html>North Shore Magazine, June 1996 North Shore Magazine, June 1996

Horse Country

Drive by too early in the morning and you could almost miss it, snuggled back amidst the foothills under a thin blanket of fog. As the sun climbs higher and starts to warm the air, shadowy figures and low-slung buildings nose their way out of the receding mist. Wait a little longer, and the figures slide into focus as horses‹long-limbed Thoroughbreds whose dark forms are clustered in small groups throughout the open expanse of pastureland. Some graze; others merely doze. There's nothing particularly striking about them, until you look a little closer and notice the smaller bodies sprawled in the grass at their feet. Whatever jobs these horses have had before‹showing, racing, trail riding‹their current task is infinitely more important. They're broodmares, and the new crop of foals snoozing in their shadows are tomorrow's stakes winners, show champions, and backyard pleasure horses.

Today the youngsters are less concerned with the future than the current challenge of sorting out their spindly legs and getting on their feet. Blinking impossibly long eyelashes in the morning light, they look out into a world full of opportunity. They just have yet to realize it.

The fact that most Illinois residents would associate such a pastoral scene with the Kentucky bluegrass region or the English countryside shows that they, too, are failing to realize a world of opportunity. In fact, such equestrian Edens can lie around any curve in the road in northern Illinois.

Horses and History

As recently as the first decade of this century, the sounds of traffic on Chicago streets weren't the roar of engines and the squeal of tires, but the metallic cadence of horseshoes on pavement and the rattle of buggies and wagons. Traffic jams weren't bumper-to-bumper chrome and metal, but a chaotic mix of streetcars and horse-drawn carriages.

Although Chicago is more historically known for its meat packing industry, horse trading was also an essential part of the stockyard economy. In addition, horse sports were an important part of recreation in the area. Horse races attracted huge crowds, and local fairs allowed residents the opportunity to show off their horses for their neighbors and compete for prizes.

The region has always been an important center for various breeding programs. One of the earliest and most notable was the effort to establish an American base for the Percheron breed. Mark Dunham, a wealthy landowner in Wayne, began breeding the huge French draft horses in 1869, relying mostly on an imported stallion named Success. Mares were brought to Dunham's farm in Wayne from a five-state area, usually traveling into town by train. Dunham's brainstorm was to cross the sturdy French workhorses with the smaller horses commonly used for farming in the area. The result was a more powerful plow horse who could work the fields more quickly. Dunham provided a remarkable demonstration of the crossbreeds' superiority during the Columbia Exposition in Chicago in 1893. He pitted a typical farm horse against one of his Percheron crosses in a plowing contest. Dunham's horse finished plowing the field in half the time. Of the 71 first prizes awarded at the fair that year, Dunham took 65 with his Percherons.

More recently, northern Illinois has become a nationally recognized breeding center for another foreign breed: the Lipizzan. These beautiful, snow-white horses are internationally renowned for their performances in the classical style of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. The largest privately owned herd outside of Austria can be found in Wadsworth at Tempel Farms. Tempel and Esther Smith originally imported twenty of the horses in 1958. Today, the farm is very active in breeding, sales and training, and is home to about one hundred Lipizzans.

Another area breeding facility, Horizon Farm in Barrington Hills, is a well-established Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding farm. The picturesque 600-acre farm has stallions of both breeds standing at stud. The breeding program had a banner year in 1995‹over 100 mares delivered foals, and their Thoroughbred stallion Classic Account was the number one stallion in the state. Horizon also serves as the starting point for many of the Fox River Valley Hunt's meets. Farm owner William McGinley is also the hunt's Joint Master of Foxhounds.

Not only is the Chicago area an important center for breeding, but local equestrian facilities often play host to some of the most prestigious competitions in the Midwest. Arlington International Racecourse runs some of the richest horse races in the country. The region also boasts several internationally acclaimed hometown heroes. Former Barrington resident Chris Kappler is a world-class show jumper who has an excellent chance of making the Olympic team this summer. Lake Forest resident Todd Minikus is also an accomplished show jumper. Batavia resident Ralph Hill has already represented the United States as a member of the Alternate Olympic eventing team in 1980, and is trying for the team again this year.

