Freedom Woods

My daughter has ridden here for the past 4 years. The place has gone totally down hill. The owner clearly does not care about the quality of the riding program for the student riders– he has repeatedly refused to buy new horses for the students, despite both parents and trainers asking. If there is a horse that spooks when another horse gets too close and throws students on a regular basis, than that is not an appropriate horse teaching horse! The trainer turnover is terrible so we are done there. It’s too bad but the owner clearly doesn’t care about student safety and won’t invest in more student horses. (He seems to be focused on the borders– I’d bet they have a better experience there than student riders.)

I’ve been taking lessons here a few times a week for about 2 months, after taking a 12-​year hiatus from riding. I was worried after reading some of the negative reviews posted here (in the hidden reviews section), but I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience so far.
My trainer is Betsy, and she’s phenomenal. Re-​learning how to ride as an adult is completely different than learning as a child, and Betsy is great at articulating any adjustments I need to make. I’ve made a lot of progress during my short time back in the saddle, and I have her to thank.
The school horses appear to be healthy and well-​fed. They are limited in terms of how many hours per day/​days per week they can be ridden, so they aren’t overworked like the school horses at a lot of other barns I’ve ridden at. Their stalls are clean and appear to be mucked regularly. They also have little individual drinking fountains so their water is always fresh. The tack appears to be in good condition and organized. Also, it’s my understanding that the school horses DO get turnout, so I’m not sure why another review says they don’t?
I don’t have experience with boarding, but I know they have been doing a lot of construction lately, and most of the stalls are new or in the process of being re-​built. The new stalls look great, and I’m sure the barn will look amazing once it’s finished.
Last but not least, Kathy and Jill and the front desk are both awesome!

I started riding here about two months ago, 2 – 3 times weekly. So far, I have nothing but praise for the instructors, how this facility is run, and my overall experience has been fantastic! In non-​horse communities like Chicago, it’s very difficult to find a stable that is close to the city, has reasonable availability, fair rates and people to that make it fun –Freedom Woods is a rare find. Love it!

Although I am not boarding a horse at this stable, based on my experience I would have to completely disagree with the previous review. I have found the people who teach and work here to be nothing but professional, smart, thoughtful, hard-​working and respectful to human and horse a like. Kathy at the front desk is efficient and works to accomodate schedules. I am so impressed with how intelligent, experienced and patient the instructors – Sandy, Laura, etc.– are. I did not find this to be true at other stables, so it was refreshing. I think the previous reviewer needs to remember that you get out of it what you put into it. If you treat others with respect and courtesy, most of the time you will get it back.

WHAT a hell hole. I boarded at this barn for just under a year and in my time there, 4 horses died including mine from colic. There is no turn out, the school horses live in their own feces and urine and the arena’s are over crowded. Best part yet is the barn owners piece of work owner who is stuck up and abuses her horses (jumping a 3 year old warmblood 4 and a half feet and not warming her horses up). They drug a lot here, too, and just have a horrible set up. People are rude and there are way too many politics. Board is overpriced and nowhere near worth the money.