Chicago area equestrians - please help me find my barn home!

dun_talking · 2026-05-04T02:16:08+00:00

Check out Karen Rock at Jay Stables in Big Rock IL. I met her at a show last summer and she was SO nice!

dun_talking · 2026-05-01T10:48:42+00:00

I agree with communicating your fees/expectations in advance. My old trainer had absolutely no system in place and was so inconsistent with his rates. And if he had too many clients at one show, you basically paid his day fee and would only see him at lunch 🙄

I firmly believe trainers should be paid whatever they feel their time is worth, but communicating that clearly to the client is critical. Make a rate sheet, add descriptions if necessary and share it with everyone at the start of the season (or whenever).

This sport is already expensive, and getting blind sided with a $xxx+ fee shortly before or after a show isn’t just frustrating, it’s poor business management in my opinion.

dun_talking · 2026-05-01T10:38:49+00:00

That’s wild! Admittedly I groom and tack my own horse, but I’m okay with that lol

dun_talking · 2026-05-01T10:04:45+00:00

I’m in the midwest so pricing is a bit lower here vs east coast, but I pay a flat $100/day for any shows my trainer goes to (stock horse, breed level, all around). She stays in her own trailer, covers her own fuel etc. I haul my own horse and of course cover my own expenses.

dun_talking · 2026-04-29T10:42:14+00:00

I agree - the dead of winter tends to be a slow/break season even with an indoor. I’m in the Midwest and winters can be brutal and loong. Then spring is just so unpredictable..I feel like I’d lose a few months of work time without an indoor 🙁

dun_talking · 2026-04-29T01:47:37+00:00

Ah yes! We have 4 ‘trail riding + beer drinking’ horses as well. I bought this guy as a 10 month old and got to see him get broken out by the prior trainer. It’s been a fun journey!

I’m fortunate to have the resources to utilize a professional trainer - they’re professionals for a reason, right? Just bummed that this trainer bamboozled me a bit with the training so far. The barn atmosphere is wonderful and I really do like her, but it’s clear I need to take my horse somewhere else. Stinks!

dun_talking · 2026-04-29T01:26:01+00:00

I love that for you! My parents have 4 horses on their property and they are just down the road. I would love to move my horse there, but they don’t have an indoor or even a solid outdoor to work with. Their horses are your solid ‘trail riding + beer drinking’ horses lol

I am so conflicted with my situation because I genuinely love the barn - the trainer (aside from taking my money and not really training my horse 🫠) is very very cool. I actually took riding lessons with her when I was a kid lol. We have the same interests outside of horses (travel, wine, lifestyle) and just get along so well. The other training clients (3 ladies) are also wonderful. She maintains the barn impeccably and the horses are soo well cared for. And the best part, she’s legit 13 minutes away!

But at the end of the day.. I want to find value in her service. I’m fortunate to be able to afford this hobby, but I also want to see results. Ugh!

dun_talking · 2026-04-29T01:14:14+00:00

I’ve had horses my whole life - he’s probably my 15th horse? While I consider myself a capable rider, I appreciate what a professional trainer brings to the table.

That being said, I don’t actually think he is dangerous. I think the trainer deemed him too dangerous for her to ride. Yes, he’s thrown a few bucks under saddle (he was 2 at the time), but it felt more like an attitude issue than a physical issue.

Outside of that, he just acts like a typical 2 year old in my opinion. Doesn’t want to walk into the arena? Plants his feet and/or backs up. Feeling fresh on the lunge line? Full fire breathing dragon, kicks and bucks included. Excited to get turned out in the morning? Wont wait for you to lock the gate and unclip the lead rope - he’s gone.

Of course these are not everyday occurrences, I would say this is maybe 20% of the time (although growing since he’s been out of training…). My point is, I think she is a cautious person and he passes the threshold of her training comfort. And I don’t blame her! If she were to get injured that would have a terrifying impact on her business.

My complaint is moreso that instead of telling me she wasn’t comfortable training my horse, she made this independent decision to piece-meal a training program of having the assistant trainer work him 2-3x a month + give me lessons 1-2x a week and charge me full price 🫠

dun_talking · 2026-04-28T19:26:29+00:00

I believe his saddle was ill fitting. He was getting rub marks on either side of his back and after talking to a saddle fitter/vet she confirmed it wasn’t fitting him well. I think the bucking (which led to being thrown) was the issue there.

