SADDLE UP Spend your summer on horseback with Kane County stables and programs

By Diane Krieger Spivak • Photos courtesy of Horsepower Therapeutic Riding, Forest Preserve District of Kane County and Huntoon Stables

Whether you’re a seasoned rider or have never come face-toface with a horse in your life, horseback riding can be one of the most pleasurable pastimes a person can experience. Did you know that horseback riding is good for you mentally as well as physically? It’s a scientific fact that it is relaxing and stress-reducing.

There are a number of ways to experience horseback riding in Kane County. Some trail riding areas cater to inexperienced riders, since the horses pretty much know the trails and do all the work for you. Others are bringyour-own horse. Kane County is full of places where you can ride or learn to ride.

Huntoon Stables in North Aurora is a fourth-generation horse stable. Melinda Huntoon, who married into the family after taking lessons at the stable, has been teaching for decades and gives around 85 lessons a week, mostly to kids.

Huntoon advises parents to start with two trial lessons. “It’s a little harder than they think it’s going to be. This way they can decide if they want to continue. With trail riding they just sit and ride and follow a guide, which is fine, but when you ride by yourself, it’s up to you. You need to learn to control the horse.” Huntoon says a good estimation as to how long it takes to learn to ride is around three to four months, adding, “If you really want to learn, it’s a lifetime commitment.”

Huntoon Stables starts with private lessons, then moves up to group riding. The stable hosts two stable shows each year so kids can work toward a goal.

If you have your own horse, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County has plenty of locations for equestrian riding. Trails are now open for the season and only shut down when the weather makes the surface too wet. “We have parking lots designated for trucks and trailers,” says the District’s North Operations Manager Jenny Estes. “We do have some trails designated as multi-use that are usually in favor of the equestrian.” Bike riders and hikers are encouraged to be aware so as not to startle horses, and riders are not allowed in campground areas.

Experienced riders may be interested to know that the district has volunteer mounted ranger opportunities to patrol the preserves on horseback. To volunteer contact coordinator Rob Cleave at 630-762-2741. For more information on the district’s riding trails, visit the district website at www.kaneforest.com.

Horsepower Therapeutic Riding in St. Charles is an example of yet another aspect of horseback riding — therapy.

“On any given week we have 65 students ranging in age from 3 to over 80 with physical, cognitive, social and emotional challenges,” says Executive Director Barbara O’Neil. From hearing loss to amputation to autism, depression, anxiety and more, equineassisted therapy has been a proven tool since the late 1800s.

“It’s pretty amazing,” says O’Neil, who’s run the nonprofit for 9 years.

Students choose their horse when they arrive. “Everyone gravitates to something different,” says O’Neil. “We just let that happen. Students develop an affinity for a certain horse.” There are other, smaller animals for those who don’t gravitate to horses, but for those who do, mounted or ground-based therapy is available. Some choose to interact with the horse without riding, “especially trauma survivors,” says O’Neil, while others want the experience of riding. “I’ve seen it save lives. It gives people hope. It gives them a sense of value and purpose,” she says. “Some have spoken their first words on horseback. It’s pretty magical stuff.” www.morrisil.org

Morris is known for lively events and festivals, boutiques and specialty shops, great eateries, and yearround recreation. Nestled an hour southwest of Chicago along the Illinois River and I & M Canal, Morris is where you can connect to nature, recharge Downtown, and make memories for a lifetime.