Cannock Chase Trekking Centre

“This is the best, most professional and ethical riding/trekking centre I’ve ever been to. After not having ridden for a few decades since selling our horses and equestrian home, my sister and I searched long and hard for a superior quality place to go to for our return to riding, and we looked all over the UK. Horse welfare, and rider safety is their key concern. Riders are matched to horses suitable for their declared ability, height and weight. (The staff at Cannock Chase are also a good judge of ability and weight…honesty is respected and admired by them, and helps them match you to the right horse so you can have the best possible ride) And this applies to new riders, and regulars - the on the day matching of rider to horse is what I think puts Cannock Chase into a league of its own. The quality of the horses and ponies is spectacular - they have national champion horses in their herd, including hunters, eventers, and prestigious event winners - and some rather rare horses too - I’d never seen an American Paint Stallion in the flesh before I went to ride there. The horses are all extremely well schooled and cared for, and the staff care just as much for the riders - they have made accommodations for me with my struggles to mount and dismount - as I declared myself as someone with less mobility/flexibility than a regular horse rider, they always ensure I have the highest mounting block so I can usually avoid the 1-2-3 bounce mount from the mounting block/stirrup/saddle - I can mount just by reaching my leg over the saddle unless I’ve asked to ride the spectacular Miss Darcy! (18 hands!) 3 staff members are there to help me dismount too - because of my bad knees, I am still hesitant to dismount onto the floor. I must say if you are honest with them about your riding ability and physical capabilities/limitations, you will get an experience second to none. There are also always plenty of staff out on the ride to supervise each trek, who are in constant communication with each other - everything is done properly and with professionalism. The location is out of this world - the view riding across the Chase just amplifies the experience. The bistro serves the best food, with a nice variety and seasonal drinks - the pumpkin spice latte was so good I had to have a second one after my last ride. And if you are very lucky, the resident photographer may be there to take some incredible action shots! Aside from the professionalism and concern for welfare and safety being my main observation, there is also such a friendly vibe at the ranch. Smiles all round, and a genuine sense of joy at being there and riding - be it the guest riders or the riding or bistro staff! Let’s just say I drove down one time to take a look at the ranch without riding that day….and a month or two later, I’ve gone and bought quality riding kit for every season - as I’m now back in the saddle again for the long term, and I don’t trust my safety to any other riding establishment. I can not recommend this place highly enough. It’s horse riding done right, by professional horse lovers.”

“What an amazing experience! I booked the 1:30pm two hour trek this afternoon and was not disappointed! I’m not an experienced rider and although I was excited I was still a tad nervous, the staff however made the entire experience so welcoming and comfortable. They were excellent with me and ensured I had a great time throughout, teaching me as we went and before long I felt so comfortable riding. The scenery is so picturesque, I was partnered with Paddy the beautiful Irish Cob who was a pleasure to ride. I would 100% recommend to anyone wanting to have a fun day out, again fantastic staff especially Daisy and Kasey and the rest of the girls (so sorry I didn’t catch names). We also had food after the trek which again was lovely high quality food and coffee. Just 10/10 experience 😄”

“We visited Cannock Chase Trekking Centre today. I surprised my husband for our wedding anniversary. It was my husbands first time on a horse and each and every member of staff were fantastic. So helpful and knowledgeable, I cant thank you all enough for making our anniversary so memorable. I had the pleasure of ridding Paddy whilst my husband rode Baby. We had some food and coffee in the bistro too and everything was delicious. We will definitely be back for more. Thank you! xxx”

“Brilliant experience, an owner who loves her business, her staff, her horses and her guests. We had an amazing time and totally loved it - was it worth the money ABSOLUTELY x Anyone looking for a great day out, birthday treat or somewhere to free your mind BOOK IT xx. We will be back xx Thanks to ALL the staff who were attentive, helpful and great company along the trek it was great and you were AMAZING 👏👏Thank you Splash, Paddy and Dolly for looking after us xxx ❤️❤️❤️”