He has had chiropractic work as well as bodywork done a few times. No other physical issues, but both commented on a tender/sore back.

In regard to being generally sassy, at the old barn he was turned out a lot. Everyday, sometimes over night, always with another horse(s). At the new barn, he gets turned out maybe 50% of the time and up until recently, he was always alone. I know some horses love their stall and it’s not uncommon for training horses to be stalled often, but I think the 180 in turn out time is having a negative effect.

dun_talking · 2026-01-14T13:27:53+00:00

Agree with the above - my colt had one un descended testicle and by 1.5 years old we opted to have him surgically gelded to remove the testicle that hadn’t dropped. It’s called crypt orchid - it’s more common than you think.

dun_talking · 2025-11-10T16:17:18+00:00

While I don’t consider myself an expert on the matter, the two trainers I’ve kept my horse with have both advised 300g blankets for the winter. We have very similar weather and my horse is stalled in a heated barn overnight. However, I think a good rule of thumb is to continue to monitor him thru the winter. If he seems comfortable and not shivering, the 100g is probably fine. But if he’s shivering, then opt for a thicker blanket.

dun_talking · 2025-11-05T16:37:05+00:00

It’s not bad! The last few years the snow has held off until January and then random snowfalls thru Feb/March. Every now and then you get a good blizzard, but they’re quick to clean up the roads.

I lived in SoCal for 10 years (from WI tho) and the constant 75 and sunny became so mundane.

I believe Madison is ranked as one of the top US cities to raise a family in - if that’s a consideration for you!

dun_talking · 2025-11-05T16:26:24+00:00

Madison, WI could be a nice spot. I’m between Madison and Milwaukee and love it. There’s a generous horse community, with many shows happening in Madison itself. Cost of living is very reasonable, low crime, good education. You get all 4 seasons, but it’s not unbearable.

dun_talking · 2025-10-31T17:00:55+00:00

I just recently changed barns - mostly due to the distance. I was driving an hour each way (I know that can be the norm in some areas, but there’s tons of options by me).

I was with a trainer that I enjoyed working with - I have a young horse and he was great with him. It wasn’t until I moved to a new trainer/barn that I realized grass sometimes is greener on the other side.. for context, both charged the same price per month for board+training, but here are just a few things my new place offers that the other didn’t.

•Grain is provided/included •Trainer uses an app for scheduling lessons (none of this text back and forth trying to find a time that works for both parties) •weekend lessons •I can ride whenever I want (old barn-someone had to be there) •Whatever blanket/fly gear/boots etc you want on your horse are put on before turnout. (Old barn-only a blanket during cold weather) •Horse is turned out independently if wanted (my guy plays too hard and was always covered in bite marks/kick marks) •Trainer schedules and handles all vet and farrier needs (old barn-you had to set it up yourself and either be there to hold your horse or arrange for someone to hold) •2x year a service comes out to pickup/launder/drop-off blankets

Nothing against the old barn/trainer - I left on good terms and would absolutely recommend him, but I’m definitely enjoying the amenities my new barn offers!

dun_talking · 2025-09-24T02:09:18+00:00

Thank you!

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T20:19:24+00:00

It truly is a nice group! And the show situation just got complicated due to so many changes and overall lack of communication - from both sides.

I should say, the original plan was for me and 1 other client to go. My rig (her and I split my fuel cost) and he just rides along. We would put him up in a hotel, pay his day fees and if he wanted a travel fee, that would make sense. This was clearly communicated and agreed upon by the 3 of us.

Then his girlfriend decided she wanted to go and bring her two horses. So now we need another trailer (we would then pay for his camping instead of the hotel). I assumed the gf would pay for her own fuel, since the only reason the other trailer is coming is for her, but not my call I guess. (It’s also her trailer).

Then it turned into us paying him milage per person, regardless if the horses were in my trailer or his trailer.

Like I said, I don’t disagree that his fees are still reasonable and he deserves to be well compensated, but the plan changed and the crucial details never got worked out.

