Equestrian Facilities
A beautiful place to ride in Derbyshire
Ilex Farm is a peaceful countryside yard offering professional equestrian facilities, flexible livery options, and a supportive environment for both horse and rider. Set within the quiet farmland of a small working arable farm, the yard enjoys beautiful views of the Derbyshire landscape and offers the perfect setting for daily riding, training, and care.
Conveniently located in the rural hamlet of Handley—between Chesterfield and Matlock—our facilities provide easy access to the surrounding bridleways, rolling countryside, and competition venues throughout the Peak District and Midlands. Whether you’re preparing for an event or enjoying time in the saddle, Ilex Farm is a welcoming home for riders of all levels.
With expert support, modern amenities, and year-round turnout, we offer everything your horse needs in a calm, well-managed environment.
Ilex Farm Livery
We offer flexible livery options designed to suit your individual needs and training goals. From DIY support to additional care services, our packages are tailored for convenience, comfort, and horse welfare.
DIY Livery Includes:
- Spacious stables with full yard access
- Year-round turnout and quality grazing
- Use of our all-weather manege with floodlighting and jumps
- Haylage included as required
Grass Livery Includes:
- Summer or winter grazing options
- Horses checked daily
- Daily fence and water checks
- Use of riding facilities
- Hay or haylage (charged extra when needed)
Extra Services Available
- Rugging up / turning out or bringing in
- Feeding and mucking out
- Holding for farrier or vet visits
- Evening yard duties (feed, rugs, stable prep)
- Horsebox or trailer parking
- Additional supervision (weekends or holidays)
Equestrian Training & Coaching in Derbyshire
Carolyn Pope BHSII – BHSI (Teaching and Equitation) / BD Level 2 Coach
Carolyn has a wealth of experience from working and training both horse and riders for many years. Carolyn competed as a young rider in all disciplines but has concentrated in more resent years on dressage and has spent many years training students for BHS Exams.
As a BHS registered instructor Carolyn attends regular continued professional development training run by the British Horse Society and British Dressage as well as numerous other lectures and demonstrations to ensure up to date knowledge in all spheres. She holds the necessary Child Protection Certificates and is CRB checked.
Carolyn now works with riders of all levels of ability and in all disciplines and currently is helping riders to prepare for BE events, BD competitions, Pony Club activities, show jumping and producing show horses.
Carolyn is available for coaching sessions either at Ilex Farm or on your own yard and offers tuition in private, semi private or group lessons.
Carolyn is a British Dressage List 6 judge and officiates at many events each year.
What people say about Ilex Farm
Frequently Asked Questions
What livery services are available at Ilex Farm in Derbyshire?
We offer flexible livery packages including DIY livery, grass livery, and optional extras such as rugging, turnout, mucking out, and vet/farrier handling. Full livery cover can also be arranged for weekends or holidays.
Where is Ilex Farm located?
Ilex Farm is based in Handley, near Clay Cross, between Chesterfield and Matlock in Derbyshire. We’re just a short drive from the Peak District, making us ideally placed for riders looking for countryside turnout and access to scenic bridleways.
Do you offer horse riding lessons at Ilex Farm?
Yes, we provide private, semi-private, and group horse riding lessons in Derbyshire with Carolyn Pope BHSI, a highly experienced coach and British Dressage judge. Lessons are tailored to all ages and abilities, including competition prep and BHS exam training.
Can visiting riders book lessons without livery?
Absolutely. You don’t need to be on livery to take part in lessons or clinics. We welcome visiting riders from Derbyshire and surrounding areas for one-off sessions or regular training.
Do you offer turnout all year round?
Yes, we provide year-round turnout on quality grazing fields, with regular checks on horses, fencing, and water. Grass livery options are available seasonally.
Is there a riding arena at the yard?
Yes, our facilities include a floodlit all-weather arena with a full set of jumps, available to all liveries and visiting riders.
Can I bring my horse for a short-term stay or holiday livery?
We occasionally offer short-term and holiday livery in Derbyshire, especially for riders staying in our on-site Holly Cottage. Please contact us in advance for availability.
Do you have secure trailer or horsebox parking?
Yes, we offer secure parking for horse trailers and lorries on-site, free for all liveries and visiting riders.
Our Location
Ilex Farm is situated in a quiet rural location in Handley, Derbyshire and is ideally suited for visiting the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales.
Get in touch
If you are interested in using our facilities or hiring our beautiful Holly Cottage for a peaceful getaway, please contact us.