Meadowsweet Ranch

My 8 year old daughter just began lessons with "Miss Kathy" at Meadowsweet this past summer ('09). We are so fortunate to have found Kathy and have decided we'll be with her and her horses as long as she'll have us!

My daughter began lessons as a 5 year old at a farm in the western suburbs of Chicago. It was through a random instructor that we were exposed to the world of natural horsemanship. After you've learned about working with your horse, building trust and a connection to the horse, understanding why horses do things and feel the way they do - there's no way to go back to just "regular" lessons. It's better in every single way.

I have to admit, I'm the mom and not a rider, but I appreciate how Kathy has thought about and organized her lessons so that my daughter builds on what she's learned and goes deeper. Additionally, I know so much about Meadowsweet's happenings because Kathy is a great communicator and keeps her families informed via email. I love that.

As an aside, my daughter grins from ear to ear during lessons, but now that Drew and her dad take lessons together, she's just beside herself with excitement! How fun it must be to "barrel race" your dad! And, according to my daughter, the horses love it too!

I give Kathy and Meadowsweet my wholehearted recommendation!

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Meadowsweet is a gift!

I have shared my life with several horses since I was 5 years old. I have boarded at many stables and Meadowsweet has exceeded my loftiest expectations. For my horse, the only thing I care about is that she is safe, very healthy and very happy.

The care my horse receives under the watchful eye of Kathy and company is superior to any place I've ever been. They feed four times a day, the horses are out all day every day weather permitting and checked daily for their well being. The facility is kept clean, the people are nice, the indoor area allows for riding year around and we have access to the Chain O'Lakes State Park horse trails. All this for a reasonable monthly rate!

Kathy has a passion for horses that shows in her providing for their physical and emotional health with the most natural methods possible. My horse is thriving at Meadowsweet! She is in robust health and very happy, which means so am I.

For those wanting an excellent standard of natural care for your horse, in a safe, friendly, horse enthusiastic environment, you will do no better than Meadowsweet.

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I began training with Kathy through a random (although I don't believe there was anything random about it!) series of events about two years ago. I have learned more about horsemanship and myself than ever before in my 23 years of riding. For the first time, I feel that I am truly communicating my horses in a way that they understand. We work together out of trust and respect. One of the things I like best about Meadowsweet is the fun nights and game days. You get an opportunity to ride with your best friends and really let loose. Riding/training here has really been some of the most fun and uplifting moments I have ever had with horses.

On the other side of things, stabling at Meadowsweet may very well be one of the best decisions you ever made for the well-being of your horse. Kathy takes better care of the animals at the barn than I have ever seen. She truly has a passion for what she does and honestly is concerned for the highest good of all at the barn. Continual research is done to make sure they have the best nutrition available and that their environment is as close to natural as possible. The best part is that all of this is actually affordable!!

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Meadowsweet Ranch is more than just a barn in which to board or lesson. It is a fun, friendly, family oriented facility that does whatever it takes to help you fulfill your dreams, whatever they may be. I started out there a mother of two that just wanted some ME time. I since, have exceeded any expectations that I had then. Kathy will give you the solid foundation you need to take you to whatever level of horsemanship you desire. You will have a hard time finding anyone that cares for your horse or your relationship with your horse any more than she does. I recommend Meadowsweet Ranch to anyone that desires a positive horsemanship experience...

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My granddaughter has been taking lessons here for almost two years, and we drive almost an hour each way every week. It is well worth the trip! Kathy Boetcher teaches Natural Horsemanship, and her teaching methods are patient, positive and professional.

My granddaughter is learning to ride the right way and, along the way, building confidence and character.

I would highly recommend Meadowsweet to anyone who cares about both the horse and the rider!

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Somehow I discovered Meadowsweet Ranch on a Google search - I found a TRUE treasure! My young daughters and I began the Horsemanship program there over three years ago. On a weekly basis, we drive 45 minutes each way so that we can build relationships with each other and with the "school" horses that feel like our own!

We have spent more money and less time under saddle at other riding facilities, closer to home, but all our expectations have been surpassed at Meadowsweet. The lessons are from the ground up - starting with the essential basics to ensure safety on horseback for life! We perform groundwork exercises to build a trusting relationship with the horse, which is the basis of the "Full Circle Horsemanship Program". While in the saddle, we are taught a centered seat and how to move WITH the horse in order to ride as relaxed as possible. The result of riding this way is healthy for the horse as well as rider.

We enjoy riding on the trails next door at Chain O' Lakes State Park. We also go on barn trips - trailering "our" horses to close-by equine parks for a day trip and last summer we took a longer trip to Wisconsin for three nights. It's quite an experience for me to travel with my children and our favorite animal friends!! Fellow human barn friends are pretty fun to be with as well! :)

The combination of these elements makes for a safe and rewarding experience every time. We have a remarkable relationship with these great animals, thanks to Meadowsweet Ranch!

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Let me begin by saying I am not much of a rider. However, my wife, who is an amazing and lifelong rider is. We have been to several stables in both Kentucky and Illinois and never have I been more sure that my wife and our horses are being cared for beyond any reasonable expectation than at Meadowsweet Ranch!

The facilities have a real working ranch feel which includes a real hitching post in the main barn and very nice indoor arena. One of the major perks to this ranch is the proximity to the Chain O' Lakes state park and its miles of diverse equine dedicated trails. One can saddle up and literally ride into the trails which are adjacent to the ranch.

The management at Meadowsweet Ranch will go the extra mile for you and honor almost any reasonable request. My wife prepares dietary supplements and these are distributed as she desires daily.

One factor stands above all to me, the non-rider and therefore the person most likely not to actually be at the barn when my wife rides: I know that my wife is safe at Meadowsweet Ranch and that the management at Meadowsweet Ranch are truly looking out for her. This means so much to me as my wife often goes off to the barn alone.

Another very nice perk at Meadowsweet Ranch is the exceptionally nice meeting room located just off the main indoor arena. This community gathering room also hosts almost monthly pot luck dinners and quite often a night out listening to folk and western trail music.

Of course you can pay more elsewhere. You can certainly find expensive newer facilities elsewhere as well. It is very easy to pay much, much more and never have access to a major Illinois State Park's equine dedicated trails. I am exceedingly confident one can find a much less desirable and more expensive barn elsewhere.

For the complete package, I can do no other than highly recommend Meadowsweet Ranch.

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The management takes excellent care of the horses, and will work with you to find the optimal feeding program and turnout group so your horse is happy. You cannot beat the quality hay, grain, and all day turnout for the price!

The lessons are the best in the area. They teach you about horse care and riding so you can become a true horseman or horsewoman.

Shows are on the premises, and there are a lot of fun activities for boarders and students. The people are really nice, and everyone gets along. Everyone is committed to a friendly and safe atmosphere.

Plus, the farm is located right next to Chain O'Lakes State Park, so there are miles of trails to ride on. There is a trail directly from the barn to the park, so there is no need to trailer anywhere. Just walk out the back door!

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