Meadowsweet Ranch

I've boarded horses at several facilities in McHenry County but Meadowsweet is the only place I feel strongly enough about to write a bad review on. The woman who leases this property (Kathy) is simply horrible to deal with. Her arrogant and condescending nature has driven many boarders (and trainers) away, including us. The atmosphere at this place is hardly "friendly" and not what I want to pay over four hundred dollars a month to experience.

The horses do get turn-out time but only in relatively small, open lots with no shelters. The area that is supposed to be an outdoor arena is always full of loose, turned-out horses. The horses are fed regularly but the overall quality of the feed was not up to my standards.

If you're looking to board a horse, there are several other options in the general area, most of which also offer terrific lesson programs if that's what you're looking for. Try Rip-O-Wind Farm, North Hill Farm, Schwan's Horse Ranch and others, all of which are superior to Meadowsweet in professionalism of staff, barn atmosphere, and horse care.

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Meadowsweet Ranch is by far one of the best boarding facilities in the area. This barn has a very welcoming, and family-oriented atmosphere, which is hard to find nowadays. Kathy and her employees take wonderful care of the horses, and go the extra mile to make sure the boarders and their horses are happy, healthy, and safe.

The horses are turned out every day for as long as possible, stalls are cleaned daily, and hay and grain are fed several times a day and are tailored to the individual horse's needs. If you're going on vacation, or your horse needs a little extra attention, the girls at the barn are always willing to lend a helping hand. You can't get much better than that!

There are also tons of activities throughout the year, from group trail rides (both on the Chain o Lakes trails next door, and offsite parks), riding trips, game days, and fun shows, to the increasingly popular children's summer camps. There is guaranteed to be something for everyone to enjoy!

The lesson program at Meadowsweet is one in a million. Students learn grooming, tacking, personal wellness and general equine care on top of learning how to ride, which is greatly beneficial to both horse and rider. Great care is taken to ensure that each lesson is positive and productive, whether it be overcoming a fear, or learning a new technique. Riders of all ages and abilities will enjoy learning at Meadowsweet, whether it be with a horse of their own, or Meadowsweet's wonderful horses and ponies.

All in all, Meadowsweet is a great place to be. A happy horse makes a happy owner, and you're guaranteed to find that here. You won't find a better group of horse people anywhere else!

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I stayed here a couple years. I liked the facility in general though I did not care for the type of grain my horse was getting. I also did not like the fact that there is no source of shade for horses in most of the turnouts. The horses have no way to get out of the hot summer sun. The main reason I left was because of the barn manager Kathy. This woman needs to take some classes in personal relations. I feel that if a person doesn't know how to relate to others positively and productively they have no business running a boarding stable. I don't want to embarrass her so I'll just leave it at that. I'd be happy to board at this facility again if it gets new management. Until then, I heartily DO NOT recommend this place.

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I've been doing some Connected Riding lessons with Kathy & my riding has definitely improved! Kathy has helped me fix some problems with my horse. She is knowledgeable, caring, & explains well. She has lots of experience to share.

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I am a lifetime horse owner with much experience with handling, riding, and training horses. I boarded a total of four horses over the years on this property for a long time. Throughout my time there, the property went through three changes of management as well as three name changes. It was Dream Acres Ranch when I first moved my horses there. Then it was Welkome Inn Ranch. I was quite happy there for years and was a reliable and trouble-free boarder. However, the atmosphere at this farm started to deteriorate when Kathy took over under the name Meadowsweet Ranch. Though the care was decent, Kathy's attitude was overall very unprofessional. She was known for frequently giving unsolicited advice and accusations that came across as quite offensive. Several experienced horse owners, including me, have left this facility for no other reason than we have had enough of Kathy's attitude. I've been gone from there about two years now. Hopefully she has learned by now that showing disrespect for others costs her business.

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I was very lucky to have found Meadowsweet Ranch more than ten years ago. If home is where the heart is ... this is the place for the horse AND the rider to experience each other. Whether it's your own horse or one of the many "school horses" provided, the common thread is happy horses and people who care. No matter if you participate in all, some or just a few of the amenities offered, the warm welcome is always the same. The outstanding lesson program, top-notch clinics, incredible employees and amazing care of the horses, all of it adds up to a pretty sweet experience.

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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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review removed by writer - no longer boarding at this facility
review removed by writer - no longer boarding at this facility
review removed by writer - no longer boarding at this facility

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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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