James Schlesselman, only 2½, is a riding veteran of one year already atop his trusty steed, Tye Dye, at Journey Hill Farm in Barrington. – Courtesy of Lauren Schlesselman
June Pedersen usually sees two or three new riders a month seeking beginner lessons at Castle Ridge Keep Horse Facility for an activity whose popularity has faded in recent years — horseback riding.
In the past five months, since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, that trend is reversing. A lot.
Pedersen is welcoming three or four new people each week now, making her one of the few business owners these days who can say their new clients have quadrupled.
“People are tired of being inside,” the Crystal Lake stable owner said. “They’re tired of being sequestered and socially distanced and they want to get out and do something.”
It’s adults. It’s children. It’s adults and children together.
“I can’t even get an adult in a lesson right now,” said Pat Doyle, who owns Fitzjoy Farm in Palos Park. “We’re adding more (kids) camps — they keep coming back for more.”
Suburban residents are rediscovering the surprisingly large number of stables throughout the area, many of which offer lessons for beginners.
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