Home › Services › Beginners › Illinois

Horseback riding for beginners in Illinois

128 stables in Illinois welcome beginners, out of 474 stables we list in the state. Each one is here because a customer review or its own website mentions beginners, and the proof is under each stable.

128Stables
92Cities
474All stables in IL

Top 12 by rating and reviews

Ranked by Google rating × number of reviews (10 reviews or more). The other 116 stables are listed by city below.

Open-now times come from Google; call the stable before you go.

Memory Lane Stables

8290 S Kean Ave

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.6Rating
592Reviews
4Services

It was my first time riding a horse, but the horse was chill and the guides were helpful.

From a Google review

Forest View Farms

16717 Lockwood Ave

Trail ridesLessonsBoarding
4.2Rating
557Reviews
7Services

First time here and first time riding a horse 🐴🐴.

From a Google review

Sarah's Pony Rides

8220 S Kean Ave

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.4Rating
447Reviews
7Services
Beginners: per the stable's website

Millbrook Trail Rides - Rides by appointment only

8078 Whitfield Rd

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.8Rating
392Reviews
6Services

The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone felt comfortable—whether you were a complete beginner or had ridden before.

From a Google review

The stable's website says so too.

Cedar Creek Ranch

249 IL-71

Trail ridesBoardingBeginners
4.7Rating
395Reviews
4Services

This was my very first time riding a horse and he was perfect for that experience.

From a Google review

Shenandoah Riding Center

200 N Brodrecht Rd

Trail ridesLessonsBoarding
4.7Rating
319Reviews
4Services

Recommend this place I have never rode a horse before and I have been wanting to go again!

From a Google review

Royale Ranch

1801 Lemen Rd

Trail ridesLessonsBoarding
4.9Rating
245Reviews
9Services

Very understanding with kids that have never rode a horse before and they had a blast!

From a Google review

Lockwood Park

5201 Safford Rd

Trail ridesLessonsBeginners
4.7Rating
229Reviews
7Services

They were very patient with us as beginners all while making us feel competent.

★★★★★ Wendy, Aug 2019

Jaynesway Farms

5N080 Rte 59

LessonsBoardingBeginners
4.6Rating
196Reviews
6Services

I have been searching around for a place to do lessons as a beginner adult rider and found these stables.

★★★★★ Elizabeth, Apr 2025

The stable's website says so too.

Riverside Stables

2310 Chinchilla Ln

Trail ridesLessonsBoarding
4.6Rating
162Reviews
6Services
Beginners: per the stable's website

Bear Branch Campgrounds

34 Bear Branch Rd

Trail ridesBeginnersSummer camps
4.2Rating
173Reviews
4Services

This was my first time ever riding a horse, Tannette knew I was a little nervous at first and she matched me with such a great horse.

From a Google review

The stable's website says so too.

Lake Glendale Stables & Equestrian Center

165 Lake Rd

Trail ridesBeginners
4.8Rating
123Reviews
2Services

Her horses are very silly, but other than that, very smart and easy to get used to even for a beginner.

From a Google review

The stable's website says so too.

More stables that welcome beginners in Illinois, by city

Antioch 1 stable

  • Gateway Farm, Inc.19200 W Edwards Rd, Antioch · ★ 5 (3)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Bartlett 1 stable

  • Sunset Hill FarmSayer Rd, Bartlett · ★ 4.9 (30)

    I am a beginner rider as I’ve only been riding for around a year and a half and being an equestrian is super challenging if you start late.

    ★★★★★ Sam, Jun 2022

Beecher 1 stable

  • Riding the Rail Equestrian Center29356 S State Line Rd, Beecher · ★ 4.7 (26)

    Our horse Lexi was beautiful and friendly, first time rider and definitely going back!

    From a Google review

Bethalto 1 stable

  • Rocky Branch Riders, LLC4885 Rocky Branch Rd, Bethalto · ★ 4.4 (13)

    She takes very good care of all the horses there and the one's used in the class are very well trained and patient with beginners.

    ★★★★★ Lindsay, May 2018

Big Rock 1 stable

  • Sunset Knoll Riding Academy9S108 Granart Rd, Big Rock · ★ 4.7 (15)

    Whether a beginner or an expirenced rider, it's a really good place to go.

    ★★★★★ Annelise, Sep 2020

Bourbonnais 1 stable

Capron 1 stable

  • Iconic Acres15917 Capron Rd, Capron · ★ 5 (2)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Collison 1 stable

Countryside 2 stables

Crete 2 stables

  • Green Acres Ranch3198-3598 E Exchange St, Crete · ★ 4.6 (88)

    I just moved into the area, being a horse-woman was looking for a new place in the area to ride, my husband is a total beginner.

    From a Google review
  • Lets ride chicagoW Exchange St, Crete · ★ 5 (7)

    It was their first time riding.

