We've boarded our horse for two years now. The self waterer, the heated barn and the care have been…read moreexcellent. Our horse is thriving there. The facility is well cared for and the care schedule is great. Horses are turned out everyday except Sundays and holidays with the option of paying guys extra for Sunday turnout. Blanket, mask, boot service available. Several trainers available for lessons on multiple days a week at various times. Multiple levels of disciplines.

McCarthy Farm is a privately-owned stable located on 25 semi-wooded acres in Elgin. Directly across…read morethe street is a beautiful forest preserve with trails for riding. It's 400 acres! And approximately 5 1/2 miles of paths. The facilities feature a heated barn with large stalls and two arenas (one indoor and one outdoor). Amenities include large tack rooms, wash stalls for horses and wash rooms with showers. My friend boards her horse here and we went one weekend. The grounds and stables are immaculate, the horses very happy and well cared for, and the people there look like they just enjoy every minute of their time there. Even though I am generally not a fan of this area, if I could work here I would leave the city in a heartbeat! It's that great.

I am not sure how it has taken so long to write this review! Two years ago, TQA literally saved me…read more My confidence had unfortunately been broken by a series of unfortunate circumstances. As much as I loved every aspect of riding and horsemanship...I truly was at a low point, and possibly could have quit any day. Dundee and T'Neil are so understanding and in-tune with their students. They have helped me believe in myself again! They have also matched not only myself, but also my daughter with our dream ponies. We have learned so much, and have had a great time doing it. The property is beautiful, and the horses are HAPPY and HEALTHY! Sabrina is so attentive to our horses-and treats them as if they are her own. Our TQA family is worth every mile driven (we live in Chicago!). Love TQA!!!!

Truly the best experience I've had in my 5 years of riding! I'd previously ridden at two other…read morebarns and the trainers at Thoroughquest put in so much work and time to give me what I can say was the best experience and the most help to restructure my riding technique. They used methods I'd never seen before to tweak little aspects of my posture and riding altogether. While my previous instructions at other barns had been rooted in posture and somewhat jerky hand and leg movements the trainers here helped to establish my understanding of how we can communicate with horses fluently through the gentle yet effective signaling of our hands and leg. Dundee and TNeil are some of the most knowledgeable (and patient) trainers you'll meet and the way that they instruct is clear and concise! Lots of reminders to stretch through my lower leg cause that's what I struggled with in the beginning lol. I've never been to a barn that takes better care of their horses from hoof to ear I'm sure their ponies are amongst the happiest in the world! They have large turnout areas a lovely indoor and outdoor arena and hosted get togethers to bring the team closer together. The barn is clean and I've never met anyone there that wasn't kind and helpful. They're truly a dedicated group of riders and I wish I'd found them sooner.

Took my first riding lesson here yesterday! I must say it was a great experience and thoroughly…read moreenjoyed the lesson. The trainer, Randy was very knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, friendly, gave his full focus and attention to my lesson and pushed me to be the best. I liked how he taught me new ways of riding by using my body and legs. Randy's teaching techniques are unique! They work to better you as a rider and strength your legs. The place is clean and well kept. The horses are healthy and beautiful. The only thing I would like to see change about this place is providing better English Saddles. I felt the saddle I rode on was a bit old looking. Also, the road NEEDS to be paved from the entrance to the barn. A big facility like that should look good from exterior to interior. Clients look for a well kept facility and it says a lot about how it's ran!

Simply amazing! Our children at Little People's Country LOVED every second of our experience!…read moreTruely a highlight of our summer. The animals were so beautiful and gentle. The staff from Country Yard Critters was so patient and caring with our students and their animals. We will absolutely have them back!

I had a first hand view of the care & treatment of animals at country yard critters & the ignorance…read moreof those caring for animals. The owner does not have good knowledge of farm animals, and along with that, she will let absolutely anybody work for her with no training & prolonged time periods without pay. The horses often work events without breaks for the entire day & the owner frequently forgets the proper tools to care for the horses. The way that the owner acts around clients is unprofessional & possibly frightening to children. She would say things about animals that have passed away as if it were no big deal.

Frontenac Farm is the very best horse boarding and training facility I have boarded my horse at…read more The stalls and aisles are airy, let in natural light, and are cleaned daily. Cindi and her staff closely monitor each horse for soundness, wellness, and nutrition, and boarders are a friendly community looking out for the welfare of other boarders' horses. Horses are turned out daily except in severe weather. Cindi is knowledgeable, kind, patient, and actively involved in the welfare of each horse. I have boarded horses for over 40 years. Frontenac Farm is by far the best.

I had the opportunity to tour this stable recently. This appears to be a very well run operation -…read morevery clean, very organized. The owner/manager (Cindy) was wonderful to deal with. They are a boarding stable - no public lessons. Cindy does provide lessons to boarders. Everyone at the stable was great to deal with. Horses looked happy and well cared for. Would I recommend: Yes. Would I return: Yes.

I LOVE riding with Wildflower Arabians! Marie is the most talented and knowledgeable trainer in…read morethe area. Cash and I are in good hands and look forward to many long years with this program.

Marie at Wild Flower Arabians has been such a remarkable influence in my daughter's life. When we…read moremet Marie, my daughter was nervously learning to canter. Marie's endless patience, confidence, and talent have helped my daughter grow into a confident and skilled rider. It is just amazing to see her doing things she could not have imagined having doing just a few years ago. My younger daughter is now also taking beginner lessons, and Marie is equally wonderful working with her, making sure her lessons are fun and safe. She helps her riders set goals and then works with them to achieve those goals. As a parent of a beginner and an advanced rider, I strongly recommend Wild Flower Arabians for riders at all levels.

my horse has been at this barn for years. Would not move him anywhere else. He is well taken care…read moreof . I don't have to worry if I am not able to make it out everyday. Owner & workers are very helpful and really watch out for the need of each horse. Would really recommend checking out this stables. Each horse has there own paddock which helps avoid any injuries from other horses.

I have been at Invitation Stables for a year. My horse is well taken care of. They know she is a…read morelittle finicky with her water intake and they watch how much she drinks daily & if there is an issue, I get called right away. Owner is on premises. Huge Indoor (heated) arena. Heated washroom for people, plus warm running water. Hay & Grain 2x's a day, supplements are not a problem. Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There are horse related activates: play dates, clinicians, bbq's. There is a trainer on premises which is a big plus for me. I also like the fact that the owner is a horse owner himself. This is a no-nonsense facility, with no drama, which is partly due to the approach of the no-nonsense owner.