Horseback Riding in Illinois

Looking for a Proven Horse Trainer or Riding Instructor? One Who Builds Confidence in Riders & Brings Out the Best in Every Horse?
Meet Above the Rails—Now Accepting New Clients at Rocking L Equine!

Whether you’re looking to build your confidence in the saddle, start your green horse the right way, or finally get help with that “problem horse” no one else could reach—Above the Rails is here, and she’s raising the standard.

Trainer Spotlight:
With over 7 years of hands-on experience working with everything from fresh colts to difficult horses, and from first-time riders to competitive youth and adults, Above the Rails is more than a business—it’s a mission.

Meet the woman behind the reins:
Karli Atheron
Took undergrad classes at the prestigious William Woods University, she holds expericance in both Equine Science and Equine-Assisted Therapy. That means she doesn’t just teach how to ride—she understands the psychology of the horse, the heart of the rider, and how to bring them together in harmony.

Karli’s experience speaks volumes:
• Equine Therapy Center: Spent a year training therapy horses for a therapeutic riding program designed to connect people and horses in powerful ways.
• Soaring Eagle Stables: Taught over 30 lessons a week for 3 years—developing strong riders, happy horses, and a lesson program that’s still talked about today.
• Horse Training: From colt starting to finishing, she’s helped horses of all ages and disciplines become calm, confident, and responsive partners. If you’ve got a horse who’s green, hot, sour, or unsure—this is the trainer you’ve been searching for.

Services Offered:
• Colt Starting
• Problem Solving & Behavior Rehab
• Tune-ups & Finishing
• Riding Lessons (Beginner to Advanced)
• Youth & Adult Confidence Building
• Customized Training Plans
• Groundwork & Horsemanship Foundations

Why Clients Love Karli
• Calm. Clear. Compassionate.
• Builds trust with horse and rider.
• Teaches in a way that makes sense.
• Gets results without shortcuts or gimmicks.
• Fully insured. Safe. Professional. Proven.

Located at Rocking L Equine in Seneca, IL
Come train in a facility that shares your high standards. Beautiful arenas, friendly community, and a positive, no-drama atmosphere.

Limited Training & Lesson Spots Now Available
PM us today to schedule a tour, meet the trainer, or claim your spot before they fill up!... See More

Jes Skudlarek, owner of Livin' A Dream Farm runs an inviting training program for new riders as well as accomplished equestrians. As a Bronze Medal dressage rider and an International Level Eventer, her teaching style focuses on building a foundation in the saddle that allows a rider to excel in any discipline they pursue. "Horses have always been my life and will forever be." The kids program includes riders as young as 6 years old. Lessons are private one on one instruction allowing for students to develop at their own pace. Adult lessons can be private or semi-private including people new to the sport, those returning or accomplished riders looking to continue their journey and learn something new. In addition, Livin' A Dream Farm has a training program for young horses or horses that may need further development physically after an injury or confidence issues. As a trainer, Jes has had many successes with Thoroughbreds straight off the track, naughty ponies as well as the development of young horses for both dressage and eventing careers. Jes has trained with many elite equestrians and brings an elevated level of knowledge to her program. As a boutique training facility, you will enjoy the personal attention to your goals and dreams! Check us out -- Introduction lesson packages available... See More

Offering horseback riding lessons to all of central IL! Our lesson horses are safe, sane, and friendly. We specialize in private beginner lessons for ages 5 and up, and lead line lessons for those under 5!

Our goal is to offer a safe environment for building confidence on the back of a horse, while establishing good riding mechanics, equine etiquette, and teaching the ins and outs of maintaining a horse.

Various packages are available with prices per lesson discounted for multiple lessons purchased.

We and our horses can’t wait to meet you! ??... See More

Now offering boarding, lessons, and training. Jessica has over 17 years of experience with horses and more than 13 years of competition experience. She is offering lessons from beginner to advanced and specializes in dressage and jumping. She has trained with many upper level riders such as Dom Schramm, Cathy Jones-Forsberg, Brad Hall and Leah Lang-Gluscic. She currently shows at rated events all throughout area IV and area VIII, along with attending local eventing, dressage and hunter/jumper schooling shows.
Experience with training ottb, young horses and rescue horses. Haul-in lessons also available. Jessica is currently accepting a limited number of new clients. Contact today to secure your spot!
Now offering lead line lessons to children under the age of 4!