As important as these acclaimed riders and prestigious events are to the horse industry in Illinois, what the area really has to offer is an amazing array of opportunities for anyone interested in horses. The state boasts a thriving community of equestrian enthusiasts, running the gamut from die-hard competitors to pleasure riders to casual spectators. Opportunities abound for recreational horsefolk as well, even those who prefer to keep both feet planted on terra firma. Opening one's eyes is just the first step in enjoying the hidden equestrian treasures the area has to offer.

For The Love Of Horses

"My horse is like my baby," said Debbie Nieto. Nieto owns two French restaurants in Highland Park: Carlos' Restaurant and Cafe Central. But she still manages to make time for her 10-year-old Thoroughbred mare, Vah-zee. "[Riding] is a chance for me to lose myself and concentrate on something other than my work," Nieto said. "I think my whole psyche melts when I arrive at that barn." Nieto keeps her horse at Windermere Farm in Wadsworth, where she trains with show veteran Bunny Kizorek. Although she finds it difficult to fit showing into her schedule, Nieto competes in hunter/jumper shows, and has amassed quite a collection of ribbons and trophies for display in a private room at Carlos'.

You needn't be an Olympic hopeful or a professional. Nor do you need to be a horse-crazy 12-year-old kid. Average, everyday people manage to squeeze their "horse time" into busy schedules, just because it's worth their trouble. And because, according to Nieto, "it's complete euphoria."

Horse activity is spread around Chicagoland in clusters, concentrated in areas where there are major equestrian facilities, and where residents can keep horses in their own backyards. Communities closer to the city are rarely zoned for horses; Evanston, for instance, allows no livestock. But in Barrington Hills or Libertyville, horses are permitted on properties over five acres. In St. Charles, the minimum is two acres.

In some communities where horses nearly outnumber people, like Wayne and Barrington Hills, special efforts are made to preserve the horse-friendly atmosphere. In Barrington Hills, new buildings and developments must continue to preserve the extensive system of riding trails. In Wayne, members of the Wayne-DuPage Hunt visit new homeowners along the hunt trails to ensure that the paths will remain clear.

Not surprisingly, where there are many residents with horses, there are also major equestrian facilities. Some of the larger ones are the Lamplight Equestrian Center, a boarding and training stable in Wayne; Tempel Farms, a training and competition center in Wadsworth; and the Barrington Hills Riding Center, a public facility owned by the Countryside Park District, and maintained by the Riding Club of Barrington Hills, the Fox River Valley Pony Club, and the Fox River Valley Hunt. In addition, smaller privately-owned stables can be found in almost every community in the Chicago area.

The Competitive Spirit

For many riders, the payoff for training and hard work is the chance to compete and put themselves to the test. Chicago-area riders can take their chances at hunter/jumper shows, combined training events, dressage shows, polo matches and foxhunting, all without having to venture very far away from home.


They provide an interesting dichotomy: two sports with similar goals but very different executions, often played out in arenas side-by-side. In one ring, and you can see the sedate formality commonly associated with showing. The riders are turned out in traditional dark-colored hunt coats, pressed white shirts and tan riding breeches. The horses are neatly braided and groomed, and canter smartly around the course, tucking their knees up to their chins over every picture-perfect jump. They're known as hunters, and their goal is to make it look as smooth and effortless as possible. They do it well.

But turn around and look in another ring, and you'll see the powerhouses and risk-takers of the horse show world. Here, looks don't count. All that matters is being "fast and clean." Horse and rider strain to shave inches off their turns and seconds off their times. Brightly colored jump poles balance precariously in shallow cups, drawing sympathetic groans from the crowd when they're knocked to the ground. It's truly a sport for the short-attention-span generation: the rounds last less than 2 minutes. The scoring is easy to follow‹the horses either jump or they don't; the jumps either stay up or they fall down. The competitors are known as jumpers, and true to their names, they do. And they do it spectacularly.

