Horseback Riding in Des Plaines, Illinois (Cook County)

Riding instructor and trainer Sara Richter has 18 years of equestrian experience since beginning her riding career in 1997. Having participated and placed in 50+ equestrian based events and shows, Sara has procured an extensive knowledge base in equestrian recreation, competition, horsemanship, and animal psychology which aids her in creating a premium experience for both horse and rider during their sessions. Sara utilizes a method which reduces stress, and promotes an understanding and communicative working relationship. During lessons and training riders and horses will learn skills that will aid them in riding and working together throughout their lives. Sara's lessons are beginner and child friendly! By utilizing a stress-free, force-free method the risk of aversive or dangerous situations such as bucking, kicking, biting, bolting, etc. are greatly reduced. No matter what the problem, Sara will give you the tools to become your own expert!

Sara offers horseback riding lessons in many specialties, including but not limited to:

English Jumper & Hunt Seat Equitation
Trail Riding & Western Pleasure
Dressage
Natural Horsemanship
Groundwork & Longing
Positive Reinforcement Training & Behavior Modification for Horses... See More

Experienced horse trainer available.

Teaching Horse and Rider to communicate, understand, and respond to create a special bond!!

One on One work with you and your horse at your location.

Trainer Cassandra Magnus says:

I am NOT a Parelli trainer or a Clinton Anderson trainer or even a John Lyons trainer. I am a product of MANY trainers. Some famous and some in my own barn. I have studied them all and taken bits a pieces to create a training program that works for me. I use a combination of natural and traditional horsemanship techniques that will produce a pleasurable mount by teaching the horse:

We all have a trainer within us!!
I help to train handlers to train horses.

Proper Equipment Use----

Halter Training, Handling and Grooming----

Respect on the ground and under saddle----

Acceptance of the bit and saddle----

Verbal Cues----

Confidence----

Hobbling ----

Developing Responsiveness----

De-Spooking/ Sacking Out----

Long reining and Ground Driving----

Lounging----

Riding (Gaining control of the nose, shoulder, hip and feet at a WALK, TROT, CANTER)----

Logging----

Transitions (Gait to Gait, Stop to Gait, Within a Gait)----

Trailer Training----

Suppling----

Cavalletti and Jumping----

Basic Trail Training----

Correcting Behavioral Problems----

Preparing for Show----

And Much More!
There is no exact science or method to training a horse. All horses are different. They all have different minds, bodies, and temperament. Training is the process of reading the horses behaviors during the training process and utilizing that to the advantage of the horse. Some horses learn faster and some slower. Some horses are predisposed to being spookier than others. Training takes time, patience and understanding. No trainer or horse is perfect but together we can work to be the best product of trainer and horse abilities.... See More

Offering Dressage Lessons and Full Training at Vintage Oak Farm in Libertyville,IL. Please visit my website for more information.

Whether its your first time on a pony or you're looking to advance your skills & confidence in the ring, Matchmaker Ltd specializes in A+ care, training, & instruction for any level. With over 50 years of experience bringing riders from the Short Stirrup to the Equitation Finals & Grand Prix, the team at Matchmaker is committed to bringing out the best in both horse & rider... And having fun along the way!... See More

Little Hunter Farm offers hunter-jumper lessons from beginning to advanced. lessons are generally private with some semi-private and small group lessons. Our show team participates primarily at NIHJA shows, but also attends 'A' shows. Our farm offers boarding; and has horses available for lease, as well as, a select group for sale. Riders may develop their overall horsemanship skills, by offering instruction which includes basic safety, handling and care of a horse in addition to riding instruction.... See More

Oak Brook Farms specializes in dressage riding lessons, horse boarding and sales for the greater Chicago metropolitan area. Located in Oak Brook, Illinois this 6 acre riding facility consists of 3 barns full of beautiful horses, an indoor (60' X 120') and outdoor (100' X 200') riding arena, 3 tack rooms, multiple turnouts, wash racks, and a heated viewing area for our customers. We are conveniently located 20 minutes from Chicago. Website: WWW.OAKBROOKFARMSIL.COM... See More

