Chicagoland hunter/jumper barns?

[giselegadot3]

I searched on this sub and Freedom Woods seems like a popular barn. However, someone mentioned they don’t have a lot of turn out, which is something my horse really needs. My main requirements are lots of turn out and groom/tack up service. At my current barn I pay extra for full service. So on days I can’t make it out to the barn, my horse is turned out, hand walked, groomed and has his feet picked. A barn with a similar service would be ideal.

I have done 1 rated show so far, and ideally I would like to do 1-2 rated/out of state shows per year and maybe 2-3 smaller local schooling type shows. I live in Las Vegas and we have our own local/non rated association here - I’d imagine the Chicagoland area has something similar to this? With our association there are 5 shows per year and we compete for end of year points/awards.

I’m planning on moving back to Chicago aka my hometown either this summer or next summer. I’d most likely be living in the South Loop. I have a car, so I wouldn’t need a barn accessible by public transportation. The closer the better, but I’m more than willing to commute longer if it means a better barn, as my current barn is a 45-60 minute commute. I’m used to that and I’d expect a similar commute in Chicago.
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Any suggestions? Thank you!

[Cocorona]

Sending PM

[rennyben]

I think if turnout and full service are your priorities I’d check out Millcreek & Serah Vogus. Her farm has actual large grass pastures that horses go out all day in. They don’t over show and travel to local and larger venues. Not many burns here have great turnout.

[zackxoxo]

Hello all,

First time poster, long time lerker.

I’m looking for advice on buying my first horse, I’ve been riding over 20 years, though I’ve been very off again for the last 10, doing occasional trail rides with (public) trail horses. However the past month I’ve been part boarding a relatively green horse (prior trail horse, sat for 2 years in paddock, restarted 4-6 months ago), and I feel pretty confident with her. Overall I consider myself a novice rider, and I still have much to learn in terms of horse care and maintenance. I feel pretty confident in the saddle, so no issues there. In future I’m interested in doing some western pleasure or barrel racing, but mostly just trail rides and relaxation. Horseback riding is a great escape for me.

I am currently a graduate student so I have at minimum 4-5 days a week free for riding. I’m starting my PhD in the fall so this schedule will stay the same for the next 4 years at minimum. Barns around my area are $300 (outdoor board) and $500-600 (indoor board).

Now on to my questions:

Which type of board is better overall, or does it depend on the horse?

How much typically does a horse cost a year? (I found this online, is it reasonable?

What should I be looking for in a horse?

Is there a good book you would recommend for everything horse care to get me started (signs of illness, minor wound care, etc)

What are good questions to ask the seller about the horse before purchasing?

Is it typical to get some type of guarantee for a horse?

Good horse insurance plans?

I think that’s all for now, if there’s a question I’m missing please feel free to let me know.

[Living_In_The_Sticks]

I have a friend that has been at Judgement Farms for years. Full service & turnout. There is a B circuit & many unrecognized shows to go trailer out to. I’d also check out barns in Wisconsin if you can’t find what you want in Illinois.