Rustic Wood Stable

Excellent place to board your horse with direct forest preserve trail access. Under new ownership in the past year, Betty and Joe have made many improvements to this stable. They are friendly, hands on, experienced horse people who are working hard to build a good business. Your horse is in good hands here.

I love rustic woods. Great owners and a great group of boarders

My daughter/​family and I have been at Rustic for almost 4 years. We started out as share boarders (and are grateful to his previous owner for taking a chance on us) and recently became owners of the one horse we took care of. The decision to take on that huge, scary decision was strongly due to the overwhelming support of our «barn» family at Rustic. We chose to stay and not go to a neighboring barn because of the people at Rustic, the small-​inclusive environment, and overall well-​being and happiness of our horse here. Gone are the days of «know-​it-​all» experts, barn bullies, and overall drama and tension. Gone are the days of hoarding shavings when the supply was getting low. Gone are the days of being able to ride your horse up a manure pile. Gone are the days of poor grade feed (our horse is now on a diet because he has gained a few unnecessary pounds due to loving the feed). Gone are the days of dark, dingy aisles and arena (Joe and Betty put in skylights). The new owners took much needed control over a situation that needed to be done to turn this barn around. It is sad that people can be so nasty on these posts when all anyone wants is a place to enjoy with their horse (s) and friends. The people that left or were asked to leave couldn’t accept leadership, structure and change for the better. New” Rustic is now a barn where you can go and enjoy your horse, hang-​out with good people and make new memories. The owners and other boarders are supportive of «new» horse people and are always around for questions, advice or help. The people that are here now are part of a very special group of horse people. It is amazing how much we truly enjoy this barn and are PROUD to call it our home away from home.

Update: Betty and Joe recently added more sand to the indoor arena. The footing is wonderful. The outdoor arena footing is pretty close to perfect. Both arenas have been getting dragged multiple times a week.
The new owners, Betty and Joe, are wonderful horsemen. They know what they are doing and are very helpful if you have any questions. They have made huge improvements in the barns and the property which include sky lights in the aisles and indoor arena, new paddocks and a renovated club room. They are supportive of boarders who want to learn and take care of their horses the proper way. Rustic woods currently has 3 independent trainers in various disciplines but all are willing to help everyone in the barn.
The hay has been great since they took over.
The owners did the right thing by «weeding out» the individuals who chose not to follow the rules and that were inappropriate to other boarders. Every single boarder and employee of rustic is caring and easy to get along with. The barn is a large, supportive family now.
The horses nicker at Betty when she walks in the barn and if you ever need help, you can bet Joe will be there to help you.
They take wonderful care of the horses and this is the happiest I’ve been at this barn in over 10 years. I know my horses look great and are happy as well.
Come and visit rustic for yourself, before you believe the negative reviews from the people who were asked to leave.

Rustic Woods is fantastic. Betty and Joe are wonderful people who work incredibly hard to keep the barn up and running, and to keep horses and boarders happy, healthy, and safe. Being at Rustic is almost like being part of it’s own little community. Everyone is friendly. Everyone is helpful. There are wonderful trainers available to give lessons if you choose. You absolutely cannot beat the location or the facilities. The indoor arena is beautiful with skylights to let in the natural sunlight. There’s an adorable club house to sit and warm up in the winter, or unwind after a hot summer day, complete with a coffee maker and water cooler. There are 5 outdoor turnouts and a large, beautiful outdoor arena with lights for riding at night and an area for visitors to sit and watch. And the best part about the location is the gorgeous riding trails right across Kean Ave. from the stable.
Don’t let negative reviews steer you away. Come and see Rustic Woods for yourself, and realize what a great place it is. I rode here as a little girl, and returned last year after trying out 7 other stables in 20+ years. When faced with an opportunity to go elsewhere recently, I stayed, because in my honest opinion, no other place around comes close to Rustic.