Days Out | Equine Dreams of Bawtry

This review is slightly different to the ones I've previously written (Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Rufford Abbey Park, Thoresby Hall Park) as this is a place that I hadn't visited pre-Covid-19 and so I can't really compare their new procedure to their old one, I can only comment on how I feel they've catered to the needs of the Covid-19 world.

Do I Need To Book In Advance To Visit Equine Dreams, Bawtry?

Yes you are required to book a visit to Equine Dreams. You can contact them by telephone on 01302 751 698 or via email at: info@equinedreamsbawtry.co.uk. They are also active on various social media platforms, see their website for more information.

What To Expect When You Arrive At Equine Dreams, Bawtry?

As I said we'd never been to Equine Dreams before and we were visiting for my sister-in-laws birthday. We wanted to do something to treat the kids and what better way than a pony ride followed by feeding the animals at the petting zoo. 

First impressions were that the place is very small. There was adequate parking situated opposite the main entrance. The main entrance is a purpose built shed. The aesthetics of the place are a little underwhelming but true to the attractions purpose. This is very much a working horse yard that offers proper riding lessons. The pony rides and petting zoo are more of a side business rather than the main attraction and that is quite obvious but not necessarily in a negative way. 

How Well Can You Adhere To Social Distancing At Equine Dreams, Bawtry

We were greeted by the loveliest staff members who showed us through to the horse stable area. Hand sanitizer was provided as we entered through the gate. The entirety of the venue is outside but the walkway where the horses move from stable to field is slightly too narrow to allow for comfortable social distancing and there seemed to be a constant stream of horses going to and fro. There are also family members congregating in that area so it did feel a little full. 

There is only a certain amount of social distancing you can do when riding a horse. Firstly the children needed helmets. These were sorted out in a small dedicated shed. The children are both 2 years old and so some encouragement and fitting was required, for this staff members have to be quite hands on but I felt they handled it in a safe manner, though no PPE (personal protective equipment) was worn by them. I'm unsure if this will have changed since masks have become mandatory in most indoor environments. 

The pony ride itself involves a staff member walking the horse around the route for 3 laps. Depending on the age of the child it may also involve a parent accompanying the child, meaning potentially 3 people around the horse. I accompanied Iris and had to come in close contact with the trainer, albeit briefly just to adjust Iris into the saddle. Personally I think PPE would have made me feel more at ease. The staff were brilliant at encouraging the little ones to have a go. Unfortunately my niece just couldn't be persuaded so Iris got to have two turns! 

The petting zoo area is very small. It consists of four pens containing sheep, alpaca, donkeys and ponies and an area for rabbits. Animal feed is available to purchase from the main office/shop area. As the area is so small social distancing may be difficult if more than two families are inside the petting area. There is hand sanitizer provided at the entrance/exit. 

What Facilities Are Available At Equine Dreams, Bawtry

As this attraction is primarily about providing proper horse lessons and training it isn't really geared up for visitors. It does have a toilet area with 2 unisex toilets and facilities to wash your hands. It was surprisingly clean considering it looks like a shed from the outside. 

I believe that there is ordinarily a cafe on site but it appeared to just be offering takeaway drinks and snacks which is more than ample for the amount of time you would spend here. 

Other than that there isn't much else apart from the main horse riding area and separate petting zoo.

My Thoughts On Visiting Equine Dreams, Bawtry

As this was our first time visiting Equine Dreams, Bawtry I expected a something a little more catered toward visitors but I got the impression that this was a functioning horse yard running a sideline business. The petting zoo was slightly disappointing as it was so small but for around £10 for a pony ride and some time feeding the animals I think it's well worth it. They've provided opportunities for hand sanitization and have implemented a booking system to avoid overcrowding. Due to the size of the place I think they've done all that they can to ensure a covid-19 safe space. My only recommendation would be to incorporate PPE. Iris really enjoyed herself and we'd be happy to return.  

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