    From a Google review

Crystal Lake 1 stable

  • Castle Ridge Keep8109 W Hillside Rd, Crystal Lake · ★ 4.9 (37)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

DeKalb 1 stable

Du Quoin 1 stable

  • Reining It In7230 IL-152, Du Quoin · ★ 5 (4)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

East St Louis 1 stable

Edwardsville 1 stable

Elgin 3 stables

  • Wayne Equestrian Center4351 McDonald Rd, Elgin · ★ 4.9 (36)

    Wonderful horses to ride, especially for some beginners!

    From a Google review
  • Dunham Woods Farms, Inc.9N755 Nesler Rd, Elgin · ★ 5 (16)

    Definitely a great way to learn how to ride (Even if you're a beginner, I started here).

    From a Google review
  • Campton Hills Equestrian Center10N331 Nesler Rd, Elgin · ★ 4.9 (14)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Ellsworth 1 stable

  • Lone Ridge Farms28919 E 800 North Rd, Ellsworth · ★ 5 (8)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Forreston 1 stable

  • Centennial Acres13440 W West Grove Rd, Forreston · ★ 4.5 (10)

    This was my daughters first time riding and she loved it!

    ★★★★★ Jenna, Sep 2025

Frankfort 2 stables

Freeburg 2 stables

  • Riding Center8162 Red Ray Mine Rd, Freeburg · ★ 4.8 (26)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Shade Tree Stables8105 Peabody Rd, Freeburg · ★ 5 (1)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Galena 1 stable

  • Haywire Farms4543 W Longhollow Rd, Galena · ★ 4.8 (6)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Grafton 1 stable

  • Pere Marquette Riding Stables15780 IL-100, Grafton · ★ 4.4 (113)

    Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, they explain how to handle and control the horse, so it was very beginner-friendly.

    From a Google review

Grayslake 2 stables

  • On Course Riding Academy31150 N Gilmer Rd, Grayslake · ★ 4.6 (71)

    Val has a great range of horses for everyone from beginners to more advanced students and always finds a way to challenge you in a supportive environment.

    From a Google review
  • Shorewood Acres21650 W Shorewood Rd, Grayslake · ★ 4.8 (27)

    It was their first time riding, and by the end they were directing the horses around the ring on their own.

    ★★★★★ Annie, Nov 2022

Gurnee 2 stables

  • Double W Stables18272 W Washington St, Gurnee · ★ 3.9 (26)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Legend Hill Farm36550 Hunt Club Rd, Gurnee · ★ 5 (7)

    They offer a wide range of horses for beginner lessons.

    From a Google review

Hampshire 4 stables

  • Tower Hill Stables12N254 Tower Rd, Hampshire · ★ 4.6 (88)

    Tower Hill Stanles is ideal for first time riders as the trail horses are easy going and very gentle.

    From a Google review
  • NCE Equestrian13N204 Romke Rd, Hampshire · ★ 5 (10)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • TopLine Equestrian Center42W220 Plank Rd, Hampshire · ★ 5 (9)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Tukaway Farm14N200 Thurnau Rd, Hampshire · ★ 4.4 (7)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Harvard 1 stable

Highland 1 stable

Island Lake 1 stable

  • Timmermann's Ranch & Saddle Shop29550 W Roberts Rd, Island Lake · ★ 4.7 (96)

    We are experienced riders and the lesson we had here was our first time riding in Wesrern tack.

    From a Google review

Johnsburg 1 stable

  • Midwest Meadows4308 McCullom Lake Rd, Johnsburg
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Kewanee 1 stable

Kildeer 1 stable

  • Long Grove Farms21446 E Cuba Rd, Kildeer · ★ 4.9 (15)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Lake Forest 1 stable

  • Glen Grove Equestrian Center1181 N Riverwoods Rd, Lake Forest · ★ 3.5 (85)

    If they know the skills they need to learn to go from a beginner to intermediate rider, they will certainly apply themselves to learn these skills.

    From a Google review

Lake Villa 2 stables

  • Susanna Farms24153 W W Town Line Rd, Lake Villa · ★ 4.9 (74)

    My husband and I took a beginner lesson together for a rare date.

    ★★★★★ Laura, Apr 2023
  • Jump 4it Equestrian35344 N Knowles Rd, Lake Villa · ★ 5 (17)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Libertyville 3 stables

  • Messenger Hill Farm and Ventures Ranch25310 N St Marys Rd, Libertyville · ★ 4.3 (17)

    I highly recommend this program for beginners or advanced riders alike.

    From a Google review
  • Palladia Farm14314 Towne Trail, Libertyville · ★ 5 (6)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Littlewood Farm31668 N River Rd, Libertyville · ★ 4.8 (6)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Lincolnshire 1 stable

  • Stable Places14790 W Mayland Villa Rd, Lincolnshire · ★ 4.8 (25)

    It was all of my 3rd grade girls’ first time riding a horse and they all felt at ease about it.

