What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 6:30pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 8pm Saturday 8:30am - 5pm

Poplars Farm Riding School

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United Kingdom
Stoke-on-Trent
Poplars Farm Riding School

With over 30 years experience, we offer riding lessons to cater for all ages and abilities.
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Poplars Farm was bought by Mr and Mrs Warrington back in 1981 as a base for their daughter Mandy (BHS AI) to further her career as a riding instructor by running her own riding school. Over the years Mandy and her family have built the riding school to what has become one of the most reputable riding schools in the area. Mandy herself had a passion for riding as a child and was fortunate enough to

have her own ponies. She was a keen show jumper, and progressed through the ranks from ponies to horses, where she competed successfully at Grade C level, with her best horse Merry-Go-Round. Mandy gained her teaching qualifications, under Sue Snow at Field House equestrian, where she became a BHS AI before leaving to start up her own Riding School here. It was during the early years here at Poplars, Mandy met her husband Chris, who also works on the farm, and they had two daughters, Philippa and Francesca. Mandy then started to live her passion for horses through her daughters, who both rode and competed from a very young age. Both girls competed successfully in the showing world for many years, their most famous pony being Barkway Honey Bee (Beebee), who won many prestigious competitions for the girls, as well as giving them both the first of many rides at the Horse of the Year Show. Philippa (Pip) currently works full time as a riding instructor alongside her mum here at Poplars. Having graduated with a first class honours degree in law from Staffordshire University in 2009; she followed her heart and her love of horses, and joined her mother at the riding school. She also, is a qualified BHS AI, and has also completed her BHS Stage 4 riding exam. Over the next 12 months, Philippa aims to complete her stage 4 care exam and ITT to become a BHS II. While predominantly teaching here at Poplars, Pip also does a small amount of freelance teaching, teaching people on their own horses/ponies. More recently, Pip has also returned to competition; after retiring from the show ring 7 years ago, she has successfully evented one of the horses used in the riding school over the 2013 summer period. Francesca (Chez) also works part time at the riding school, she is a BHS Stage 1 and is currently in her final year of studying History at Liverpool Hope University. Chez has always continued to compete after being introduced by her mother years ago, and this year joined Pip and started to event her working hunter pony, Freddie In Clover. In addition to the riding school, Mandy’s family run business also offer a livery service, with both DIY and working liveries.

26/08/2024

Tomorrows hacking times 🐴🐴
Novice 10am
Isabella (5.45 fri lesson)
Emma
Lola
Freya
Annabelle

Novice 10.45
Isabella
Iona
Evie
Imogen
Maddy
Charlie

Intermediate 11.30
Edith
Poppy
Roxy
Mary
Maisie

Advanced 1.30
Emily P
Emma
Helen
Jess
Millie
Jo
Ruby

🐴🐴🐴

25/08/2024

Really proud to host a ‘have a go @ dressage day’ in conjunction with BD North & West! All horses & riders alike were amazing and did us proud🤩 !! The fantastic feedback from the British dressage representatives regarding the standard of riding & versatility of our horses was excellent 🥰🐴 xx Please hop over to our instagram for the full reel xx

08/08/2024

Beginner slots;
Tomorrow @ 5.45
Saturday @ 12.45
Text to book 🐴

06/08/2024

NOW FULLY BOOKED Beginner spaces @ 4.30 tomorrow!!
Text 07543503230
to book ###

01/08/2024

Just a quick thank you for all of our Saturday customers who were really accommodating with us moving last Saturday around to allow both Pip and Mandy to watch Bonnie compete at the Royal International Horse Show. Bonnie achieved well beyond our expectations with the lovely Jerry (our black beauty) placing 5th 🤩 against the top 25 combinations in the UK. After placing 7th @ hoys last year we never expected we would see them placing so high again, however they performed beautifully to finish 5th!! This is extra special as Jerry is a homebred!
Thank you once again to you all for your well wishes & being so accommodating when lessons are changed etc to allow us to compete as well as run the riding school ###x

