AZ Acres Riding - Plainfield, Illinois

Emily W

As an adult rider, it’s easy to feel left behind in the equestrian world. After not riding for nearly 20 years, I decided to get back into it nearly 5 years ago. My list of requirements were short: a casual atmosphere, no pressure to show, and well cared for animals.

Luckily for me, they checked all three. Over the years I’ve changed trainers and found no difference in the quality of instruction.

I am an anxious rider who finds it difficult to overcome sometimes severe mental blocks. Abbie does a wonderful job with this and knows when to push and when to back off. There’s no pressure, no yelling, no eye rolling, no belittling.

I love that my husband can come hang out in the arena during lessons and isn’t confined to a ‘viewing room’ or simply unwelcome. It contributes to a nice family-like atmosphere.

I also appreciate I can feed a couple days a week in order to earn discounts on lessons! This is a huge perk and they don’t take advantage of their staff.

Lastly, the barn cats are super friendly!

Alison Hiscock (Alison)

I just started here last Sunday and the riding experience is already nice, I love Jan as my instructor and that I am already doing more at this barn than previous ones. The horses and alpacas are cute, just be careful since some of them do have tempers

I have been here for a few weeks and still fun and got a picture of all the lesson horses, and the retired ones

Samantha Kamin

I love this barn so much it is like my second home. they are very kind and passionate about There riders i’ve been there for 4 years and they have brought me through my entire riding journey. Im so happy to ride there i ride on Olivia’s days and i volunteer. Olivia is so patient and i love doing lessons with her i lease out a horse there and Olivia always makes time for me to ride. Olivia and the barn gives me to many opportunities and i’m so grateful for that. I love the connection i have with everyone there. Overall this is the BEST place to go.

Barb Dibbern

AZ acres isn’t just a stable it’s my daughters 2nd home. She decided at the age of 4 she wanted to ride horses, and has never looked back. We started at a different stable that was just too far of a drive, and when I searched for ones closer AZ came up. We went in blind with 0 expectations and in the last 6 years its absolutely become my daughters favorite place to be. Loretta and Megan are fantastic about working with you when it comes to scheduling, and Abby is a fantastic instructor who loves her girls so much. Don’t go in expecting anyone to baby you. You definitely have to put your big girl pants on, but it’s taught my now 11 year old so much responsibility. We absolutely love the atmosphere and the people who work there.

Caitlin Graff

What a hidden gem! I had no idea this place was so close to our house. We signed our daughter up for summer horse riding camp and loved it so much. We had such a great experience that we signed her up for a second round of camp. They respond quickly to texts. Abbie, my daughter’s instructor, is so patient, professional, and knowledgeable. It was my daughter’s first time riding a horse ever and she learned so much in a week. I was so impressed with how much she could do and how much riding time she got at camp. Abbie and her team made my daughter so comfortable and excited to go to horse camp. Abbie communicated with parents and went above and beyond to make sure parents and kids were happy. We had the best experience here and I can’t say enough good things about the company and about Abbie. We also adore Talent the horse. We will be back!

Marianne Martinez

My 8 year old just completed a week long camp. It was a fantastic experience. AZ Acres is especially great for young riders. The horses are well cared for and the staff is kind, professional and knowledgeable. Especially Abby, she is wonderful!

Cailyn Herre

I have now been at Az for almost 4 years. I have been riding for about 8 or 9 years of my life and haven’t found a place quite like Az acres. The second I walk into the barn I feel so welcomed by my fellow grooms and trainers. I love to be at the barn, it’s definitely my second home and I have never been so happy with a barn ever. Az has taught me how to ride better than any other barn I’ve ridden at. I’ve grown up with Az and I’ve learned the basic skills of riding but also the skills I need for the real world. They’ve taught me responsibility, independence, and to just overall be the best I can be. I have taken lessons from Abbie and a couple from Olivia and I have no negative things to say about them. They make me feel confident and comfortable when I’m riding and they always encourage me to do new and more challenging things. If I ever feel uncomfortable with something they never make me do it. This barn is truly one of the best places on earth and I could not be more grateful to have found it. The people and the horses make my barn experiences amazing. Also lorretta and Megan are so amazing and are great when it comes to scheduling and overall just being around. I don’t have anything negative about this place and if your ever looking to learn to ride Az is definitely the place for you.

Kendall Batis

As someone who has gone through many barns, this is and forever will be my favorite. Az Acres offers western and english, but they don’t treat you like a person whos taking lessons. They treat you like family. I feel so welcome in this barn, whether I’m helping out others or taking a lesson. These trainers are patient, considerate, and helpful. I gained YEARS worth of experience in such little time with my trainer, Abbie. She has helped me get farther in this sport, farther then any other trainer or barn has ever done. Money isn’t a problem at Az. Whether you’re taking a single lesson a week, or all days of the week, you get the full experience EVERY lesson. It’s never the same, either. Abbie likes to switch things up, which is good. It helps you stay focused, and builds your skills. That’s her goal. I was hesitant to come to Az, and when I did, I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay. There was nothing wrong with the barn, but I was scared since I didn’t know anyone. Looking back, thats severely changed. Az is my second home and second family. But when I came back the neck week, my mom asked, ‘how did you feel?’ I simply had the biggest smile on my face. I loved it. And I still do. While I’ve gone to Az, I’ve gotten close to other kids at the barn, and Abbie. Abbie has brought me out of my comfort zone, in ways that helped me be a better rider. She’s never pushed me to do something thats scared me, ever. While she does her best to get me to try new things, I’m not afraid of anything in riding. At my old barn, I was thrown off and had the biggest fear of cantering again. Abbies helped me gain my confidence back in riding. I have a much better seat, MUCH better confidence, and thats helped me lots. And Olivia, shes an amazing trainer. I’ve only taken about two lessons with her, but shes just like Abbie. Shes patient. I’ve never been yelled at by either. They both listen to me talk or ask questions, and they really do their best at helping to answer my questions. But while listening to me, they help me focus. I’ve never taken a lesson with Jan, but from what I’ve heard, shes just as good as the other two trainers. Now, speaking about Loretta and Megan, they are the best owners. I’ve met Loretta few times, but every time I find myself intrigued to talk to her just about Az. Loretta is a sweetheart, and I really thank her for listening to me talk or just overall owning and running Az. Without them, I wouldn’t be at where I am now. I’ve been riding for 11 years, and I want to continue riding at Az. It’s a privilege I’ll never take for granted. I’m honored to ride here, whether I’m helping out or just being with my second family. Loretta and Megan are amazing people - and if you’re thinking about coming to Az, they are very sweet and considerate. The horses here are amazing, and again, teach you a lot. I wouldn’t be where I’m at now if it wasn’t for Az, and I’m grateful I came here. I’ll never look back - because this is where we as equestrians belong. A barn like AZ is a place you’ll cherish forever. Thank you, Az! 🫶🏻💙