I just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you so much for welcoming Evelyn and I into the Hayswood Equestrian family. 

Since Evelyn started riding in October, she has developed a keen interest in everything equestrian. She had basic knowledge about horses before she started with you, but since then she has learnt so much, from how to care for the pony’s, tacking up, riding, jumping etc. I can see her confidence improving each week with the help from your fantastic team. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. 

I believe the time she spends at Hayswood has helped her through a tricky start at secondary school, with being able to make new friends and acquaintances outside of her school. 

You and your team are one in a million! 

We look forward to growing and learning with Hayswood in the future.

(2018)

I have always loved horses and have worked in the equine industry since 2002, I started freelance coaching in 2006 and started coaching for Hayswood in 2010.

I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was about 8/9 years old. Through people and my mum helping and training me to cope with my condition I was able to stay in main stream schools and gain my degree and equestrian qualifications. Without their help through the years I would not be where I am today. I love working for Hayswood as it is a place that would have helped when I was younger. Hayswood offers a friendly safe and inclusive environment for people to come and learn about horses.

I am very happy to be part of the coaching team, and part of the job is coaching people with different learing differences, and personal problems of all types. This new venture ‘Making a Difference with Hayswood’ will mean that we can make a differnce for so many more people.

Jo Judd

• Registered British Horse Society Stage 4 senior coach in complete horsemanship
• Equestrain Qualifications Level 3 generic coach
• City & Guilds Level 4 in education and training
• International Neuro Linguistic Practice diploma
• Horses Helping People Therapeutic Horsemanship Centre certificate
• Alex Milliken BHS AI (Toby 6 & Isla 5)

(2017)

My children have been taking regular riding lessons at Hayswood for a year and have learnt to ride independently in a happy and safe environment.
The instructors are experienced and sympathetic - the children have fun whilst they learn and look forward to their weekly lessons with new-found confidence.
I always recommend Hayswood.

My daughter has been riding at Hayswood Equestrian Centre for over 2 years now.  We moved from Australia, to settle in the UK in March 2017. The move was stressful for the whole family, but my daughter (who was 12 years old at the time), found it extremely difficult.  She became gradually more and more depressed and anxious, and she also developed an eating disorder.

She has always loved horses, and she took riding lessons back in Australia.  In an attempt to help her settle into her new life here, we wanted her to continue riding, but we wanted to find a riding school that would be supportive and therapeutic for her.  Hayswood Equestrian Centre came highly recommended, and we are thrilled with the progress that she has made since joining. Not only is she challenged in a supportive manner, but her riding skills, as well as her overall confidence have improved remarkably.  

Linda, we wanted to personally thank you, as well as all of your staff at Hayswood Equestrain Centre for the care and support you have given to our duaghter.... for being flexible with her lessons, when she was struggling and for never giving up on her. I cannot recommend Hayswood Equestrian Centre highly enough!

(2019)

My daughter is 9 and has been attending Hayswood Equestrian for approx 5 years.

She has always been shy with new people and reluctant to be with people she doesn't know well. However, she has seemed at home at Hayswood ever since she started and it wasn’t long before she was wanting to do the fun days that they hold there - without knowing any of the children who were going!! Of course, the horses are a big draw for her (she seemed so happy from the moment she sat on her first pony there), but I think that it is also the warm friendly atmosphere that the team working there, and those who keep their horses there, that makes her most comfortable. 

She has increased the time she spends there over the last 5 years - including the loan scheme, fun days and I feel that her confidence has improved greatly over that time. 

She is now loaning a pony full time and seems to get so much enjoyment from being at the stables. Being there more myself these days I can understand why - just being there, riding and doing horsey jobs feels so relaxing. It seems to run like a well oiled machine -  people helping each other and sharing their knowledge about horse welfare and how to improve your riding. 

(2020)

I have nothing but praise for Linda and her team at Hayswood Equestrian: they have provided a safe, happy haven for my daughter. Naomi has not had the easiest time at school, she has experienced hurtful comments about her weight from other students and on occasion been excluded from playground games. Hayswood is her go to place, she feels calm around the horses and carrying out stable chores has made her feel strong and fit. The positive atmosphere has empowered her to be herself and at school she is quite vocal in her support of the more vulnerable pupils; the headteacher has recognised her kindness in the school assembly. We are unlikely to be in a position to afford a horse but Linda has done all that she can to allow Naomi, and other children who attend the stables, the chance to build a bond with a pony and feel, even if just for a few hours, that they do; and that is priceless!

