Shilstone Riding Centre

My wife and I booked a trek for our Wedding Anniversary as we were stopping not far from Shilstone Rocks on holiday. I chose Shilstone Rocks because of the proximity to where we stayed but also because of the excellent reviews I'd seen online. Initially, booking was a bit of a frustrating process as the website link they advertise doesn't work. This meant I had to phone to book which was a bit hard work as nobody was picking up at first. It seems to me that the riding centre does a lot of its business on Facebook but I don't use it. However, when I finally got to speak to somebody, they were very pleasant and helpful and so we booked a date. Some of the roads to the centre are little more than narrow single dirt tracks so it's something to be aware of if you're not used to driving on such roads. The sat nav took us to the vicinity of the centre but we had to ask someone for directions to the actual location. My wife and I are both novice riders so this was catered for and the lovely young lady instructor who was looking after us for the hour that we had paid for talked us through the basics and brought out Winston and Bevan for us to ride. We were then taken through the beautiful Devon countryside and through moorland before dismounting for around the last 10 minutes and leading Winston and Bevan by hand back to the riding centre. The instructor who guided us was chatty and lovely to speak to. The horses were gentle and seemed understanding that they had Northern townies on their backs who knew little if anything about riding! We both loved the experience, so much so that my wife wants to take it up at home. I have given 4 stars rather than 5 because we weren't given any opportunity to take photos at any point. It seemed pushy to bring it up because there was never really any natural pause in proceedings so we feel the instructor could have perhaps asked if we wanted to take any. It was disappointing because it was a special wedding anniversary so we would have liked a memento of our experience. I have since asked twice if the riding centre could at least send us a photo of the beautiful Winston and Bevan and we were promised they would. However, it doesn't look likely now as it's about a week since our last communication. That is my main criticism really. I'm sure they are extremely busy but the communication is very poor really. I don't want to give an overall negative review though. As I said, the experience was wonderful and we were well looked after on the day. It could just be better if the negatives I've raised could be addressed. *Update* I have now been sent some photos of Winston and Bevan.

· via Google

Myself and my daughter (10 years old) had the best time riding over the moors. It was my daughter's first time riding a horse, so she was very nervous but the lovely instructor who took us was really kind, patient & went at her pace, and she ended up loving it :) The scenery was stunning & the horses were really calm and well-behaved. Would recommend!

· via Google

I had a wonderful walking ride with my 11-year-old-son who is experienced in horseback riding while I‘m a novice. My husband and other son walked with us, that was quite a hike. But they also enjoyed the great landscape and took pictures. The guide was very nice and took care of every individual (there was another mom with her 5-year-old son). The horses were great, it was a wonderful experience!

· via Google

Had a great time on the 1 hour beginners ride with my 2 children, both inexperienced riders..very welcoming and relaxed stables . great ponies and amazing views .Good communication and polite owner/staff..We will be back.

· via Google