Frequently Asked Questions

Are you open everyday?

We are open Tuesday to Sunday. We are closed on Mondays, except Bank Holiday Mondays.

When is the best time to phone?

Between 8am and 6.30pm. When booking please give a contact phone number.


What time do the rides start?

10.30am and 2pm. Please arrive in plenty of time, staff will be available 10 minutes before rides begin.


Do I need to pay a deposit and how should I pay?

To secure phone bookings, credit/debit card details will be taken or you can send a cheque (made payable to Northfield Farm) for £10 per person. However payment on the day is cash or a cheque with a bank guarantee card.


What happens if I come with a friend who can't ride?

On short rides (one hour) and full day rides we go at the pace of the least experienced rider. However on the two hour ride the riders can be split up on two occasions with the experienced riders taking a longer and faster route than the novice riders before rejoining the slower ride.

The escorts are happy to lead any clients from their own horse if required.

Do you provide hats?

Yes.
We also have a small selection of boots which, if they fit, clients are welcome to borrow.

What should I wear?

Full length trousers or jeans. As the centre is in an exposed area, layers of warm clothing are advisable. Bring waterproof clothing if necessary. Please don't wear costume jewelry such as loop earrings which may get caught in headgear etc.

Are trainers OK?

They are not ideal, they are acceptable as a last resort but should be well fastened and not the slip on variety. Safety stirrups are used on the saddles.

What size are your horses?

13.2 to 17 hands, the majority being 15 hands plus.
We can cater for weights up to 17 stone.
Accurate details of height, weight and experience must be given when booking so that we can match you to the right horse.

What do we do on arrival?

You will be required to fill in and sign a form detailing riding experience and pay before going out.
You will be fitted with a riding hat and then taken to where the horses are. Once there you will be issued with a high vis tabard.

Do you go on the roads?

All the rides have a percentage of road work however the roads are very open and mainly country lanes. The level surface of roads enables novice riders to establish their balance before going on to the more rugged bridle paths.


Where do the rides go?

The two hour ride follows a route to Three Shires Head. There are other routes depending on rider experience.

At what age do you take children?

From 8 years old unless the child  has regular lessons or is an experienced rider.
We do go out on the roads and our minimum pony size is 13.2 hands.

What if there is bad weather forecast?

Weather conditions we cancel rides for are: thunder and lightning, ice and snow.
We will let riders know if we have to cancel hence the importance of a contact phone number.
We reserve the right to shorten rides due to impending adverse weather conditions. For example: if there is torrential rain at Flash we will contact clients ASAP if we feel the weather is too severe.

What happens if I cancel?

If cancelled within 24 hours of the ride, the full price must be paid.
If cancelled within 72 hours, the deposit is lost.
For one and two hour rides- if cancelling within 24 hours the full price will be taken
For full day rides- if cancelling within 48 hours the full price must be paid.
For Trail Rides, weekend/short breaks including accommodation- payment is required two weeks prior to the holiday. The deposit is non-refundable.
Clients are advised to take out holiday insurance for trail rides and short breaks.

How many people do I need in a group before I qualify for group rates?

Discuss with the proprietor, please phone for rates and terms.

Are you insured? Am I insured if I fall off?

Northfield Farm has public liability insurance. However riders ride at their own risk and we advise all clients to have their own personal accident insurance.

Is there parking at the Centre?

Yes. There is parking for clients on the lower drive, cars are parked at owner's risk.

Do you give lessons?

No. There are no formal lessons but we do endeavour to help on rides.  

Contact address: Northfield Farm Flash Near Buxton Derbyshire SK17 0SW