(2020)

I just wanted to send you a huge thank you for all that you do for Sophie and I. Your gorgeous ponies have helped my nervous little girl flourish in confidence, she has never been happier or more relaxed than she is at the stables, mucking out (I wish she’d do that in her bedroom), grooming, washing, cleaning and mostly riding ... she wished she could be there the entire time! Mostly though thank you for your kindness and patience with me, taking on a middle-aged woman who has always dreamed of riding, but never been able do due to my health, can’t be easy! Being able to ride has helped me in so many ways, with both my mental and physical health, with my fitness and with my confidence. Everyone at the stables is so kind and welcoming, they never laugh at silly questions, they never moan about having to hold the lead reign, they could not be more helpful and welcoming to us! A year on and the stables has become a second home, a place where we both feel utterly comfortable and content, no matter what we’re doing there! The best part of it all has to be the horses! My goodness they must have magical powers, they seem to just know how to make you feel better, how to help you relax and when to make you laugh! For all that you have done for us thank-you,
(2019)

My daughter Imogen has been riding at Hayswood Equestrian for nearly 6 years and has been given many opportunities to take part in Cross country, show jumping and dressage even though she doesn’t have her own pony. Everyone is included and made to feel welcome whatever their ability or age. 

I am excited to hear of the proposed new venture and I feel Linda and her team will excel. Linda has also taught my nephew who has autism. Her teaching style was perfect for his needs and both Linda and the Hayswood family are able to adapt their teaching to suit all. 

My daughter can’t wait for the Summer camp this year. Well done team Hayswood. 

(2018)

Congratulations on reaching the final 4, a fantastic achievement by one and all.  Just would like to say that having judged several of your dressage competitions I was impressed by the standard of riding from the lead rein classes upwards.  A credit to you all.

Best of luck in the final judging

Being an adult novice learning to ride (properly) for the first time I was very nervous about the possibility of being judged, I needn’t have worried. From the outset Linda, the team and everyone involved at Hayswood Equestrian made me feel welcomed and at ease. The instructors don’t just teach, they coach you to be the best rider and horse person possible. They take into account your personal goals and help you to achieve them in a supportive and fun environment. They also know when to challenge you, to help you develop confidence in your own abilities, they know what each rider is capable of, often better than the rider themselves! I can’t thank the Hayswood team enough, not just teaching me to ride and care for the horses but for helping me to find my confidence again. Riding has become a way for me to escape mentally from work pressures but the unique thing about Hayswood is that it offers more than that, they’ve given me a sense of place, somewhere I can relax, breathe and always know I’ll always be welcomed. I cannot recommend or thank them enough. 

⭐️⭐️. Outstanding ⭐️⭐️

I have been having weekly lessons at Hayswood for a couple of years with a group of mature ladies. It is the highlight of my week!

The horses and ponies want for nothing and are looked after by knowledgeable staff.

The staff are all polite, friendly and supportive both of each other and clients.

The tuition is second to none with all abilities catered for, progressive and varied lessons in either groups or on an individual basis.

Linda is an absolutely pleasure to know, always has time to talk to clients, obviously loves her job and is well liked by her staff.

I highly recommend this riding school to anyone.

We love Hayswood Equestrian!

My daughter has been looking for a ridding school for ages and after quite a few unsuccessful attempts we were recommended we try Hayswood Equestrian! From the first day we knew this was a game changer! The horses, the facilities but most of all the wonderful Linda and her team of incredible people.

There are so many things we love about this wonderful school but to mention a few - it’s the individual attention, the incredible tuition and care, the progress and confidence my daughter has made in the few short months she has been there!

This riding school is inclusive, professional, caring and unique! Safety is always a priority! Attention to students, their individual needs and progress, pulls this equestrian school miles apart from others.

We feel so lucky to have found it and become part of it. Thank you, Linda and Hayswood Equestrian! We have one very happy, safe and advanced horse rider!

My two sons have been riding at Hayswood for 2 years now and I can only sing the highest praises of this business.

There is no aspect of Hayswood I could criticise.

All instructors are vibrant, approachable, passionate and responsible with the children and the opportunities the kids are being given are great. Yard days, camp, XC, loan scheme, everything is covered for all levels. Facilities are super and ever improving and the atmosphere is great. Another mum and I agreed jokingly that “all stars are aligned here”. Not to forget the fantastic ponies and horses who really look after the kids and the on-site restaurant where the parents are being looked after too with home cooked food. What more can you ask for in a riding school?

