Rider Testimonials

I took my horse for a “taster session” to try out the improved facilities and have a lesson with Denise. The new surfaces in the indoor and outdoor schools are lovely and I know my horse liked them as he had a bigger spring in his steps and I really felt the difference in his movement. The lesson with Denise helped us in the next level of straightness and collection and I’m looking forward to returning in the future

Gemma Collins - Staffordshire

Thanks for another superb lesson - even enjoyed the sitting trot without stirrups and am proud that I didn't fall off - especially as it's never been my strong point! Feeling I am progressing every time and gaining the right skills to give my next horse the correct start to it's education. I will be doing lots of practice!

Sam Webb - Telford

Had my first riding lesson on Monday on Lottie. I haven't rode in 9 years and lost my confidence.. I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Nicci for being so lovely and giving me the confidence to get back to it. And a huge thank you to lottie of course for being such a gentle giant and helping me along the way! I can't wait for my next lesson! Thanks so much xx

Tiggy Holford - Staffordshire

If you want to give your dressage training a boost this is the place to go. Denise and her team are really professional and look after both you and your horse to a very high standard. The ride with your mind training combined with learning theory helps you get the most out of your sessions. I particularly enjoy the dismounted classes which help with applying theory to practice. An excellent training centre with a focus making clients feel valued.

Carol Green - West Midlands

What a gem this riding school is, Denise and her staff are so friendly, down to earth and have so much experience to share . My shy 10 year old has developed into a confident little rider who looks forward to every lesson come rain or shine. Thank you.

Karen Jackson - Staffordshire

I have been having riding lessons for just over a year now and I couldn't have wished for a better atmosphere. The staff are always friendly and welcoming. Nikki, my instructor is an excellent teacher, thanks to her I have built up lots of confidence in the saddle and enjoy my lessons immensely

Kelly Jones - Cannock, Staffordshire

My daughter loves her lessons. She talks about the improvements she makes every week. The feedback from Nic is constructive and encourages my daughter to ride her best every week.

Dawn - Staffordshire

I have had riding lessons at The Dressage Secret for a couple of years now and can't stop coming back for more! I cannot fault the school horses who all have saintly patience, remarkable dressage skills and the ability to provide confidence to all levels of riders. Every lesson offers me the opportunity to learn something new and I am always excitedly anticipating my return to do it all over again. Denise and Nikki are to be commended on their compassionate coaching skills, impressive knowledge and pure love they have for their horses. I highly recommend their instructive and affordable lessons for riders of all ages and experiences.

Zowie Waring - Penkridge, Staffordshire

This is a great training centre, Denise and her team are great teachers with a fantastic level of experience and knowledge of riding and working with horses. They are all friendly and helpful to everyone whatever level of riding ability. Since working with Denise my riding has come on in leaps and bounds. She explains the hows and whys of horse riding in a way anyone can understand and really cares about you, the horse and improving your partnership. Her horses are all wonderful, safe but not plods, and well looked after. I would recommend anyone looking to improve their riding to get in touch with Denise.

Su Morgan - Coventry

As a returning rider I started riding again about a year ago but became frustrated as I seemed to reach a sticking point. Despite trying 3 different riding schools in my area and having regular private lessons I felt I was unable to translate my understanding into action and I started to become disheartened as I was unable to manage smooth transitions, especially from trot to canter. All my teachers were friendly and helpful but I was just not getting it! So after coming across Denise teaching at a 4th riding school I began to read up on RWYM and had a half hour lesson on a horse simulator with her. This was the start of my journey and I have since had two illuminating private lessons with Denise on Puzzle and Vic (both lovely!) and I am looking forward to a lunge lesson and hack tomorrow. I travel 90 minutes to get to the Dressage Secret but it's worth it because of the quality of individual attention that you get as well as a really friendly and open welcome. Denise offers top level coaching at a price that ordinary people can afford and her methods will help you understand more than you can ever did before! Good riding is so much more than just sitting on a horse so if you want to learn the Dressage Secret (or how to be in tune with your horse, even if you don’t have your own) Denise can help you. Highly recommended.

Paula Thorpe - Widnes

Just back from a 3 day stay with friends and our 3 horses. We have truly discovered a gem here; fantastic b&b for horses and riders!! The hospitality is second to none with friendly and professional staff who clearly love their jobs and love horses. My mare can be a little stressy when away from home but was immediately at home in the warm atmosphere - they know when they are around good people! Being able to spend 3 whole days with Denise was a real treat; an extremely talented trainer who has an amazing ability to tailor her training to the individual needs of each horse and rider. I can't recommend Denise and this equestrian facility highly enough. Planning our next trip.... :-)

Marie Hanlon - Nottingham

Friendly staff, lovely horses, and fresh logical thinking behind the teaching. Cater for all abilities and Denise is able to converse and explain her techniques in many different ways to ensure the pupil understands. Probably the best riding school in the area!!! Easily accessible, car parking and situated on the edge of Cannock chase.

Marie Macdonald - Staffordshire

As a professional show jumping rider, I find Denise's eye for detail , especially regarding my biomechanics really gives me the edge when producing the horses to be the best they can be.

Steph Platts - Derbyshire

Just to say what a fantastic team at the TDS. my daughter lives for Sunday ABRS training with Nikki, Who in my daughters words is the "best ever" She is always calm patient and reassuring and always knows a trick or two to get the very best out of horse and rider...

Emma Shenton - Rugeley, Staffs

If you want to step change your training up several gears go to the amazing and talented coach Denise O'Reilly at the lovely new location of TDS at Church Farm, Tong. I had two lessons with Denise this week and am delighted by the improvement in my young dressage horse who grew in confidence and performance in just two sessions. Denise has a real talent for finding the key piece to work on to improve, challenging both me and my horse but giving us both total confidence that we can achieve it - and we invariably do! The new centre at Church Farm is relaxed and professional set in gorgeous Shropshire countryside with excellent hacking (to be sampled another time) and really easy access from M54. The outdoor school has a superb new surface to ride on and I'm sure the indoor will be equally good once Covid allows lessons in there! We've come away with confidence, homework to focus on and full of excitement about future training and competitions - I'm looking forward to more lessons as well as clinics and training camps this summer! An enormous thank you to Denise and her friendly team at TDS

George Walker - Worcestershire

Great facilities. Wonderful new team led by Denise O'Reilly an expert in biomechanics, who inspires and enthuses all around her

Penny Jones - Staffordshire

Great first lesson with Denise this evening on lovely George. Lots to think about can’t wait for my next lesson

Mary - Staffordshire

At last Denise and her team have the facilities to go further. This lady has an incredible training and teaching method for every scale of rider ability The horses she has sourced for you to train on are well mannered and schooled beautifully. she has helped me so much on my own horses to get that extra little something from them and me !! DO NOT HESITATE TO BOOK !!!!

Kate Morris - Somerset

I came here for my first dressage lesson and left feeling very inspired by everything I had experienced. The horses are trained very well and I enjoyed Denise's simple and clear style of teaching through an ear piece which meant I could concentrate on my riding. The schoolmaster was very well trained and an excellent teacher too and I took away a lot of learning. I am looking forward to coming back. Excellent.

Anon. - Stafford