22/07/2024

We have just done the draw for the final places on our BD have a go @ dressage day & the final places to go;
⭐️ Maddy hardman
⭐️ Lauren Appleby
⭐️ Yarhooley
⭐️ Emmie (Steph)
For the remaining riders who registered their interest but sadly weren’t ‘pulled out of the hat’ I will ensure that if this day goes ahead again (which BD have said is likely) they will be given first refusal of a place 😊

22/07/2024

Super proud that two of our horses & clients made their H&C debut yesterday and competed at the BD pet plan area festivals for dressage. It was very surreal watching them on the tv!!! Both performed lovely tests and we were really proud of the horses & riders alike! Feel very lucky to have such lovely horses & I love to see our more advanced horses out competing as well as playing an important role in our riding school 🐴 ###

22/07/2024

For anyone unsure of times for tomorrows hacking:
10am novice
Maisie Mansell
abhirami
Ava
Kirk
10.45 novice
Layla
Alina
Hollie
Ellie
Lexi

11.30 intermediate
Skylar
Tallulah
Sarith
Lacey
Maddy
Daisy

Advanced 1.30
Emily P
Helen
Jo
Kenzie
Deb

🐴🐴🐴

21/07/2024

🐴🐴Beginner group spaces w/c 22nd July 🐴🐴
Due to regular clients being on holiday, we have the following spaces for this week;
Monday 22nd 4.30 x 2
Tuesday 23rd 5pm x 1 (NOW FULLY BOOKED)
Friday 26th 4.30 x 2 (NOW FULLY BOOKED)& 5.45 x 2
Please text 07543503230 to book! Ideal for anyone wanting an extra lesson or anyone waiting on our waiting list!
Many thanks

15/07/2024

🤩🤩 EXCITING OPPORTUNITY 🤩🤩
We are super excited & proud to be teaming up with British Dressage for a ‘have a go at dressage’ day! This is an amazing opportunity for participants & is being fully funded by British Dressage! There is educational talks from top professionals & a chance to warm up with instruction from both Pip & an external BD coach before completing a dressage test in front of a list 1 judge!!
Places have initially been offered to people who have supported both our most resent in house dressage competitions. We are left with 3 spaces & I ask that anyone who wishes to be part of this day to text the riding school phone to enter the draw (07543503230). There will be a cut off @ 5pm tomorrow & then all names will be put into a hat & the 3 lucky participants will be selected @ random!!
🐴 Please note this is open to EXISTING clients only & riders must be minimum age 9 and competent in walk, trot & canter and have some knowledge (even if limited) of how to ride a dressage test!!
There will be a intro, prelim & novice test available!

12/07/2024

🐴🐴🐴 LAST MINUTE BEGINNER SLOTS FOR TOMORROW 🐴🐴🐴
Cancellation slots available;
2 x 10am (NOW FULLY BOOKED)
1 x 12.45
Ideal for anyone on our waiting list or any current clients wanting an extra lesson!!
To book please text 07543503230

02/07/2024

☀️ 🐴 SUMMER HACKING 🐴☀️
Existing clients only, please message or call in the office to book!
Exciting opportunity for our dressage enthusiasts coming next week 👀 🐴 ###

02/07/2024

SLOT NOW TAKEN! Private lesson available with Vicky tomorrow @ 6pm due to a cancellation! Message 07543503230 to book 🐴🐴🐴 xx

19/06/2024

Horsey friends; who do you recommend for saddle repairs, just stitching etc??
Many thanks

07/06/2024

🐴☀️ CHILDREN’S SUMMER RIDING DAYS 🐴☀️
Please see attached poster for information & dates! Children must be strictly age 7 & over to attend! Please do not message to book, all bookings will be done in the office with a £5 deposit to secure your booking. Existing clients only please!! Keep 👀 peeled for summer hacking opportunities & another exciting opportunity for our budding dressage enthusiasts coming soon xx

03/06/2024

🐴 Polite notice to ALL customers 🐴
As of today (w/c 03/06/24) please can everyone complete a rider registration form in the office BEFORE your lesson! We appreciate some of our clients who have joined us more recently may of not long completed one but every couple of years we re-do the forms to ensure all records are up to date! Please allow a little extra time before your lesson to complete. Kind regards

