Get Some Horse Sense at Freedom Woods

“A canter is the cure for every evil,” noted Benjamin Disraeli.  If you’re like-minded, then saddle up for in Morton Grove, where equine escapism awaits.

Tucked within a forest preserve, Freedom Woods operates year-round. It boasts three indoor arenas, (two 70’ X 170’, and one 80’ X 100’), and one outdoor arena (150’ X 220’). Lessons, boarding, training, summer camps, and party hosting are among the offerings.

Earlier:

Freedom Woods currently has (used for riding lessons) and 45 boarder horses, says manager Betsy Stojanoff, who has worked here for 15 years. Horse owners can enjoy nearby trail access, which extends 25 miles going north.  As a full-service facility, she says, they’ll bathe, groom and saddle up a horse for an owner who calls in advance to request it.

Riders as young as 5 can begin lead line lessons; regular riding lessons start at age 8. Private lessons are $45/half hour; semi-private: $40/half hour. Party packages (which include barn time and riding) are customizable; rates are between $25-$60/per child.

Freedom Woods also offers several programs for kids with disabilities, which use horses as part of a therapeutic treatment.  Hippotherapy (conducted by a physical or occupational therapist), is intended for children with more severe disabilities, and uses movement of a horse to help open neural pathways and aid with such skills as balance and coordination. Therapeutic riding, meant for those with less severe disabilities, focuses on the learning of horsemanship and riding skills.

Hours: Mon.: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tues.-Fri.: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun.: 8:30 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Freedom Woods, 9501 Austin Ave., Morton Grove (847) 967-9800

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