Business Details
Expert Horse Riding Lessons in Hollesley
Poplar Park Equestrian Centre is a family-run establishment nestled in one of the UK's most scenic regions, offering a comprehensive range of equestrian services for riders of all ages and abilities. With over 15 years of experience in equine instruction, our team delivers tailored lessons in disciplines such as flatwork, jumping, and cross-country riding, supported by certified British Eventing coaches. Our facilities include a 1.20m cross-country course on free-draining sandy soil, showjumping arenas, and a 40m x 60m outdoor menage, all maintained to the highest standards.We provide full and part livery services with a focus on natural horse management, alongside holiday accommodations for equestrian enthusiasts. As organisers of the annual Poplar Park Horse Trials and EGB Endurance Ride, we combine decades of industry expertise with a passion for horsemanship to create a welcoming environment for both horses and riders.
Services
Riding Lessons
Livery Services
Facility Hire
Horse Trials
Endurance Rides
Accommodation
Carriage Driving
Cross-Country Schooling
Showjumping Courses
Dressage Training
Highlights and features
- We offer certified British Eventing instructors with 15+ years of teaching experience
- Our cross-country course features six levels on free-draining sandy soil
- Family-run centre combining traditional horsemanship with modern facilities
- On-site accommodation for both horses and riders available year-round
- Hosts of the annual Poplar Park Horse Trials since 2010
Associations and certifications
- British Eventing
Services
Riding Lessons
Our British Eventing-accredited instructors deliver tailored lessons for all abilities. Sessions cover flatwork, jumping, and cross-country riding using proven teaching methods. Riders can progress at their own pace while developing essential horsemanship skills in a supportive environment.
Livery Services
Full and part livery packages include daily turnout, stable management, and fitness programmes. Horses benefit from herd living and natural grazing patterns with access to 600 acres of hacking country. Additional services available on request.
Facility Hire
BE-accredited cross-country courses from 60cm to 1.20m are available year-round. Our facilities include showjumping arenas with fillers and a 40m x 60m outdoor menage with dressage boards for hire by the hour.
Equestrian Events
We host the annual Poplar Park Horse Trials and EGB Endurance Ride. The venue accommodates affiliated events with professional course design by Jim Hardwick and Joe Weller on optimal sandy terrain.
Accommodation
On-site accommodation includes a farmhouse flat and shepherd's hut. Riders can camp with horses in lorries or tents, with power hook-ups and stabling available for visiting equines.
People
Jim Hardwick
Co-Owner & Course Designer
Certified British Eventing course designer with 40 years' experience across multiple disciplines. Former structural engineer and Welsh pony breeder, now focusing on equestrian facility management.
Trisha Hardwick
Co-Owner
Endurance riding expert with international squad experience. Specialises in show hunter breeding and has produced multiple county-level champions at Poplar Park.
Jon Hardwick
Head Instructor
Equine Science graduate with 15 years' teaching experience. Specialises in young horse development and offers lessons tailored to individual rider progression.
Bo Taylor
Event Organiser
British Eventing Accredited Coach with UKCC Level 2 qualification. Organiser of annual horse trials and endurance rides, focusing on rider biomechanics and horse welfare.
Questions
What riding lesson options are available?
We offer private, semi-private, shared, and group lessons covering flatwork, jumping, and cross-country riding for all skill levels.
Can I hire facilities for competitions?
Our BE-accredited cross-country course and showjumping arenas are available for hire, with capacity for events up to BE Intermediate level.
What livery packages do you offer?
We provide full, part, and working livery packages with options for night stabling, individual turnout, and tailored fitness programmes.
Are accommodation options available?
Yes, we offer a self-contained farmhouse flat, shepherd's hut, and lorry camping with full on-site facilities.
Do you host equestrian events?
We organise the annual Poplar Park Horse Trials and EGB Endurance Ride, with regular cross-country schooling days throughout the year.
Reviews (4)
Bobby Pike Locke
Sep 10, 2021
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Had two rides this week on Erik and blazer, both great horses. Chose to ride here whilst on holiday visiting family who live nearby. As an instructor myself I would recommend this stables to all riders, had some lovely rides in the Suffolk countryside.
Marianne Bailey
May 20, 2021
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Had the most wonderful hack on a day off from work. 2 hours of peace and tranquility with some fast paced canters across secluded stunning areas of beauty. Expertly led by Jon, horse that knew its job and was perfect and with great company hacking out. Just loved it thank you so much Marianne
Kez
Apr 28, 2021
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Not had a riding lesson in over 15yrs, I was so scared! Always felt a little intimidated as they hold BE events etc. But Zoe and Barney looked after me and even cantered at the end. Thank you have booked again
Lucy Dunthorne
Jun 08, 2020
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Love this place, many excellent times here (in fact every time) instructor John-Jo and horse Joey. My friend told me about this place and it really is the perfect solution for a horse owner who is currently horse less! Highly recommended.