    From a Google review

Litchfield 1 stable

  • Massa Stables80 Arrowhead Trail, Litchfield · ★ 4.9 (63)

    Didn’t get to ride the trail along the lake due to weather, but the trail offered was great for the beginner rider.

    From a Google review

Long Grove 1 stable

  • Galway Farm1650 Bernay Ln, Long Grove · ★ 4.3 (17)

    From beginners to BigEq, there's something for every rider at Galway Farm.

    ★★★★★ Lisa, Apr 2020

Makanda 1 stable

Manhattan 3 stables

  • HHH Ranch14101 W Bruns Rd, Manhattan · ★ 4.8 (26)

    I had never been on a horse before, and they were so nice and helpful.

    From a Google review
  • Windy City Arabians Training & Learning Center15749 W Doyle Rd, Manhattan · ★ 4.7 (22)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • BakerHill Stables13750 W Bruns Rd, Manhattan · ★ 5 (9)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Maple Park 2 stables

  • Alamad Horsemanship LLC45W015 Welter Rd, Maple Park · ★ 5 (10)

    Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, she has the knowledge, skill, and ability to help you reach your goals.

    ★★★★★ Mackenzie, Aug 2026
  • Horse Logic LLC45w223 Lees Rd, Maple Park · ★ 5 (2)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Marengo 3 stables

  • Cross Winds Farm8905 S Grant Hwy, Marengo · ★ 4.8 (48)

    I was usually at a different one but then my trainer left so I found this one and it's the best for beginners, jumpers, a lot more.

    From a Google review
  • County Line Farm3518 Boone Mc Henry County Line Rd, Marengo · ★ 5 (20)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Platinum Farm, Inc.19810 Beck Rd, Marengo · ★ 5 (7)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

McHenry 2 stables

  • Woodwind Farm2910 S Justen Rd, McHenry · ★ 5 (53)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Driftwood Farm Inc.30831 N Fisher Rd, McHenry · ★ 5 (9)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

McLean 1 stable

Metamora 1 stable

  • BR Stables386 Kapraun Rd, Metamora · ★ 4.9 (15)

    She is very knowledgeable, and able to work with students of all ages and experiences levels, young or old, beginner or advanced.

    ★★★★★ Hannah, Jan 2015

Minooka 1 stable

Mokena 1 stable

  • Country Meadow Farm12635 E Bruce Rd, Mokena · ★ 5 (31)

    They treat everyone, from the beginner rider to the most accomplished riders with the same respect and courtesy.

    From a Google review

Monee 1 stable

  • Alsakab Stables مزرعة السكب26637 S Harlem Ave, Monee · ★ 4.7 (39)

    Whether you’re a beginner or experienced rider, the staff takes the time to guide you, teach you, and make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.

    From a Google review

Morris 1 stable

Morton Grove 1 stable

  • Freedom Woods9501 Austin Ave, Morton Grove · ★ 3.5 (61)
    Beginners: mentioned in a customer review

Mundelein 1 stable

  • Stablewood Farms27802 N Owens Rd, Mundelein · ★ 5 (7)

    Whether you are a beginner picking up the reins for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, her customized lessons are always engaging and highly effective.

    From a Google review

Newark 1 stable

  • Equine Dreams9775 Fox River Dr, Newark · ★ 5 (16)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

North Aurora 1 stable

  • Huntoon Stables507 Oak St, North Aurora · ★ 4.8 (34)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Oak Brook 1 stable

  • Oak Brook Farms1201 35th St, Oak Brook · ★ 4.4 (14)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Oregon 1 stable

  • White Pines Ranch3581 W Pines Rd, Oregon · ★ 4.7 (170)

    I seen their horseback riding ad on facebook so we booked a reservation (which was super easy), I personally have never been on a horse, so this was a first for me.

    From a Google review

Oswego 1 stable

Palos Hills 2 stables

Palos Park 1 stable

  • 9 Acres Equestrian Center12211 LaGrange Rd, Palos Park · ★ 4.3 (126)

    My boyfriend has never been on a horse before so he was a little nervous but Gina was very friendly and reassuring.

    From a Google review

Peotone 1 stable

  • Eagle Lake Ranch8630 W Eagle Lake Rd, Peotone · ★ 4.8 (19)

    AND his lesson horses are perfect for beginners.

    From a Google review

Plainfield 3 stables

Plano 1 stable

Plato Center 1 stable

  • ThoroughQuest Acres10N008 Muirhead Rd, Plato Center · ★ 4.2 (5)

    All three of my children have taken lessons here starting as little ones with no experience and my two girls continue on to this day.