Strangely enough, these contrasting sports are lumped together, forming one big family of hunter/jumpers. They're the most popular of equestrian sports, encompassing everyone from kids on ponies to world-class trainers and riders. Hunter classes are subjectively judged on either the horse's form, or the rider's. Jumps start knee-high in pony classes, and reach heights of up to 4 feet in the most difficult divisions. Horses also compete "on the flat," or without jumps.

In the jumper divisions, horses and riders are penalized for refusing jumps, for knocking down rails, and for exceeding the time limit. Pairs who jump around with no penalties then participate in a jump-off, where the fastest penalty-free round wins. Heights vary between 3'6" and 5'6". Jumper classes often offer prize money as well, the richest being the grand prix competitions, which routinely offer purses of $25,000 to $50,000 or more.

The Lamplight Equestrian Center in Wayne plays host to a number of major hunter/jumper competitions, including several grand prix events. The shows resemble a three-ring circus, with several classes going on at once in one of many outdoor riding arenas, offering spectators a wonderful opportunity to see some of the country's best hunter/jumper riders. Many professionals, and even some amateurs and young riders, spend their summers on the road traveling from one show to the next, following an established circuit. The grand prix classes, in particular, attract some of the horse world's brightest stars. Several other area equestrian facilities offer prestigious hunter/jumper competitions, including the Barrington Hills Riding Center, and Ledges in South Beloit.


Prepare to squelch any doubt that a 1,200-pound horse can dance like a ballerina as you watch these equine artists in the ring. Competitors ride individually, enjoying ten minutes alone in the spotlight and the rapt attention of the audience. Each horse begins by trotting straight as an arrow up the center line of the arena, stopping stock-still at dead center so the rider can salute the judge. From there the ride progresses in a set pattern, putting the horse through a series of patterns and movements that require flexibility, obedience, beautiful self-carriage and stunning gaits. The horses and riders make every footstep perfect, even and deliberate, and they make it look effortless.

It's called "dressage," a name that is fittingly a little hard to grasp, much like the sport. The word is French for "basic training," and it appropriately describes the ideals of the sport: to provide a series of building blocks necessary in a horse's development. At the lowest levels, the dressage test may consist of little more than walking, trotting, and a few circles. As horses and riders progress, the tests ask more difficult questions. At the upper levels, dressage is an art form: horses glide and spin like an Olympic figure skater.

It takes years of practice and training for a horse and rider to develop the fundamentals that allow them to tackle the highest levels. Similarly, appreciation for the sport takes time to develop. Where show jumping can be the horse world's MTV, dressage is its A&E. Not as instantly accessible, but a little appreciation goes a long way.

Dressage is in its relative infancy in the United States‹the international competitions are dominated by European riders. But a surprise bronze medal performance by the U.S. team at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona shows that American dressage riders are true contenders. The Midwest is a extremely competitive region, supporting several prestigious upper-level dressage shows. Tempel Farms, home of the Lipizzans, is well known for its Dressage at Tempel Farms competition (May 31-June 2 and September 13-15). With classes at every level, from Training (the easiest) to Grand Prix (the most difficult), and the beautiful backdrop of Tempel Farms, the show is popular with both riders and spectators. Other local competitions include Dressage at Lamplight (May 24-26 and August 30-September 1) and International Dressage at Lamplight (August 23-27), both in Wayne; the Masters of Dressage (July 20-21) at St. James Farm in Warrenville; Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association Dressage in Barrington (August 10-11); and Dressage at Palatine (September 28-29).


Walk about half a mile through the waist-high prairie grass and into the woods of the Pratt-Wayne Forest Preserve. Follow the carefully marked paths until you reach a picnic table in a clearing, and join the small, solemn crowd there. Stand to the edge of the clearing, one or two steps back into the weeds at the border, leaving the table standing alone in the center. Although its broad surface and sturdy benches are certainly inviting, you won't find anyone resting in the summer heat there today. Soon enough, it's obvious why. From farther up the trail comes the faint clattering of hooves on the parched July ground. The sound grows louder. You can hear rhythmic snorting of a horse in full gallop, and the rider speaking in soothing tones, warning the horse of the jump ahead. The pair bursts into view around the turn in the path, both sizing up the effort, adjusting their pace and stride. They're close enough that you can see the rider grit her teeth, and feel them stir up the air as they pass by, meeting the table perfectly to clear its four-foot-width. As quickly as they came, they disappear around the next turn, the pounding hoofbeats dissolving into the humid air. Just watching the effort has left the spectators breathless, but the horse and rider still have the last eight of eighteen jumps to go.

