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Shenandoah Riding Center
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
3 reviews for Shenandoah Riding Center
My guy and I were tooling around the Galena area this weekend when I saw a sign for horse rides.
"Hey - you wanna go ride a horse?"
"Baby, I haven't been on a horse in maybe...20 years?"
"I haven't been on one in maybe 15...wanna?"
"Oh...sure."
After procuring less stupid-flimsy shoes for me, we arrived for our hour-long walk/trot around the ranch. After about half an hour of getting everyone organized and onto their respective horses, we set off down narrow, muddy, winding trails through the woods and pastures. It was very relaxing, although the trotting wasn't as comfortable as I'd remembered. ;) It was an enjoyable ride and I had a good time chatting up our leader while my guy's horse kept scarfing up the prairie behind me. It was a relaxing time all the way up until the end, when suddenly my horse kind of "had words" with my guy's horse; my horse jumped up a little and plowed his head into my guy's horse's head. The only other woman on the tour with us yelled, "Oh, my GOD!" (zomg please stfu no loud noises kthxbai). I shifted in my saddle and pulled on the reins ("whoooooa, there!") and it was over as soon as it had begun. I was proud of myself. :) And now I'm bragging about it on Yelp. It's cuz I'm classy, y'all.
Very reasonable price for the ride ($36), although I must note that while it's marketed as an hour-long ride, it's really more like 40-45 minutes. *shrug* I'd go back again if I'm ever in the area.
My daddy never bought me a pony. I had to wait until I was an adult to even ride a horse -- and I'm glad that I did it at Shenandoah.
I signed up for a trail ride. It cost $36 and lasted an hour (plus about an additional half an hour for saddling up, instruction, and dismounting.) The guide and four other people rode through the countryside. The area is so beautiful -- wildflowers galore. Most of the time the horses walked but occasionally they trot. The guide was friendly and quick to point out if anyone was riding incorrectly. I had so much fun and signed up for a second ride a couple days later.
Shenandoah also offers lessons, canter rides, and boarding.
Its hard to find a stable that will rent horses for people to take out and ride as they see fit, but Shenandoah comes pretty close to that.
They've got over 40 miles of trails for people to either bring the horses, or to rent a horse and go out on a guided trail ride.
My boyfriend and I had been looking for somewhere in northern IL that would allow us to do more than the rather boring walking trail.. and we found that in Shenandoah's two hour canter ride.
Our guide, Danielle, was very friendly and accommodating, and gave us lots of background information on the area. Once we got back to the riding center, she even offered to make us hot chocolate because we were basically frozen.
I would like to go back here in the fall. Danielle mentioned how beautiful the trails are when the leaves are changing, and this is a great way to see the countryside around Galena - a welcome change from the cute little shops overkill.
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