17/05/2024

🐴 💒 NOTICE TO SATURDAY CLIENTS 💒🐴
As some do you may already know, we will be CLOSED next Saturday (25th) as our lovely Vicky is getting married. Regular Saturday classes will resume the following week June 1st as normal! Regards xx

13/05/2024

🐴 POLITE REMINDER 🐴
Polite reminder to all our lovely customers, there is a price increase as of today. There has been a notice in the office for a couple of weeks but just in case anyone has missed it. Please also note a slight change in our cancellation policy, cancellations on the day will still incur a fee but this will be £10 across the board rather than 50% of lesson fee.
We thank you for your on-going custom! Kind regardsxx

06/05/2024

While our 4 legged friends enjoyed an extra day off for the bank holiday, Chris & Ralphie we’re busy chain harrowing!! I don’t think we’ve ever been so excited to see the harrowing done 🚜 after what has felt like the longest wettest winter everrrrrr☔️ ☔️ ☔️!! Gorgeous george was pleased too 🥰💙!! 1 week to go until the big summer turnout 🎉👏 ☀️ 🐴 xx

06/03/2024

🐣 EASTER ACTIVITIES 🐣

🐣 Childrens riding day April 2nd & April 3rd - limited spaces remaining (strictly existing customers only).

🐣 Wednesday 3rd April - 11.30am advanced hack - 3 spaces remaining!

🐣 Friday 5th - Combined Training 🐎- after the success of our Xmas combined training we have decided to run an Easter competition. Please see attached poster for details.
To book any of the above please either pop into the office or text 07543503230 xx

29/02/2024

🐴🐴 BEGINNER WAITING LIST🐴🐴
We are currently updating our childrens beginner waiting list. If you are on our waiting list and would still like to start lessons or not yet on our waiting list but would like to join please text 07543503230. Also please text if you are currently taking cancellation slots but would like a permanent place. We need child’s name, age & availability in terms of any days you are/are not available! Kind regards

23/02/2024

❗️🐴 NOTICE TO ALL SATURDAY CLIENTS ❗️🐴 please allow extra time travelling to us tomorrow due to the 4 way traffic lights at the top of the drive causing some mayhem 🙈 xx

15/02/2024

2 x child’s race safe back protectors. Size small, regular length! Both in good condition! In terms of age I would say age 4/5-7/8 (depending on height) and fairly slim build. In line with current safety standards and the best child’s back protector on the market, just outgrown by Bonnie & Harriet. RRP £169.00, looking for £75 each. Can be tried in the office! 🐴

20/12/2023

🐴🎄 Beginner group slots 🐴🎄
Friday 22nd @ 4.30
Saturday 23rd @ 12.00 or 3.30
Message 07543503230 to book!!

17/12/2023

🎄🎄🎄 HUGE thank you & well done to EVERYONE who came and supported our dressage/combined training competition today!! We were super proud of all the riders, some of which had little competition experience before today but you all did amazing 🤩!! I was also massively proud of all our horses who behaved impeccably and looked after all our riders, they did some super dressage tests and fab jump rounds, we really are blessed to have such amazing 4 legged friends!!! 🥰
Thanks also to all our staff & Volunteers that made it all happen from organisers, to writers (Kate) score collectors (Izzy), callers (Marie 🙈)the list goes on…we really appreciated the help of each and every one of you ###
Sadly I didn’t take any photos, however I think Vicky’s instagram reel sums the day up perfectly 🥰 🎄🐴 ###

16/12/2023

🎄🐴 A few last minute points for tomorrow 🎄🐴
🎄 spectators (family/friends) are welcome, however please car share if possible and you may be required to park on the estate opposite if our car park is full.
🎄 the SJ course can be walked before the start of every class.
🎄 please be ready and tacked up ready to mount around 20mins before your dressage time!! If you can spare the time to groom your horse/pony that would be great.
🎄 Vicky will be in the dressage warm up, Pip will be in the show jumping and Mandy & Marie will be around to help & co ordinate wherever it is needed!!!