Such is the mentality of the sport known as combined training: size up the obstacle, tackle it, move on. "Eventers," as the sport's participants are known, are like the triathletes of the equestrian world. Combined training, true to its moniker, incorporates three different disciplines into one competition. Originally designed to test the strength and versatility of military horses, today it still challenges some of the best equine athletes. The weekend starts with a dressage test, designed to test the horse's obedience and flexibility. The next task is a marathon cross-country jumping course, covering varying terrain and natural obstacles: water, stone walls, ditches, and various log jumps. As a final test of resilience, the horse and rider negotiate a show jumping course full of tight turns and brightly-colored poles that can fall with the slightest touch. The pair with the best combined score from all three phases goes home with the blue ribbon.

Combined training thrives in the Midwest, and in Illinois in particular. There are events of varying sizes and ability levels, from Novice (the easiest) to Advanced (the most difficult), allowing everyone from beginners to Olympic hopefuls a chance to fill their competitive plate. The area's most prestigious event is the Wayne Horse Trials (July 20-21), which is the only Advanced competition in the Midwest. The show attracts about 200 competitors from all over the country, and numerous spectators as well. The Lamplight Equestrian Center hosts the dressage and show jumping phases of the Wayne event. Permanent cross country courses are built on the land of the Pratt-Wayne Forest Preserve, and affords local riders the chance to train over the jumps during the off-season.

Other local combined training competitions include the St. James Farm Horse Trials in Warrenville (May 25-26), the Wayne DuPage Hunt Horse Trials (June 8-9) in Wayne, and the Fox River Valley Horse Trials in Barrington (June 22-23). There are several just across the border in Wisconsin as well: the Silverwood Farm Horse Trials (August 3-4 and September 14-15) in Camp Lake, and the Evergreen Farm Horse Trials (June 29-30 and October 12-13) in Kenosha.


Thwack! A strong forehand shot sends the ball bouncing down the field, and with a thundering of hooves rivaling that of a homestretch drive, eight polo ponies chase after it. Two riders from opposing teams reach the ball and jostle fiercely for position. The defending rider gains an advantage, and with a quick backshot sends the ball sailing back in the opposite direction. The ponies hit the brakes, sending up a shower of divots from the soft turf‹the equine equivalent of skid marks. Spinning around athletically on their haunches, in a matter of strides they're barreling back the other direction.

It's a rare sport that can combine the back-and-forth drama and style of Wimbledon tennis with the wildness of a rodeo. Outdoor polo is known for its fast pace and excitement, and it rarely lets you down. Chicago's summer polo ranks right up near the top in the country, according to U.S. Polo Association Executive Director George Alexander Jr., of Batavia. There are about 120 polo players in the area, most of whom are recreational players, not professionals.

Area polo clubs include Fox Meadow Polo in Naperville, Lakewood Acres in Algonquin, Blackberry Polo Club in Batavia, the Naperville Polo Club, and Glendale Polo Club. Spectators can enjoy Sunday games at the polo fields in Oak Brook. Steve Yackley's Fox Meadow Farm in Naperville also offers instruction in polo at the area's only indoor polo facility.


Not every horse sport is a competition. For some, having a good ride is reward enough. Such is the mentality of the die-hard foxhunters, who will gather at the crack of dawn armed with nothing more than their hopes for a fast and exciting ride.

Although there are several hunts in the Chicago area, the encroaching suburban sprawl has eaten away at the open land used for hunting. So while the hunts call a certain town home, they may hunt in a completely different area. Such is the case with the Oak Brook Hounds, whose members actually hunt land near Byron. The Fox River Valley Hunt, although based in Barrington, often travels to Huntley or Richmond for its meets.