Infinity Sport Horses is now accepting more clients and lessons! End of Summer Specials available! We specialize in safely bringing along horses and riders to their desired goals and ambitions, whether that's competing in rated hunter/jumper competitions, eventing, pony club, dressage, or fox hunting. With many years of experience, we focus on encouraging nervous and timid riders, bringing out their confidence on and off the horse, starting new riders with confidence and balance, as well as perfecting the skills of experienced riders. We have lesson horses, share boarding options, and sales horses. We also work with breaking out and bringing along young horses and off the track thoroughbreds, with the same quiet approach. Our established sales program has matched over 50 horses and riders in the last 2 years, and we offer our assistance with matching horses and riders as well.... See More

We are a hunter/jumper barn located at Independence Farm in Libertyville, IL. We provide boarding, lessons, training, camps, sales and horse showing. We have something for everyone. Our private lessons are fun, safe and educational. We teach kids and adults. Contact Betsy Anderson at or to schedule a lesson or barn tour. Check our website www.jump4itequestrian.com... See More

I need balance and jumping in hunter jumper.

I'm available for clinics, lessons or taking horses/riders into my training program. I'm currently working at Sunflower Farms in Wisconsin (www.sunflowerfarms.com).
It's a great place for training any kind of horse because there are 3 arenas and also heated. Especially now it's easier and safer to train horses when your arenas are heated and not to cold. If you are interested in any kind of help - please contact me.
Thank you so much
Andre... See More

We have hunt seat, dressage, saddle seat, english pleasure. Horsemanship classes from beginners to advanced through our local park districts and also privately through our barn. Learning from the ground to the saddle.

Equidream School of Horsemanship is the premiere riding school in Lake County, boasting people-oriented trainers and a comfortable atmosphere that caters to kids, teens and adults who love horses and love to ride.

We are a full service facility that offers lessons, sales and boarding. The facility has a heated barn with 26 stalls and a 160' x 75' indoor arena.

Beginner friendly and team focused, Equidream offers lessons for all level- from greenies to seasoned show riders plus comprehensive summer camps for kids, seasonal schooling shows, A and NIHJA show team and other fun Equi-events.

We are now running a special buy one get your next lesson free! Say you found us at newhorse.com at your first lesson!

Call to schedule directly with our trainers.

Or email for more information!

Hope to see you soon!... See More

Chestnut Hill Farm offers horseback riding lessons in Hunt Seat Equitation, at levels from beginner to advanced,children and adults. We take pride in teaching each student in a safe, non-stressful, caring environment. We have 5 school horses available, suitable for all levels. Or you may take lessons on your own horse. Each lesson is structured to the individuals learning needs, so the rider can get the most out of every lesson.

Our riding programs are designed for those who seek to become better riders and advance their riding skills, with qualified professional instructors. We take great care in matching riders with their horses. All levels are welcome in our family-friendly atmosphere. Students are taught more than riding, they are taught horsmanship which includes grooming and tacking before and after each lesson.... See More

Memory Lane Stables is the Chicago area's premier horseback riding, horse trail rentals, pony rides, pony rentals and pony parties for birthdays and other events.

Plantation Equestrain Center is pleased to offer English and Western riding instruction, boarding, training, and sales services.

PEC was started in 1986 by Ken Stien. Since then it has become a best kept secret in the Chicago-land area for horse enthusiasts. Ken has been a professional in the equine industry for over 35 years and his passion for horses is reflected in the knowledge he shares with students. Ken has held several judges cards, coached numerous riders to championships and on to the professional level, and continues to teach riders old and new alike to communicate better with their horses.

PEC invites both children and adults to learn hunt seat equitation and western horsemanship. Classes are offered from beginning to advanced show levels. For the beginner, instruction is given in safe horsemanship, equitation, and horse care which includes grooming and saddling. Students are encouraged to advance from beginning to intermediate to advanced level classes at their own pace. PEC provides all ponies and horses, tack, and equipment needed for a fun and safe experience. All students are required to wear a helmet, which can be provided. Students are asked to wear long pants, jeans are okay, and boots with a heel.

Please visit our website at www.plantationequestriancenter.com or by phone at .... See More