Freedom Woods — Attraction in Niles Township

I took lessons here for about 3-4 years and throughout that time was subjected to a cruel and mean teacher. She would scream at me and reduced me to tears on more then one separate occasion. I am no pushover but this lady made me hate riding. The company seems like an open and caring place but it isn't. I don't know if anyone has an experience like me but this was my experience at this stable. I don't think that is is okay for someone to end up crying and I'm not saying this as someone who is a child. I am a young adult who was pushed to the point where they cried. I never cried from an injury I received or falling off a horse (I have fallen on many occasions) but from how my teacher treated me. Her treatment towards me caused me to doubt myself and my riding abilities and almost caused me to quit. To this day I still suffer from the mental trauma and have a hard time viewing riding as a fun sport even though I found a new stable that is very positive. Not only that but the way they treat their horses is questionable. I am by no means an expert and am not someone who can tell you the perfect way to handle a horse. I do know that some of the things that they did to the horses isn't acceptable. If a horse was being a little lazy in the ring someone would use a crop on it to the point that the horse would kick out. There are definitely better ways to deal with a stubborn horse then hitting it repeatedly. One time I also witnessed a horse cowering in fear from a rider. I've seen horses be nervous and move away from someone who they had just bit, but this horse was backed into a corner of her stall, trembling in fear and the white of her eyes were visible. This is probably a very long review but I think that it is important that people see this, and take what I have said into consideration. If this could help even one person make a choice then I would be happy. Please learn from this! My recommendation is that you do not go to this stable. This is just my opinion and experience, and everyone has the right to form their own views...

I will be reviewing this place by 3 things, the way they keep the place, the trainers and a general overview. Let’s start with the good things, the (schooling) barn seems to be really well taken care of. The horses there seem happy and well fed, everything is stored neatly and it’s very clean. I came here to check it out, see if any trainers would spark my interest. (Mine this, I have been going to glen grove, a different barn, for 3 years. Im currently jumping x’s and that’s it) so the first trainer I got was Camren. Camren seemed to be a student teacher, or a trainer who was for flatwork as later she told me that. But she was really nice, I just wished she was more detailed with her pointers. But I definitely recommend her if your interested in that level of training. She wasn’t for me, so camren recommended a woman named Julie. So I came for the lesson with Julie. Side note: I take lessons at glen grove twice a week and once a week at freedom woods. Like any trainer would Julie talked to me, she asked me how many times a week I ride, and my riding life. I explained to her I ride 3 times a week, once at freedom woods two times a week at glen grove, and I’ve been riding for 3 years. She then said along the lines of “Well, if you want to ride here you can’t ride anywhere else. It’s just not right, and unethical. If you want to jump here too you need to ride twice a week.” My reaction was just to be polite and say “OK.” keep in mind Julie said this to me BEFORE my lesson, and it made me feel bad the entire lesson. It seemed very unwelcoming, but I do understand. She later told my father the same thing (after the lesson). I get that you’d like me to have one trainer, but I feel the attitude wasn’t necessary. (I felt a little attitude from her) I can’t deny I’m betting she’s a good trainer, but I’m not willing to giver up my other lessons to have one trainer. The barn is good depending on what your looking for, but I personally didn’t...

I started out with a great instructor, but she left 5 months later, without notice! I was left without a teacher. One of my friends was leasing her horse! They asked for a repay but they wouldn't give her the money back! This center and their staff are such thieves! We never them again. I went through at least 4 other instructors to find the one that was good for me and at my level. But guess what?! She was fired for no specific reason. Another teacher, one of my previous instructors, showed support by quitting as well! This center has no respect for people and doesn't know how to take care of them. Furthermore, Alex Lee, the owner's son, justified all of these explanations. Another friend of mine and I had one lesson together and we were done with him and his center. First of all, he told my friend that tall people shouldn't be equestrians!!!! He was also screaming and shouting at her for doing the wrong things. Someone had to intervene because she was crying. He kept apologizing to her, but he just dropped her! He only payed attention to me and just left her there, watching me. He cannot read people, he is socially awkward, and he is mentally not fit to be an instructor. Unbelievable!

Freedom Woods, I hope you see this. You need to start understanding the word respect because your center has none. I have gone through so much. I am just so lost! I was on the verge of purchasing a horse! What would have happened if I did and my instructor had left!

My friend, my family, and I are done with you guys. Soon, you guys will have no one. All of your clients will be gone. They will soon realize what kind of people you are and how you treat them.

To people who are searching for an equestrian center, I highly suggest you go to Glen Grove and avoid Freedom Woods. Trust me...

I wish all of you out there good luck. Don't fall into the Lees' trap. They will pull you into their "masks of kindness", convince you to buy a horse and drop...