Foxhunts are classified as either "live" or "drag." Live hunts, as the name implies, rely on a living, breathing fox to provide the meet's excitement, which introduces an element of uncertainty. On a particularly good day, a fox may give the horses and hounds a wonderful run. On other days, he may go straight up a tree. Wadsworth's Mill Creek Hunt and the Fox River Valley Hunt both hunt live fox and the occasional coyote.

Drag hunts, such as those held by the Wayne-DuPage Hunt, follow a trail of scent laid ahead of time. While it usually ensures a good run, drags lack the spontaneity of a live hunt. Hunting season generally lasts from August through December. Of course, one must be a member of a particular hunt to participate.

The Spirit Is Willing, But...

Horses are magnificent creatures. But they're also large, somewhat scary, and very expensive creatures. Not everyone is destined to strap on a crash helmet and tackle an Advanced event course. But even those who prefer to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground can enjoy the life of the horsey set, from a safe distance, as a spectator.

From June through August, the Tempel Lipizzans put on public performances that offer a chance to step back in time and observe an Austrian national treasure. The horses' twice-weekly program for the public attracts anywhere from 700 to 1000 people to Tempel Farms. The performances feature a troop of the white stallions performing ballet-like movements to classical music. The program also includes a presentation of mares and foals, and a segment devoted to carriages.

"[The Lipizzans] were like the Nintendo of the sixteenth century," said Roberta Creek Williams, director of program development at Tempel Farms. The horses provided entertainment for the Austrian aristocracy, Williams said, and still do so today. Williams estimates that ninety percent of the audiences at Tempel know nothing about horses, but are still able to appreciate the beauty of the performance. "It's truly a performing art," Williams said.

In addition to being the home of the Lipizzans, Tempel Farm plays host for one of the highest-rated competitions, in terms of difficulty, in the country. The North American Young Riders Championships comes to Tempel every August with about 200 of the top under-21 riders in the country. Dressage riders, eventers, and show jumpers compete for separate championships, but all at the same time on the Tempel show grounds. "I've been to a lot of horse shows, and I have never been to another event that is quite like this," Williams said. "It's all about what's best for the kids." There's less of the dog-eat-dog mentality often found at other shows, Williams said. The competition is the only Young Riders championship to have all three disciplines compete on one site, according to Williams. It offers spectators a unique chance to see the best up-and-coming riders in three different sports, all at the same time.

Racing has always been the most popular horse sport for spectators. Racegoers in the Chicago area needn't look any farther than Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights for some of the best Thoroughbred racing in the country. But few racing fans know of the truly unique contest that takes place in Warrenville every fall. St. James Farm hosts the Midwest's only steeplechase; in fact, the only American steeplechase not on the Eastern seaboard. The event caters to spectators, offering everything from tailgating to lavish sit-down meals. The 11th annual St. James Farm Steeplechase takes place on September 14 this year.

Horse enthusiasts who aren't interested in competitions can combine their equestrian interests with a tourist excursion in Long Grove. Patricia Frontain's carriage business provides horse-driven tours of the scenic town. For those who aren't sold on the idea of spending a muggy summer weekend outside at any of the various equestrian events, the Chicago area also offers some of the best "horse shopping" available. The Libertyville Saddle Shop is a tack shop of Mall of America proportions, offering everything from English and Western riding apparel and equipment to horse trailers. Slightly smaller and more "upscale" are the two Barrington Saddlery locations: one in Barrington and the other in Geneva. These stores offer all the necessary English tack and equipment, as well as regular clothing, accessories and even art.

And finally, for those who've gotten suitably decked out in horse-savvy gear and are all dressed up with no place to go, the Chicago area (surprisingly enough) offers a selection of country and western dance clubs: Julie's Country-Western on Milwaukee, Whiskey River on Clybourn, and the Sundance Cafe on Western, all in Chicago, and the Cadillac Ranch in Bartlett. Just don't expect to see many riders there... they're all getting up before daylight to go hunting.

Erin Harty (eharty@geocities.com)