are still many riding establishments that are prepared to work their horses every day - you might pay a little less for your lesson, but what about the welfare of the horse? My daughter also has lessons at Callum Park and has made good progress. Hacks are available in the Summer months, and there is an indoor school and two large outdoor... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: pay monthly membership, no joining fee, huge high spec gym, car-park
Disadvantages: dated changing facilities, showers not up to much, very busy peak hours

...Putney Leisure Centre does exactly what it says on the tin..... and more! Yes its a leisure centre, but it's also a modernised gym on 3 levels wich caters for all lifting and cardio needs. Members are generally serious about their health and you very rarely see someone jogging whilst glued to their mobile! Being a leisure centre and gym means that its a family friendly environment but you are not invaded by young children and teenagers as you're trying to get through your workout. The gym was recently upgraded and a childrens suite installed for certain age-groups to train in safety. The one big factor for me was that you are not tied into a 12 month contract or lumbered with hefty joining fee's. To me this suggests that Kinetika have to work harder than most gyms to keep you coming back every month... which in turn makes Kinetika... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Covers everything for ages 4-94, lead rein to three day event
Disadvantages: I just wish it was closer to home (but it's still worth the travel!)

...Trent Valley Equestrian Centre is a fantastic riding school and livery/competition yard - very friendly, very professional, very welcoming. Our daughter would live there if she could even though she doesn't have her own pony! From lead rein to three day event, from age 4 to 94 this is the place to learn to ride, to improve your riding and compete at every level. TVEC view riding as a complete activity including horse care and stable management - badges, tests and assessments at every level - individual badges, Pony Club, ABRS, BHS, NVQ - you name it, they do it. Every month it seems there is a new development - something small like a new stable door or something big like the new 1800 sq m International Level Indoor Arena to complement the four floodlit ourdoor arenas. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself at one of their regular... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful