Meadowsweet Ranch - Spring Grove, IL

Iva

I discovered Meadowsweet Ranch through my sister because she took the horsemanship camp one summer and I was lucky enough to take some lessons with Kathy.
When I met Kathy, two things were very clear- she has a passion for horses and a deep connection to them!
Everything from the care she gives all the horses who visit or stay at Meadowsweet to food they are given to the vet support. Kathy goes ABOVE AND BEYOND for the horses!
This isn't just a place for a casual 1 hour trail ride, Meadowsweet is where you learn how to build a connection with horses. It's where you learn how to communicate with horses and learn their unique language (all while having safety be the top priority for both the horses and the humans). I myself had a little bit of fear around these big beautiful majestic animals at the beginning and learned from Kathy how to be more confident and safe around them.
When you invest in horsemanship at Meadowsweet, you invest in self growth & leadership.
Kathy is one of a kind and I hope everyone who feels called to work with horses experience the magic of Meadowsweet because you truly cannot get this experience at any other stables🐴

Emily D.

My daughter Adaline has been in love with horses and pony’s since she was 2 years old. Everyone at Meadowsweet Ranch was wonderful with her and she fell in love with the Pony Sug. She loved camp so much that she is going back to summer camp and starting lessons this summer. Thank you Meadowsweet for making all my cowgirls dreams become a reality 💕🐴

Julie D.

Meadowsweet Ranch

Wow! I cannot say enough good things about the staff and the program at Meadowsweet Ranch. I live over an hour away from Spring Grove, yet made the journey for my daughter who is an avid horse lover. She recently went for Spring Camp, and while it was only two days, she met other campers who have the same passion as her, HORSES. She told me the day we left, “Mom hurry up! You need to sign me up for the summer before it is full!” She enjoyed riding, grooming and especially cleaning the hooves of the horses. I have always told her that riding a horse is a privilege and not a right. Horses need to be respected and that was fully reinforced at Meadowsweet Ranch. The safety of the children is priority, which is why the HORSE comes first. Crafts and activities planned with the other campers were appropriate, and the ranch feel is definitely welcoming. My only request is that I would have liked more feedback on the day of the camp to know what my daughter did that day. I guess no news is good news! Most importantly for me is that she LOVED it and we will definitely be back for one of the 3 summer sessions.

tricia Y.

I realized a lifelong dream and got my first horse (at age 50) with Kathy's help. I took lessons at Meadowsweet for a few years before getting Lightning., (after a long break from horses), and decided to make the leap. Kathy went with me to choose my horse and gave us both lessons after I got him. He's very happy at Meadowsweet and receives great care. We've participated in many Meadowsweet events, such as informal shows, trail rides, game nights, and barn trips to southern Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. I love that we can ride out from the barn to Chain O Lakes park and have access to miles of trails. If you're thinking about taking riding lessons for yourself or your kids, or looking for a place to board where the horse truly comes first, contact Kathy!

Michelle P.

I returned to horses after a long break raising my children. I knew I wanted to do horsemanship differently than I had done in the past. A friend told me about Meadowsweet Ranch so I took a couple lessons with Kathy. It was apparent that she had a love and respect for horses and I was eager to learn from that. I bought another horse soon after and have had the time of my life. I have done more in the past six months, with my new guy Danny, than I did decades with my past horses. Drill team, trails from the barn, off site trail rides, working equitation, clinics, lessons and dabbling in different disciplines of riding. It really is a dream come true and I am excited to learn more.

Kay K.

We have been long time boarders at Meadowsweet Ranch and cannot say enough good things about Kathy, Mark, the facility and fellow boarders. It's such a a comfortable, peaceful, drama free atmosphere. Every discipline is welcomed with open arms. Kathy offers plenty of fun clinics, lessons and is a bastion of horse knowledge. The barn is open 24/7, with both owners and head barn help living on-site. There's plenty of room in the indoor arena, and the outdoor as well. MSR backs up to miles and miles of Chain o Lake State Park trails. The trails are absolutely breathtaking with old growth forest, fauna and plentiful shade.
It's a place where both horses and humans thrive.....
Gallop on over, you won't regret it.

Kristy C.

Sloane had so much fun at her first time at pony camp! We would definitely attend again and in her own words 'I had so much fun riding the pony and making crafts with new friends!'. Meadowsweet Ranch did an amazing job and I felt completely comfortable leaving her with the exceptional counselors! I would recommend anyone uncertain give it a try.

Lisa B.

My daughter attended winter camp and absolutely loved it. Ms Kathy and the camp counselors do such a great job teaching the kids about horses and safe riding skills. My daughter just loves riding all the different horses.