    ★★★★★ Carolyn, Oct 2021

Princeville 1 stable

  • B&B Reinebach Riding Lessons11425 Evans Mill Rd, Princeville · ★ 5 (19)

    From beginner to advanced they will push you to reach your potential in a fun and family friendly environment.

    From a Google review

Quincy 1 stable

Richmond 1 stable

  • Heavenly Horses7406 Tryon Grove Rd, Richmond · ★ 4.6 (31)

    They have phenomenal English & Western programs for beginners to advanced students for everyone from kids to adults.

    From a Google review

Rochester 1 stable

Rockford 1 stable

  • New Moon Farm6215 Safford Rd, Rockford · ★ 5 (4)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Rockton 1 stable

Sauk Village 1 stable

Sherman 1 stable

Shirley 1 stable

  • Timber Creek Stables5967 N 1100 East Rd, Shirley · ★ 4.8 (5)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

South Beloit 1 stable

  • Stone Ledge Farm6912 Manchester Rd, South Beloit · ★ 4.8 (24)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

St Anne 1 stable

  • Sunrise Farms Inc4370 E 3500S Rd, St Anne · ★ 4.8 (31)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

St. Charles 3 stables

  • Burberry Gates Farm43W035 IL-64, St. Charles · ★ 4.9 (30)

    BGF has provided immersive education for beginners, young riders and seasoned horse owners hands on learning.

    From a Google review
  • Over the Top Equine36W982 Crane Rd, St. Charles · ★ 4.1 (11)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Seven Oaks Farm36W780 Red Gate Rd, St. Charles · ★ 5 (1)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Streamwood 1 stable

  • Perfecta Farms520 Halick Dr, Streamwood · ★ 4.2 (44)

    This is a great place for both experience riders and beginners!

    From a Google review

Sugar Grove 2 stables

Sycamore 1 stable

  • Runaway Ranch14678 Pleasant St, Sycamore · ★ 4.8 (57)

    As an adult beginner, I’d been looking for a barn that feels like “home”.

    From a Google review

Tower Hill 1 stable

  • Owens Top Of The Hill Horses1038 1300 E, Tower Hill · ★ 4.5 (28)

    great for a fun leisure time with the family great for first time riders or experienced.

    From a Google review

Vienna 1 stable

  • Last Chance Ranch1890 Old Metropolis Rd, Vienna · ★ 5 (16)

    English and western, knowledgeable and they were great with my daughter who was a beginner, and I enjoyed being able to ride it had been years since I'd last ridden!

    From a Google review

Wadsworth 1 stable

  • DonBar Farm41955 N Mill Creek Rd, Wadsworth · ★ 4.8 (20)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Waterloo 1 stable

  • Oak Ridge Farm Equestrian3854 Lower Saxtown Rd, Waterloo · ★ 5 (11)

    I have seen her develop very young beginners and I have watched her improve seasoned riders with lofty riding ambitions.

    From a Google review

Wauconda 2 stables

  • Foxcreek Stables & Ponies23755 W Milton Rd, Wauconda · ★ 4.6 (25)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Lakewood Stables23755 W Milton Rd, Wauconda · ★ 4.9 (9)

    Our trainer, Dee Lehnig, has gotten us from rank green beginners to jumping.

    From a Google review

White Heath 1 stable

Wonder Lake 1 stable

  • Peet Equestrian8116 White Oaks Rd, Wonder Lake · ★ 5 (2)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Woodstock 5 stables

  • Tievoli Farm Inc3306 S Country Club Rd, Woodstock · ★ 5 (27)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • John White Stables4301 Mc Cauley Rd, Woodstock · ★ 4.6 (29)

    Her teaching style is clear, encouraging, and perfectly suited for beginners.

    From a Google review
  • Willow Ridge Farm10515 IL-120, Woodstock · ★ 5 (17)
    Beginners: per the stable's website
  • Jigsaw Farms2411 S Country Club Rd, Woodstock · ★ 4.7 (17)
    Beginners: mentioned in a customer review
  • Victorious Farm3103 Vermont Rd, Woodstock · ★ 5 (6)
    Beginners: per the stable's website

Yorkville 1 stable

  • Just Ride Ranch8051 Van Emmon Rd, Yorkville · ★ 5 (17)

    First time riders and they loved every minute of it!

    From a Google review

Beginner checklist

  1. Wear long pants and boots with a small heel. Flat sneakers can slip through a stirrup, and shorts let the saddle rub.
  2. Ask about helmets. Many stables lend riding helmets. Ask whether they have one that fits, or bring your own riding helmet.
  3. Tell them you are new. It gets you the right horse and the right pace.

Your first time on a horse →

Beginners in Illinois, by city

The number counts the stables on this page; each city link opens every riding stable we list there.

More in Illinois