Riverside Stables — Local services in Illinois

I originally called here to inquire about riding lessons for my daughter who is 3 1/2. I was pleasantly surprised by how much information Lindsey was able to give me over the phone. She answered all of my questions and advised me to send her a text message with my information and what I was looking for. She responded within a few hours saying they had an open spot come available. Unfortunately I was not able to make this one. I sent her another text about a week later asking if there was anything available in a few days from when I called. She responded again within a few hours and gave me a time slot. So far I was happy with the response time.

We scheduled for 1pm and we arrived around 12:15 ( yes a bit early). Our other plans allowed us to get there quite a bit early. When we arrived the two girls (Lindsey and Maddie) were out cleaning the stalls. We spoke with them and Lindsey even caught one of the roosters so my daughter could hold him. They were so friendly and accommodating even though we were very early. They spoke with us about the rides and answered our questions as they continued to work. Maddie took time out of her own lunch break to start us early around 12:45pm. I was impressed with that.

From the start, Maddie was attentive and explanatory with my daughter. She taught her how to brush the horse (JoJo was her pony to ride) and was talkative throughout the entire hour. What really impressed me is Maddie took the lesson seriously. She was not on her phone at all (except once just to check the time because youngsters don't wear watches haha) but I never felt as if she was not 100% involved with my daughter. Safety was taken seriously. I have read the comment about the person who had an issue with her weight being too much. My wife is over 200 lbs and is very excited to go for a ride. We shall see how that shakes out in the future and I may end up editing my review, however, for now, I am thoroughly impressed with this stable. I...

So after playing phone tag an told I was not understandable, I was left a voicemail stating I could go on a trail ride the coming Saturday- but that they needed to know how tall I was and my weight. I called back- no answer. Left a voicemail speaking very clear an giving my weight and height. After about 20 mins. I was called back an told that any one over 200lbs is not allowed on their horses! So excuse me for being over 200lbs but that was very offending.

MY ADVICE? Contact another area that is more understandable and doesn’t just outright deny you based off you’re weight!

This was just over all unprofessional and a disappointment. I wouldn’t even bring my children here for activities. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also as you see the response that was gave to me.. it’s honestly sad that she would claim that I reviewed their website when I obviously searched on google and reached out by tapping on the call option.

Extremely unprofessional to lie on a potentially customer. Also I stayed that I played phone tag- also unprofessional. And what if a person weighed 205lbs or 201lbs? Still unable to provide serious?

I now have went to your website an actually looked an it still doesn’t say 200lb weight limit- *unless you’ve just added it since I made my REVIEW of your place. I felt it was kind of a normal thing to answer the phone or return a call with information. Why must I read everything first???? An even after I DID still was no wording of a 200lb weight limit.

I am not wrong for trying to inform the public of what you denied me originally of.

Also you shouldn’t be having a 22 + and a 30+ year old horse being ridden as you share. Have a better day because I know I will. There are plenty of other places that are professional and Don’t discriminate.

Also I found a WONDERFUL lady that will consider people an their...

Used to be a great, family atmosphere. Change in management has resulted in a strictly business culture. Went from using flush toilets to a portable toilet with no way to wash hands. Moved to young teen instructors who, God bless them, have barely figured out riding themselves. My daughter’s last two group “lessons” consisted of 45 minutes of riding in a circle — while the 16 year old instructor worked one on one with a kid who boards their horse there. I never minded paying for lessons during the last six years. The last six months has been really bad with the management change.Quality of lessons have fallen. Customer focus is gone. New management views you has a checkbook,...