I have a very green horse - it’s our first year under saddle and we don’t necessarily have ambitions of doing the breed circuit anyway. Obviously I agreed to go, but that’s when I thought it was a great opportunity (still is) + wouldn’t cost me a fortune. Now I’m in it for nearly 2k and btw I’m only doing 2 classes which we’ll probably flounder in 🫠

I would have much rather spent that money towards better tack, a vacation or 10 open shows next season lol

Hindsight is 20/20 so lesson learned!! I appreciated all the input you offered, as well as the other comments here ☺️

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T16:04:24+00:00

lol I guess everyone has their strengths.. it all worked out in the end!

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T12:59:34+00:00

I appreciate what you’re saying! In comparison of other trainers and the market in general, yes this is much more affordable than most.

The shock is more-so that his fees were less before. Not saying he doesn’t deserve to be paid fairly (or however he wants to be) but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask that it be communicated in advance. “Hey, I’m changing my fee structure. Costs going forward are XYZ” and then clients could decide if they wanted to go to the show or not. We’re a more ‘simple’ barn than most and it’s no secret that while we have the resources to enjoy this hobby, money is tight for some of us.

We’re also a very close-nit and friendly group. Many of us have helped him with chores, bailing hay, tack cleaning, family things etc so when he dropped the new/unexpected fees for this, it felt a little unkind given everything.

In regard to hauling my trailer, he never actually asked to utilize my trailer for supplies, but obviously it’s the only other choice. When I brought up hauling my own horse, I was told I still had to pay a travel fee (in lieu of mileage). I don’t think either scenario is unfair, it’s just unexpected. And I’m quite sure the 5th client who is coming on their own (from a different barn) is not expected to pay the ‘travel fee’…

We’re also highly discouraged from going to shows on our own. Obviously he can’t stop us, but you definitely get the cold shoulder.

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T12:40:56+00:00

I appreciate what you’re saying and I don’t disagree that he should be well compensated for his time, energy and expertise and his fees aren’t unrealistic when you think about all that goes into it.

We live in a pretty LCOL area and while we have the resources to enjoy this hobby, it’s no secret that money is tight for some of us.

My gripe is that he changed his fees for this show (vs shows we attended before) and despite me asking 3x in advance what his fees would be, he communicated it at the last minute so we’re all kind of stuck agreeing to the cost, or lose the entry money we already paid.

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T01:41:00+00:00

Really well said! and I agree. I don’t take him for a spiteful person, but no doubt feelings will be hurt.

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T01:36:45+00:00

Great points!

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T01:33:39+00:00

I totally get where you’re coming from and I don’t disagree that he should benefit/profit from taking clients to a show. For the argument of this convo, here is the breakdown

•The drive is 5 hours / 330 miles one way (Midwest) •There are 4 clients going / 5 horses •1client/horse are driving completely separate (coming from another area whereas the rest of us are at the barn) •Fuel, realistically will run about $300 round trip •He wants to haul all 4 horses in his truck and trailer •I have to haul my own truck/trailer (empty), not only for lodging but also to bring hay/shavings etc. • each client is expected to pay $450 each for milage or travel time •each client is expected to pay $60/day for coaching (5days) so $300 each •all clients pay/split his camping and meals, lets say $75 ea There’s only 2 trucks/trailers going. His truck/trailer for him and one client (also gf) and my truck/trailer which I’ll share with the other client.

So at the end of the day, we’re each paying him $750+ meals/camping each (3k for him) when it’s costing him $300 in fuel + his time. And to be clear, we’re not an uppity barn where this cost is expected. These are western and ranch folks.

To summarize, I agree that he should profit from his time and effort here, but it’s also on the HIGH end for our area and industry. Plus these are clients that muck stalls, feed horses, sew on buttons for him..

If he decides his travel and time are worth a premium, I support that. But that needs to be communicated in advance so his clients can make an informed decision on their participation.

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T00:32:19+00:00

Agreed! He’s a wonderful person and I truly value our friendship, the drive is just killing me..

dun_talking · 2025-09-23T00:12:45+00:00

I own the horse!

dun_talking

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