Don't own a horse or new to riding? Lesson horses are available!

If interested please contact Jessica directly by email or phone for more information
jrequestrian91@ gmail.com
Phone: ... See More

Sirena Richter Liggett & Tim Liggett opened Platinum Farm Inc. February of 2014. Offering lesson programs for riders of all ages and abilities, from beginners just starting out, to competitive riders showing on the “AA” circuit. Platinum Farm will help develop a custom program to meet the needs and goals of each individual client. Sirena and the staff of Platinum Farm are qualified, experienced, safety conscious hunter/jumper riders & instructors. Sirena has been working as a professional since 1998, & has trained many champion horses & riders. Sirena is certified by the American Riding Instructor Association and has a group of qualified instructors to help make your experience at Platinum Farm a great success. The focus at Platinum Farm is on developing champion riders with good horsemanship, and good basics, which is the foundation to a successful rider. All lessons are taught by experienced, qualified professionals. Private and group lessons are available seven days a week. Platinum Farm’s lesson horses are safe and experienced. Full-service grooming is also available at extra cost, including tack-up and un-tack of your horse.

Platinum Farm also offers summer camp sessions, birthday parties, and other special events. Contact Platinum Farm today for more information.... See More

Riding lessons in Western or English saddles. Perfect accident record since 1983. Large herd of lesson horses and 6 instructors. Services offered age 4 to 285 pounds,

Offering safe, wholesome, fun and educational riding lessons since 1983. Riders from age 4 to 65+ and up to 285lbs enjoy lessons in handling and riding in western or hunt seat style for recreation,competition, parades, and trail riding. Only Adult instructors. beginners or accomplished riders. A combination of natural and traditional horsemanship applications. Mounted Archery offered. Located 15 min south of Bloomington IL.Include your email in your request or give us a call and set up lessons, one time visits, camps, birthday gifts, or clinics. 8268999... See More

We, at Sojourn use equine assisted activities to proactively contribute to an individual's cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well being. Our program benefits riders in the areas of therapy, education, sport, and leisure. Our horses are highly trained and schooled to ensure that our clients receive the safest, most secure riding experiences possible.... See More

The definition of "Silver Lining" is to emphasize hope and the bright side of situations. We emphasize the brighter side of your equestrian experience! Silver Lining Equestrian is a boarding and training facility located in Lake in the Hills, IL. We specialize in Hunter/Jumper training as well as breaking and training young horses.... See More

Krussell Stables is a state of the art riding facility located in Richmond, IL. Krussell Stables specializes in saddleseat english style riding. Our lesson program is offered to both adult and youth riders. We have lesson horses in our program that will challenge the most experienced riders to those just starting out. All lessons are taught by professional adult instructors. Krussell Stables also offers professional horse training for individual horse owners that want to compete in horse competitions.... See More

25 years instructing experience. Most disciplines including basic to advanced western riding and horsemanship, showing and speed events including ranch sorting. Indoor and outdoor arenas.

Riding and learning how to take care of your mount. Fundamental skills in safe, fun horsemanship. Lessons will make your confident and competent in riding in a balanced, secure seat so you can advance to jumping, riding basic dressage tests, riding trails or open fields, go participate in games on horseback, and round pen train. You will learn why horses behave like they do and have skills to be a good partnter to your horse. I teach to the level of the student and welcome questions from students. I will provide a safe lesson horse or help you with your horse and will travel to you or you are welcome to come to my place.... See More

We offer dressage and H/j lessons in a friendly high quality facility. Coverall lighted indoor arena keeps you comfortable all year, as well outdoor dressage size arena, round pen,jump course and trails. Lounge/office for visiting and parents. 45 rolling acres provide lots of turnout for boarding and training. Deals on lessons and boarding!... See More

A 50 year old riding facility featuring a full riding lesson program from beginner to advanced, ages 5-85. Also, a full summer camp program for beginner to advanced riders. Academy features four in-house horse shows. We also have pony rides, pony birthday parties, horse birthday parties, outside academy horse shows, demonstrations, lectures, and day trips. Girl and boy scout groups are also welcome. Special group outings are also available.... See More

Family atmosphere stable with lessons for young and old. Runaway Ranch also provides lessons for the Sycamore Park District. Please see our website for more info.