Darky Dale Forest Stables

I've been riding at Darky Dale for almost two years now and since then I have learnt loads and made many new friends. As a sharer, I can say that the staff and helpers look after you and always make sure that you're happy and confident before doing anything. It's a wonderful place for beginners and experienced riders alike with many spectacular views of the countryside around Shropshire.

Have to admit I was a little worried by the lack of a welcome when we first arrived as communication to arrange had been so good. However soon as we met Abbi who was taking us out she was excellent!!! She sorted our helmets and helped us onto horses and took us out on a lovely hack. Our children are young 5+6 and haven't ridden much and needed some help, she was super patient! She helped them walk and trot and stayed with the boys so me and my hubby could have a trot and canter. Can't thank you enough Abbi we've had a lovely afternoon ❤

We booked a family hack and really enjoyed the ride around the forest.
We had our 2 children 8 and 11 years old, and Carl has been brilliant with them. A great teacher, just the right way of teaching, and also good for us to be reminded on some basics.
Horses were all prepared for the ride before we arrived, all well organised and prepared.
We really had a great time. And it looks like a good menage as well for teaching dressage and jumping.

Can't recommend Darky Dale stables enough! The staff are wonderful and there are loads of sessions in offer for every level and skill (they
even have ponies for younger children). The prices are very reasonable too.

It's located in a wonderful spot in the nature and they also offer rides in the forest. We had a mixed ability hack with Carl and we enjoyed it massively. Carl is one of those people who's passionate about his job and he makes sure you have a fantastic experience in a safe way. Gina, Vicky and the support staff who helped us were all brilliant.

Definitely will be coming back next time we're in the area and will recommend to everyone we know visiting Shropshire.

A stunning setting which is very good value for money.

My daughter has been riding here for 2 months now, many thanks to the wonderful instructors, owner and all the helpers who have supported her from a very nervous first rider to becoming part of the darky dale family! It has been so wonderful to watch her progression in both confidence and ability.

Thank you for all you continue to do.

Fantastic riding school. Thoughtful, flexible, relaxed staff. Gina, the owner, is great.

My nearly-3 yr old joined a kids lesson and had a wonderful time. They put her on a lovely, steady little pony called Lacey which I then led round the corral. She even did some trotting.

I then went out on an adults, advanced riders 2hr evening hack which was some of the nicest riding that I've ever done. My horse, Apollo, was an easy, relaxed ride but with plenty of energy for cantering which we did quite a bit of. The hack was through the woods surrounding the stables, no road riding, no cars, plenty of space. The group was made up mostly of regulars who were friendly, helpful and welcoming. As I say, it was some of the best riding that I've done.

Amazing experience for the whole family!

We had our horse (and pony) riding on Saturday exploring the forests around Darky Dale - Carl and Elly May were extremely helpful, they really went the extra mile!
The next day, my son wanted some more so he had a pony riding lesson, where Phoebe helped him a lot!

Thank you all guys! Hope to see you again :)

Darky Dale Forest Stables is a great place to enjoy a family hack on holiday in the Shropshire area. Carl was an excellent guide who kept us entertained and safe throughout the beautiful wooden hillside route, and went well over our time so we could enjoy a particularly scenic route with a stunning photo opportunity. Each of our allotted horses had lovely, calm personalities and responded very well to instructions. If you're looking for a memorable family activity on holiday in the area, I highly recommend you email Gina for a booking.

My 8 year old niece has been having lessons for a few months and loves it so much at darky dale.

The owners and instructors are fantasic with the children and she has progressed so quickly with them.

There is a lovely variety of packages to choose from and it is excellent value.

The setting is absolutely stunning.

Above all, the owners clearly really loce and care for the horses abd ponys and they are treated so well.

Very friendly staff. Thoroughly enjoyed our pony trekking today. Nice and relaxing ride. Beautiful views. Safe route. Staff were so attentive. After our ride we were made very welcome, we sat and had a hot drink and a lovely chat.😁

Lovely place! Thanks you Gina. Thank you Carl for the great adventures in the amazing forest:-) Both my children had a fabulous time - they miss Daisy the dog and all the ponies (there were tears!). Treasure their rosettes.

My daughter had a fantastic time on the Stowe hill picnic ride loved every minute of it, the stables are located in a beautiful area, I would highly recommend Darky dale forest stables, very nice owner and staff all very welcoming.

A rambling mess of rickety barbed fencing, car wrecks, grimey caravans, stolen signs, vicious dogs and rude owners. We stumbled on this eyesore trying to find our way out of this (otherwise) beautiful valley. The owner appeared and subjected us to a tirade of anger, telling us to take a footpath back up the hillside rather than use his track to get back to the road. As it was getting dark we pleaded with him but he continued to be rude. Several minutes later a young man roared after us in his car, and confronted us with further abuse. He clearly had had too much sherry with his Christmas lunch and appeared to lose control of his car on his way back. I can't imagine why anyone would want to entrust their young sons and daughters to these people. I expect they are also due a visit from the RSPCA

My 3 year old loved his first lesson here. He can't wait to ride 'his' pony again 🤣 The lesson/trek was varied and fun. Thanks all.

Recently stayed here for one night airb&b and can thoroughly recommend it for its peace, tranquillity, A1+ hosting and facilities. Will return when the opportunity arises. Perfect surroundings in which to
relax, walk, nature watch, pony trek.

Wonderful experience. Riding straight into an AONB. No roads. Stunning scenery. Lovely horses and owners. We are really looking forward to going again.

4 children between 6 & 11 enjoyed their riding experience. Good tuition & good price.

Another fab day at Darky Dale. Professional, friendly teaching, lovely setting, happy children

Girls absolutely love this place 1000% would recommend 👌😍

Amazing place for a family day out.