The quality of teaching at Hayswood is first class, varied content and progressive teaching methods to grow your child’s skills & confidence. The varied range of additional activity options on top of lessons is excellent. Recently we have done cross country and jumping competitions which both my girls throughly enjoyed, with more to come over the coming months. The horses are kept to an excellent care standard and staff and helpers are respectful. I have recommended Hayswood to a number of people who now undertake activities at Hayswood.

eturner to riding but have had great teaching and encouragement particularly from Linda & Tonita. The welfare of the horses is a priority and I'm always greeted with a warm welcome. Hayswood offer a variety of riding experiences which means there's something for everyone and a lot of options for each. Sausage butty or Sunday roast at Chez Barlow get a thumbs up from us too. Thank you, Linda, your team and everyone at Hayswood.

'We are the family from Ukraine and we are very grateful to Linda and Hayswood equestrian team that our daughter has the opportunity to join fantastic riding lessons for almost a year. It is unforgettable experience and emotions for her and she loves the team and horses very much. Thank you!'

The whole team at Hayswood are always so friendly and welcoming.  My children love riding here.  The yard is always immaculate and the horses and ponies so well looked after – nothing but 5-star treatment.  The children are encouraged to learn at a pace that suits them and I think it's brilliant that they offer opportunities like showjumping and dressage for riders of all abilities.

“Linda, the team and the horses have changed my autistic, 7-year old’s life. She is unable to attend school through extreme anxiety and cannot leave my side but being with the pony’s and staff at Hayswood has given her confidence that we have never seen before. The stable and Linda through their Making a Difference program are doing everything possible to change the lives of families like ours and she always goes the extra mile. The stables and horses are so beautifully kept and show days, fun days etc are well organised and perfectly executed. My daughter has attended 3 fun days and has managed to go on her own without me for the first time which is ground-breaking for her and us as a family. I cannot recommend them highly enough.”

I am so pleased that we came across Linda and her wonderful yard at Haywood through a recommendation from a friend. As soon as we arrived at the yard on for our first visit I was impressed by the organised yet friendly atmosphere and overall professionalism. The yard is always clean and well organised, all the staff and children are always very welcoming and friendly and I am more than happy that my daughter is in safe hands. 

Lessons are usually busy but despite this all levels within the group are catered for and each child is looked as an individual and taught accordingly. I have been impressed by how well the instructors ensure that the children understand not only what they are doing in an exercise but also why they are doing it and then at the end of the lesson there is always reflection on how the lesson has gone. 

I have been to several yards since my daughter started riding 5 years ago but the others cannot begin to compare with the overall experience given by Hayswood. My 10-year-old daughter herself feels she has learnt more in the last few months at Hayswood than she has for a long time. There are also some wonderful experiences offers by Haywood including opportunities to go to shows, cross country schooling and the loan scheme (which we would love to be involved in if we were closer to the yard!).

I have been teaching with Making a Difference since it was launched in 2020 and have noticed the benefits first hand. Many of the children get the opportunity to work to ride in a fun and safe environment. The children grow in confidence with every session and develop beautiful connections with the ponies they meet, it offers a stable, safe, and fun environment and a chance to be themselves. Horses are incredible animals that are sensitive to human body language and emotion, they really can tell how we are feeling, and this makes them such beneficial tools in a therapeutic setting.”

Hayswood is a “proper” riding school, as riding schools should, and used to be.  Everyone is welcomed warmly, regardless of age and ability, and there is a wonderful assortment of horses and ponies for all levels of riding.  Tuition is top notch, staff are warm and friendly, and the facilities are excellent.  There are regular shows where all ages and abilities are catered for, summer camps and the amazing “Making a difference” therapeutic horsemanship scheme.  Quite simply, outstanding.

Whenever someone asks for a recommendation for a riding school, I never have any hesitation in suggesting Hayswood.  The instructors are excellent and very encouraging, there is a great selection of horses and ponies of all sizes and the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive.  Second to none.

The most wonderful riding school with fantastic teachers who inspire my little girl.  My daughter leaves each lesson with the biggest smile on her face.  The stables are immaculately clean and its clear to see the horses thrive in such a lovely environment where they want for nothing.  Everybody at the riding school is friendly and polite especially all of the youngsters who help and who are a credit to the school.

The team at Hayswood are exceptional.  It’s a wonderful livery yard, and excellent teaching from tiny tots up to the older customers.  A range of very suitable horses and ponies, which are fantastically cared for by the team.

It’s a fun and friendly atmosphere, where everyone helps each other out.  I wouldn’t hesitate to livery my horses there if I didn’t have my own yard.

I’m lucky enough to be invited to teach there on occasions and have found the clients to be super eager and friendly.

Always a pleasure to work at this venue.