Finally, I really hope everyone ENJOYS it, it’s not about winning, it’s the taking part and having fun that counts!! We are also aware some people missed out this year as all places were taken in 24hours so we are hoping to potentially put on more competitions like this!!

Here is a sneak peak at our lovely rosettes & prizes!! HUGE HUGE thanks to Staffordshire saddlery for the goody bags 🎅🎄🐴 ###

15/12/2023

🎄🐴 Please could everyone taking part in Sundays competition make sure you are PAID IN FULL by tomorrow please 🎄🐴 xx

14/12/2023

🎄🎅 COMBINED TRAINING & DRESSAGE TIMES/INFO🎄🎅
Please see below times for Sundays competition;
🎄 please arrive in plenty of time as you
may need to groom your horse/pony & give yourself 15-20 mins working in time ahead of your dressage!
🎄Smart riding attire & Xmas jumpers!!
🎄 For those who haven’t ridden a test before please arrive early to watch a couple of earlier riders if times permit!
🎄If you are planning on using a caller, try to arrange someone to call for you. If you don’t have a caller, we will do our best to get a member of staff or volunteer to call for you. I suggest learning your test regardless of having a caller!! YouTube is an excellent tool for learning a test!!
🎄Combined training rules - the highest score will win. This will be your dressage score minus any show jumping faults. Showjumping faults;
🎄 Knockdown 4 faults
🎄1 refusal 4 faults
🎄 2nd & subsequent refusals 8 faults
🎄 maximum SJ faults total is 40
🎄 In the event of equal marks, the highest dressage mark will win and if there is still a clash it will go on dressage collectives!!!
🎄 light refreshments will be provided 🧁 🍫 🥤 🥂
🎄 Special mention to Staffordshire Saddlery who are very kindly donating a goody bag to all participants!!
🎄ENJOY!!! 🐴🐴🐴

11/12/2023

For all those competing on Sunday. I have done the provisional horse list. Please note this is subject to change if I come across potential clashes so not guaranteed. Can you check you are (fairly!) happy with who I’ve put you on & you are entered in the correct class as I know a couple of people have swopped classes!! Any problems please let me know by either commenting on this post or messaging the riding school phone!!
🎄 Also for those who haven’t yet paid in full please can you do this before Sunday!
Many thanks 🐴

10/12/2023

One week to go until our dressage/combined training Xmas competition 🎅 🎄!!!! Exciting!!!
Weather is looking perfect 🤞🤞 dry & mild- let’s hope it doesn’t change!! Sashes & test sheets have arrived!!!
I will confirm horse selection tomorrow or Tuesday & times will be finalised and published on here by Thursday eve!! To give an idea;
Intro will run between 9.30 & 11 ish
Prelim 11ish - 12.30
Novice 12.30 - 1.30
And showjumping will start around 10am and run alongside the dressage!!
Smart clothing & Xmas jumpers!!
Xmas cupcakes and light refreshments will be provided & a glass of fizz 🥂 for the adults!! ###

Address

Poplars Farm, Hilderstone Road
Stoke-on-Trent
ST37NY

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 6:30pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 8pm
Saturday	8:30am - 5pm

Website

http://www.poplarsridingschool.co.uk/

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Videos

☀️ 🐴 SUMMER HACKING 🐴☀️ Existing clients only, please message or call in the office to book!

One of our beginner groups enjoying their lesson last night 🐎 look out for trusty honey at the back with little Zac keeping up with everyone 🤩🤩 make sure you watch with sound🎼🎼

This afternoons advanced groups were all about the Christmas Tree 🎄 🎅 🐴!! Not bad for an instructor with zero artistic or creative flare 🤣!! Ready for the annual Xmas party tomorrow xx

Merry Christmas to all our lovely customers, hope you all have a fabulous time!! Just a little clip of when Santa 🎅 nearly took a tumble in yesterday’s annual Christmas party 🙈😂🎄🏆🐴 ###