Derbyshire Pony Trekking — Attraction in Bolsover

We had a bad experience with Derbyshire Pony Treking in terms of communication which cost us £420 ! Three of us booked a 4.5 hour ride with afternoon tea. We paid in full months in advance. The policy does clearly state no refunds but of course you never think you will need to cancel. The week of our ride one of us ( 3 we’re going) had a death in the family. On the day of the ride another had flu symptoms come on , but dosed up with paracetamol. The third member had been up all night with D & V and the moment we saw her we know she would not be safe to ride. We tried to call the centre 3 times but there was no answer at all. We left a message. Then we texted to ask a question ‘ could we reschedule ? ‘ We were in the car , we had a text back saying we have cancelled you , horses not now available . This was 2 hours before our ride. We immediately phoned as that was not what we asked.

No one called or would answer the phone. We emailed asking if we could credit at least some of our £120 fee each to another ride. We got a very short email saying no . Apparently the one vegan afternoon tea was very expensive and the food at the pub was already prepared. We understood they had lost the time on three horses and did not expect a refund or full credit; just something. We were not impressed that we were never able to speak with anyone . Think carefully before paying in full. If you do suffer anything unforeseen you are done for. To all of us the £120 was a lot of money simply lost. We will definitely not be returning; had we been given any kind of credit to another ride we would have taken that. Moreover we were not impressed that during the whole experience we could not get to speak to anyone and the action taken was not what we had requested. Very very unimpressed with...

I have been going to DPT since January 2024. I had not been on a horse for 18 years. When I filled my original forms in I was honest (as everyone should be) because by doing that they are then able to match you with a horse for your ability. On that very first trek I was allocated Mr Tubs, and he was brilliant. He gave me such a confidence boost, and really looked after me. That is complete testament to Jayne, and all the staff that are there and care for the horses. From then, I have absolutely fallen head over heels for DPT and I am there multiple times a month. I have had a variety of treks, I have been on solo treks, group treks, private one to one lessons. I have also been on so many of the horses: Mr Tubs, Florence, Connie, Heidi, Ruffus, Ace, Sassy, Lorraine. And they have all been brilliant. Whenever I email to book in the staff always get back to me within 24 hours and I know once I have paid my deposit my booking is confirmed and that’s when I can put it in my diary. I have been down at the yard when the farrier is there, and the care the horses receive is the best. I absolutely adore the staff that are there currently: Jayne, Bec, Kelly, Amelie, Ethan, and Lee have always been amazing with me. When I come to DPT it’s been amazing for me, as I get to spend time in the beautiful countryside with these beautiful horses and if I’m ever with Bec or particularly Kelly it’s like riding with my close friend and counsellor. I don’t just learn horse skills when I’m there but life skills too. I am just so so grateful that I only live 20 minutes away. And so grateful for Jayne letting us ride all of her beautiful horses. Thank you so much, and see you...

We visiting DPT a few days ago and was extremely disappointed. From the second we turned up the staff were rude, no welcome at all, very short and snappy.

We filled in the forms as requested and once we handed them back to the lady in the cabin, we asked about riding hats and was sharply told to wait and she will sort it later. We then got our hats sorted and our vests which we had to pay £1 each for.

We didn’t get the chance to meet the horse before mounting on, and we had to walk & trot in the car park to show our capability… this would be fine if the car park was much bigger. At this moment we felt like everyone was judging everyone’s riding skills and felt quite “bitchy”.

On the “trek” we practically walked the whole time, we got offered moments where we can stay behind and trot or canter but unfortunately it wasn’t long enough. We actually had less than a hour trek, which we paid £35 each for an hour. We have found other places with the same price and they seemed to have better routes and more opportunities to trot/canter.

Once the “trek” finished, we got instructed to get off the horse and was stood around waiting for one of the girls to collect the horse of us. There was no “how did you find it” etc. it was very short & abrupt.

This was our first time visiting and I can say it will be our last, it’s ashame as the reviews online are positive. We felt like we was doing the staff a favour by going on their horses, not the...