Docklands Equestrian Centre — Attraction in London

Yard manager is CLUELESS on horses!!!!!!! No turnout ANYWHERE All I see is posts on the social media about horses dying. Helpers/volunteers don’t get their points marked down (I was a volunteer but didn’t bother coming back because I was too ashamed to be associated with the yard). Some members of staff really have no regard for the horses. One staff member made a comment about “beating manners into it” gesturing to a horse in the arena which just so happened to be mine. IT WAS OVERHEARD BY MY PARENTS AND ANOTHER STAFF MWMBER!!!! I WAS NEVER APOLOGISED TO FOR THE THREAT MADE TOWARDS MY HORSE!!! I later found out they allowed this staff member to ride him. I AM NOT HAPPY!!!!! I was not happy about loaning him to the riding school in the first place but had no choice whilst I sorted out a better life for him and me elsewhere.

Riding School wise, I can only comment on what I’ve seen watching the way horses behave in lessons (barely any energy most of the time) and horses look sad in their eyes. They ignored the weight limit set for my horse and he had sores, scars and behaviours that WERE NOT there before. I did take photographic evidence to cover my own back of these sores and behaviours. (HE CAME BACK TO ME TERRIFIED OF PEOPLE TOUCHING HIS HEAD AND NECK!!! I’M STILL CURIOUS AS TO WHY AND WHO!!!!! Horses don’t get scared of hands near their head and neck UNLESS they were hurt. Any explanations?

I was a livery here so can only speak from a Livery’s perspective but I didn’t like the way they dealt with things. Everyone is two-faced, WE NEVER GOT OUR DEPOSIT BACK!!!!!!!! Couldn’t do anything with my horse without having someone breathe down my neck or tell me I couldn’t. It got that bad that I put the livery agreement in my dad’s name and refused to go out there without someone. The liveries are AMAZING AND FRIENDLY. Some yard staff are not (most staff are very friendly). Yard manager is rude and you can’t complain about her because you’re not allowed to go to the “Trustees”. This yard used to be a good yard but it’s not. My horse became dangerous and was in severe pain. They claimed to have called a back person/chiropractor out for him but MY CHIROPRACTOR for my horse found multiple problems which were corrected.

MY HORSE IS NOW ON AN FEI YARD WITH GRAND PRIX HORSES, FEI VETS AND MEMBERS OF STAFF WHO ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING WITH YOUNG, HIGHLY BRED HORSES, A BIGGER STABLE THAN WHAT HE HAD (ITS ACTUALLY OPEN AND AIRY!) AND A HUGE FIELD!!!!

I wish this yard had turnout and better management because when I first heard of Docklands, it had such a good reputation and everything was run with professionalism. My own experience (October 2020 - September 2021) was AWFUL!!! PERSONALLY I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO...

PLEASE READ THIS COMMENT IT IS LONG BUT WORTH IT! ALL THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW. Docklands Equestrian Centre is SOOO amazing! Before you listen to these 1 or 2 star comments, make sure to ACTUALLY go there because some people haven't been there since this is not verified by the owners but I have been here and I rode the 'Gentle Giant' He was REALLY gentle and it was my first time riding so I was impressed. He was quite Giant but it is in his nickname so I wasn't expecting anything less. I LOVE him and he is byfar my favourite and I have only been here once. The manager is incredible!!! She is so polite and funny and cheerful!!! The Gentle Giant is actually called Pluto. He is so good and during the ride he didn't buck or spook or anything at all. I may not be an expert but I am pretty sure there is NO MARKS OR CUTS OR FORM OF ABUSE on the horses. I might be coming back. It is too good not to. Thanks for having me.You can book group lessons but they are sometimes fully booked. Make sure to book early but if you can't then you can come every Saturday and Sunday for laps for riding the horse. The laps are £1.50 per lap. Guys, you have to prebook for any group/semi private or private lessons. Also, they give you boots, hats and gloves free of charge. You can book lessons with the manager and it is £15 for group lessons it can also be £25 for the group lessons too. BRILLIANT, GREAT PLACE AND WELL CARED FOR HORSE. THE HORSES GET TREATS AFTER SOMEONE RIDES THEM AND THEY GET LOVE. Disabled people and able bodied people can BOTH ride. Also, you can park at the property. There is a large car park at the back of the property. You can watch people ride horses when wearing your hats and boots and there are seats for watching too. Please volunteer!!! Would recommend to anyone!!! This deserves 5stars not 4. This is the MOST recent comment in 2022. Please volunteer. I am volunteering when I am 12 and you can get free riding lessons whilst you work. You get volunteering points. Bye, everyone. Don't forget to VOLUNTEER AND ACTUALLY CHECK...

Went for the pony rides which are Saturday & Sunday 1:00pm - 2:30pm only.£1.50 per lap or 4 for £5 which is pretty good value. I know it may seem hard to find as there isn’t a sign but its located on claps gate lane so at the roundabout (near sainsburys petrol pump) turn towards Lidl and follow that road all the way down, you will pass the entrance on your right before going further down and entering a larger open area where you can park your car. There is a side entrance with metal gates you walk down the path. Upon entering the rather large reception you may purchase your tickets. There is a refreshments machine also located here with seating and there is a toilet. Children under ten must be supervised (you have to walk round with them), 10+ may ride unaccompanied. Once you have your tickets you make your way through to the larger hall, where you can choose your wellies or boots or attempt to 😂 . In some places they are nicely stacked where you can see the size written on top most will be in pairs but then so good luck. others are just strewn all wrong/stood paired wrong sizes and you’ll go hunting hunting .( It’s best to wear long trousers on the day ) Afterwards you wait in line for your turn, they choose a suitable sized helmet for you to use. They do ask people to take pictures at the end so if you do have someone else with you I’d recommend standing on the left side there’s seats and a platform where you can video or photograph with great views 📸📹 Overall it was a nice experience for the kids to have experienced with upclose contact with ponies. What a lovely variety they have aswell , many have been rescued from places like the newham city farm. I think the work the do is great and they are looking for volunteers 11+ (I think it’s a great idea for kids as a starting hobby who knows🤔 I do recommend dropping by with the kids to enjoy.. Have fun and if you have more time why don’t you consider having a pony for a day! Ps I hope you work on the...