Ellis Equestrian Center and staff is equipped, experienced and uses trained horses for an able bodied beginner riding program. We offer a balanced seat riding program that focuses on the beginner rider and average Kendall County resident.
Ellis Equestrian will hold lessons for Children (ages 7 and older) and adults and uphold safety standards set by health and safety experts. According to the National Children's center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, key factors to safety around horses are:
Registration
To register for lessons, print and fill out our registration form and two waivers.
To register your horse for public open arena, fill out the registration form, both waivers and the additional arena rules agreement and send it back with payment and a copy of your horse's current Coggin's test signed by your veterinarian.
All documents can be faxed or mailed to:
Registration c/o Ellis House and Equestrian Center
13986 McKanna Rd
Minooka IL 60447
Fax: 815-475-4105
We accept walk in registrations Tuesday–Saturday 8–4:30 at the Equestrian Center
Payment Options
Ellis House & Equestrian Center accepts checks made out to "Kendall County Forest Preserve District"; as well as Visa, Master card and Discover.
- Wearing an approved ASTM equestrian helmet while riding
- Safe riding areas (e.g. trails and riding arenas)
- Adequate motor skills and mature judgment to recognize potential hazards
- Proper training in riding style and horse safety
- An understanding of horse behavior
- The saddle fits the rider
Riding lessons are offered 7 days a week by appointment only. Please contact us for availability and rates at 815.475.4035 or info@ellishec.com
We also offer a bridle tag program for the local equestrian public to use the indoor ring when Ellis Equestrian Center is not holding programming in the ring.
Ellis Equestrian Center does not offer hiking, riding or any trail usage at this time. However, we recognize that zoning and ordinances are changing over the county and the equestrian owning public is slowly loosing horse-friendly trails. One of our goals will be to acquire funds to install horse friendly trails and invite the public to enjoy the Forest Preserves harmoniously with all trail users. Mutual respect and courtesy between horses and other trail users will go far to ensure the enjoyment of nature that the Kendall county Forest Preserve serves to protect.
We welcome visitors of all life walks. Our riding programs however do not have the specialized horses and staff needed for a handicapped riding program.
Those who are looking for handicapped riding are directed to one of the many quality certified handicapped riding programs in the area. Some of the certified handicapped riding programs in the area are: Blazing prairie Star in Maple Park; Cowboy Dreams in Barrington; Equine Dreams, Sandwich; FTEA of Winfield; and Ready, Set, Ride in Plainfield.
We are investigating a hayride/driving program that will be able to serve more residents with physical limitations may still come and enjoy the preserve and the horses.
Volunteers and students are invited to come and learn to ride and drive horses while serving as stewards to the forest preserve through their service and program fees.
Under construction for the site within the next 5 years will be limestone trails, educational displays, self guided tours, children's camp, staff guided group tours and children's pony rides.