Freedom Woods - Morton Grove, Illinois

Taylor

I grew up riding here for many years (5+ years) as a client/student with Freedom Woods. Years later, I tried to reach out multiple times about starting up lessons with them again and I got no response. I found a different spot to ride but that was disappointing!

Stephanie S.

Wonderful Experience! Beautiful facility, extremely welcoming community of people. Hoping to be back soon!

Molly M.

Have tried about 5 attempts to inquire about riding lessons for my daughter.
I left 3 vmails and went in person x 2 and even filled out their paperwork. No answer/response. I rode there as a child and wanted to get my daughter started. Will look elsewhere.

Cody J.

Great equestrian facility close to the city. The horses are very well taken care of and the instructors are all great. They also do equine therapy which is such a great offering.

Lilly W.

I'm not normally a review poster, but felt I needed to speak my piece on this place. In short, I'd say buyer beware!. I was really looking forward to my kids starting riding lessons here. Actually, the receptionist whom I originally spoke with (Kathy, I think) was very pleasant and super patient explaining everything. I think this place really realizes their captive audience being so close to downtown given the $60 per half hour lesson rate. Our experience with the staff, teachers, and the school horses were mediocre at best. I guess I should have realized that it was too good to be true with a quick drive from the city.

Emma E.

I rode here for a few months when I was looking for a new barn to lesson at. Prior to coming here I had been riding for 4-5 years and was doing small jumps. My first lesson here I had to go tack up the horse by myself, with no help or explanation from anyone. I never got to do any jumps and I only walked and trotted my first two lessons. My trainer seemed nice but some of the other staff were very rude. Overall this place isn't absolutely terrible but I wouldn't recommend it. There are many other barns in the area that are much better than this one.

S C.

3 lessons, 3 different instructors, and the third time was certainly not the charm. The first instructor was traveling for shows too often to hold a consistent weekly lesson, the second mysteriously vanished from the stable (I'm sure there is some drama there but I did not ask), and the third was Alex.

After Alex I will never return.

He freely admitted that he did not care about human emotions so I dare say I was warned but he was rude to the point of verbal abuse. He kept shouting nonsensical commands and when I asked what they meant he yelled at me to stop asking questions. He was constantly quoting obscure equestrian texts to prove his intellect (very impressive...) and clearly thought he was too good to be there. He told me I needed 5 more hours just to take another lesson with him but when I asked how to get those hours if he would not teach me he replied "I don't know, read a book or something".

He does have quite a few younger clients that seem to be happy with his services, although I did overhear him seriously tell a young boy to "leave and never come back". Perhaps he is only comfortable surrounding himself with those who do not challenge his intellect, so I would steer clear if you are over the age of 12 and/or have any self respect.

I am so disappointed in this stable for nearly ruining a sport and a practice that for me is such a beautiful form of exercise and discipline.

Update 4/8/19:
The owner, who I later discovered is Alex's mother, called me and left a message the day after my lesson offering to pair me with a different instructor. I called her back immediately to discuss further but she was not available and I left a message. It has been a week and I have yet to receive any further communication. No apology or restitution was offered.

andrea B.

Started riding again after years of not. I work with 2 different instructors. Both are patient and very knowledgeable. Everyone at the barn that I have worked with has been very nice and helpful! Would highly recommend!