What our customers say about us...

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the hireling horses on Saturday. We had an absolutely fantastic day marked by zero falls and plenty of hedges which was a testament to how wonderful each of the horses you provided us with were. The biggest challenge was getting each of the riders to give up their horses at the end!"

"I live about an hour’s drive from Jill Carenza#s Cotswolds Riding and wanted a change from my usual yards as the weather often meant that the ground was considered too wet for fast work. I ride weekly and consider myself an intermediate rider so I booked their 2 hour experienced ride. Before heading out I had an assessment in the school (small additional charge). I was a bit anxious about this as I’ve been hacking out for a year and wondered how many bad habits I’d picked up from not being in regular school lessons. I needn’t have worried as the assessment was quite simple - walk, trot and canter (in light seat) on both reins. I passed and then set out on the fabulous Caesar. The ride was a fast one and definitely not for novices! Body protectors are compulsory but there is no charge to rent one. We had a lot of fast canters/gallops including one canter that was 3/4 mile long. Longest I’ve ever done! I have to confess to being worn out on the home straight so it’s definitely one for the fitter rider."

"I have had several wonderful experiences with this place and it was highly recommended to me by numerous people before I booked. They have exceptional horses and provide great instruction and tailor it to what you want to do. I came by myself from the USA in Jan and it was so great I brought my husband and nieces with me again in July of this year. I'm booking a return trip in Jan. now. My nieces who had never ridden were given a great instructional lesson and then led on a nice trail. My husband and I went with them and everyone was awed by the beautiful scenery. I also stayed each time in their B and B and it was convenient and very nice!"

"This was our sixth or seventh ride with Cotswold Riding, and we continue to be impressed with the quality of the horses and the beauty of the region. Cannot recommend this stable enough! We will absolutely be back, probably every time we visit England."

"I just wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone for this week, you really impressed us with everything going on and everyone seemed to keep such a cool head despite the huge amount of people you had to get ready at times! Everyone had such an amazing time and everyone wants to come back again............... Lizzie was super chuffed that with your support she's been signed off to help at her local English Heritage site for taking part at walk in the side saddle displays that they have! I have my mojo back after not riding my horse since Easter and am looking forward to my next adventure."

"Travelled from Upminster Essex to the Cotswolds, three hours there, three hours back, feeling ill with travel sickness all for the valley rides a couple of times a year, so worth it. Such a friendly wonderful place the scenery absolutely stunning and the horses amazing we fell in love with Spider this time, but couldn't get in him in the boot of the car his adorable. We was lucky to have such lovely weather, lots of lovely baby lambs and the beautiful poppies, the countryside is breathtaking. Wish I could go every week. Can't wait to do it all again with my friends just an amazing day finished off with a lovely lunch and cold drink and a lovely chat about wonderful memories we just made. 100% recommend. Thank you your the best"

"Such a lucky find on a brisk December afternoon. The views were amazing and the village you ride through is adorable."

"... my daughter and I recently went on a 2 hour hack up through wonderful countryside. Like another reviewer, I had also lost my confidence cantering because of a fall several decades ago. I was matched to the perfect horse so felt in control and at no time did I feel that familiar panic when cantering. The yard was very professional when it came to safety and had many very good horses (not half dead old dobbins) and all the staff were also very friendly and understanding. I only wish I lived nearer and not several hundred miles away, or I would ride here weekly. But I 'll definitely come back here in the future. A big thank you for restoring my confidence."

"I have used Jill’s hirelings in the past. Always fit, will jump anything and always beautifully turned out. This week I had 4 x 1hr lessons to prepare me for this season with Jill. 2 in the school, finishing over the XC jumps down the road. 2 ‘up the hill.’ I’m a different rider after these sessions. Jill is great at building confidence, by pushing you the right amount and providing a great horse, chosen to meet your size and skill. Great yard, staff super-helpful."

"Our family spent a week renting a cottage in Broadway, travelling with friends who had ridden with Jill Carenza Cotswolds Riding in the past. We rode out on several hacks with various combinations of riding ability and my 13 year-old daughter took several jumping lessons. The hacks were fantastic - beautiful and just the right amount of guiding (my husband doesn't ride and went out on a lead line with a second guide; an 8 year-old got some confidence building by having another guide ride next to him along the way). I rode four different horses during the week. Each was forward going but obedient, which seemed to be the case for every mount my friends and family had as well. The guides were personable and professional. I highly recommend the longer (3.5-4 hour) Valley Ride for those that have the background to go on an extended hack. Emily and Jill gave my daughter fun and instructive lessons. She jumped higher than she ever has before, including some cross-country jumps in a ridiculously scenic field. All in all an experience that I look forward to repeating."

"Really impressed with everything about this yard. My niece (beginner) and I (novice) had a joint lesson with Jill Carenza. She was really encouraging and supportive with her teaching. I learnt loads and she has given me exercises to practice. Horse were perfect for the job and staff all friendly and helpful. Cannot wait to come back."

"I've been to Jill Carenza Equestrian (Cotswolds Riding) 3 times in the last 2 year. Each visit has outshone the previous one. It's great to see new developments and continuous improvements being made to the facilities and operations at the yard each time I come back. I could highlight numerous things that make a weekend at Jill's special: the breath-taking views you have over the Cotswolds when going on a hack or as a backdrop to your lessons; instructors that keep lessons interesting by making use of multiple arenas across the various riding disciplines; or even the amazing stay at "The Vine" B&B (also owned and run by Jill and her team) with a breakfast that puts hotels to shame.  These are all facts, but the one that stands out for me personally is the quality of the horses. I've not seen any other yard with such a broad selection of horses. I've ridden several of their horses and have fallen in love each one of them. I love the fact that the instructors are able to assess your riding skills and match you up with one of their amazing horses. The horses are super fit and well cared for. A lot of time and effort has gone into training these horses and I feel privileged to have my lessons on them."

"Amazing place was over from Ireland and rode here a few times it was brilliant. Went on the hacks and the views are breath taking and so stunning. Will always remember this place and holds a special place in my heart. Would totally recommend anyone to visit here."

"Could not have asked for anything better. World class cosy B&B, horses and staff � best in the world."

"Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful."

"I just wanted to say a big thank you to Jill, Emily and all the staff at Cotswolds Riding for our weekend there on Saturday and Sunday. I absolutely loved it and came away with a massive confidence boost.."

"This stables are amazing, the horses are well cared for, well trained and are not the usual pony trekking sort. The instructors are first class, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. They cater for all levels, children, beginners and those with plenty of experience. There is always the right horse and instructor to suit your needs. This stable is top class and the best I have ever been to."

"Good adventures for all."

"..I want to thank you so much for our recent stay at the Vine, and our two hacks which were amazing. We had a wonderful time, and will absolutely be back sometime soon."

"Fantastic stay."

"I wanted to�write and thank you for a really excellent weekend's riding last weekend. Ana and I both really enjoyed�it and I felt like I learnt so much in just two days, which is exactly what I wanted. I learnt so much in my flat work lessons and the jumping was fantastic - thanks�SO much to Katy for changing our hack to another jumping lesson on Sunday afternoon. We loved the jumping at the triangle and it really made the weekend - especially doing some bigger jumps! It was really lots of fun, thank you."

"So good to be back in Stanton and spoilt with such wonderful breakfasts. Riding out in this beautiful countryside is a truly unique experience."

"A memory for life."

"Thanks again for 2 days of lovely hacking. We went to Jill Carenza for the fifth�year, 8 experienced riders from Stockholm,�Sweden. As always nice safe good horses, the tour led by Matt - thanks to him. And lovely stay at Jill's B&B The Vine. We will come back again."

"Huge huge thanks to Jill and everyone at�Cotswolds Riding at Jill Carenza Equestrian�for a flipping amazing weekend. I haven't been there in nearly 2 years, but was treated like an old friend and the horses are as fab as always.

I'm a bit scared to weigh myself after 2 of Sally's incredible veggie English breakfasts at Jill�s B&B, aaaaaand two yummy dinners at�The Mount Inn, Stanton......but it's my B day tomozzles, and B days are NOT for standing on the scales. They are for eating and drinking even more. Huzzah!!

The horses at Jill�s are so lovely and honest, but they don't always give it away for free. Which is how it should be I think, because as well as having an awesomely fun weekend, I feel like I've achieved something too! My body deffo feels it. Not sure how I'm going to get out of bed tomorrow morning."

"Wonderful"

"...feels like we are in a dream..."

"Those expecting to stay at the Marriott will be disappointed but if you're looking for a warm and welcoming stay in a beautiful traditional house, you're in the right place. Few modern conveniences but a great deal of quiet comfort were just what we were looking for."

"This is a 17th Century property with bags of character .We wanted an en suite and thus we were sent to the attic ( smile) which was nicely eccentric and unforgettable. ...The breakfast here was one of the best we have had in many years of using b&b's on holidays. A rather special place that needs a sense of fun to enjoy."

"You have some splendid countryside, but is was the quality of both the horses and your colleagues which impressed us most. Thank you."