Our guide Jordan was fantastic, and it was a nice trail ride in the forest preserve. But it only lasted 40 minutes, including the time spent mounting. Given we paid for an hour that was a disappointment. read more

We did a trail ride today with D and she was so sweet and made the experience wonderful. The trail was a little under an hour but it was still a good amount of time. We had a wonderful time and the weather was beautiful. We will Deff be back. read more

If safety is the goal for you and your children during times of COVID, please do not visit Memory Lane Stables. Upon entry it states, "Masks required beyond this point". When we entered the first person we encountered was without a mask, the second person, no mask, third person...you guessed it, no mask! Unfortunately, all of these individuals worked for the company. Ownership and employees obviously don't care at all about the safety of the customer in this regard. Not to mention, the guide that helped our daughter told her at one point "No need to wear your mask at this point." The disorganization witnessed on this day was beyond belief. How they can remain open is baffling. The woman that was checking in guests had no idea what was happening and was incredibly rude. I felt bad for the large groups checking in behind us as it was mass chaos. Our horses were very patient and sweet, hence the two stars. Unfortunately, this adventure is not worth your time, money, or the risk of catching COVID. read more

I and my friends went few days ago and it was really cool. I riding on Den, he very big and nice horse read more

Memory Lane Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Willow Springs, Illinois

We rented a donkey for our Passion play. The price was great, Kathy was very professional and kind and Heather was the BEST!!! We will definitely be using them again for the pony rides and petting zoo this summer! read more

Memory Lane Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Willow Springs, Illinois

I went on a private ride and loved it! Joe was my guide and he was excellent. He provided lots of knowledge about the horses and riding in general. I will be back :) read more

My Junior (4th grade) Girl Scout Troop went to Memory Lane Stables to work on & earn their Horseback Riding Badge. I can not express enough the awesome experience we had while there. There were a total of 12 girls - we divided into 3 groups of 4. The 3 "stations" each group attended for 30 minutes each were "Camp" (learning about horse care, saddles, etc.), "Arena" (each girl actually spent time "riding" on a horse in an indoor arena with 3 employees carefully tending to the group), and an outdoor Bonfire (we brought our own hot dogs & S'mores & sticks for roasting). The owner, Kathy was very easy and good to work with. You can tell she cares about her stable, her employees, the residents (horses and also several animals that are part of a petting zoo - Goats, bunnies, potbelly pigs, chickens, a waddling duck, etc), and the guests that come to the Stable. The price per Girl was very reasonable compared to the surrounding Stables. This means a lot for a Girl Scout Troop since we do not have tons of money. I would definitely recommend Memory Lane Stables for any youth group that would like to have a learning experience with horses....take classes...ride a trail.... read more

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I've boarded my horse here for the last 4 years. It's a small barn, so it's comforting to know that my horse is getting the attention he needs. Bill and Kathy are fantastic. When my horse sustained an injury, Bill helped me care for Prince daily. Kathy is great about setting up trail rides when ever I have family visiting from out of town who want to ride. They do a lot of trail riding business on the weekends, so it can get busy. Make sure you call ahead to make reservations. read more

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I don't do business with any company that adds a mandatory tip. I always tip but when it's $50 for an hour ride for 2 people, a $20 mandatory tip is required. That's a 40% tip!!! It's a shame I won't be coming back for that reason. I tip, I tip well but no business should feel they get to choose the amount someone wishes to tip. What if it ended up I didn't enjoy my experience? You take the required tip up front yet you have a sign saying feel free to tip if you enjoyed your experience. Poor practice read more

I'm only giving two stars instead of one because my trainer was very sweet. I have to say, the lesson was only $25 but wow--what a waste of my money. I showed up to the stable for my first lesson at Memory Lane and was stuck with a kid. She was very kind but literally a kid. I'm not paying to be trained to ride by a person younger than me. The worst part of my experience was the horses. They clearly are just used and run into the ground constantly on trails. I overheard staff saying atleast 4 horses were lame while I was there and the first horse I was put on came up lame the second I put him into a trot. The second horse they put me on was in better shape but definitely a trail horse, not a schooling horse. If your looking to grow as a rider, this isn't the place. read more

I've been here before and they did a great job many years ago for a bday party. Today was terrible. I get there to check in and was strong armed to pay $10 for a tip up front for each rider. The sign posted suggested you tip 10/15% if you're satisfied, but you don't ride until the tip is paid. When I inquired about my full total, I told the young lady the amount I was required to pay is much more than 15%. She took the sign away and said oh that's old. I feel if the workers are solely paid from tips, then charge $40 per rider and not 30 Plus 10 tip. My ride/walk was maybe 40 min, so again, technically it's nowhere near an hour that you're paying for. I'm not certain if I would recommend. read more

this place was amazing I had the horse Willow and it was an amazing and chill horse I will definitely start volunteering there they were so nice to us . we had the tourer guid De she was so sweet and nice and was super funny when we got back to the stables she said tell horses and my friend yelled and her horse jumped and De said now ur not aloud to talk while laughing it was such a memorial expression will definitely be volunteering there read more

I cannot praise the staff at Memory Lane Stables enough for the amazing job they did at my daughter's birthday party. The staff were all so kind and patient with the children who ranged in ages 2-14. They did a great job educating the kids on how to act around the various animals and ensuring a fun and safe environment. The four-legged animals themselves were fantastic and so friendly to the kids and adults alike. Especially considering the fact that there were around 40 people in attendance. I'm not sure if riding the ponies or holding the baby goat was the bigger hit of the party! I cannot recommend Memory Lane Stables enough. Thank you to June, Brittany and Angie for making the day so spectacular. read more

We had such a wonderful experience at Memory Lane Stables! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. Our guide, Ashley, was great giving instructions & made our ride very peaceful. The forest preserve is right off their property and made for a nice shady ride. It was a beautiful morning and felt so amazing to be in a saddle again. I was thrilled to share something that I loved when I was young with my son. Thank you, Memory Lane! read more

Very Happy. It's a great place to go if you have never been on the back of a horse. VERY safe and thorough the attition to detail and safety was a 12. The place was meticulous and attentive. If you are a more accomplished rider you will not like the single file line and the slow walking on a trail with a lead person and a end person. Employee's on each end. Again major safely.. LOVE this place great to take tweens to learn and experience a ride on a saddled horse and hold the rains. read more

"Masks required" is a nice thing to put on your door and online--in practice? Nope. Not a priority here. My child was demeaned by a staffer in front of friends, emotionally deflated my child, the ride was cut short with no explanation or compensation, then the staff came back out to demand tips. Super tacky. I spoke with one of the owners and instead of apologizing for the poor experience she tried to explain it away and dismiss the negative experience. You SELL the experience; that's the product. We won't be back nor will we be referring them any business. read more

My granddaughter has wanted to learn how to ride since she was at least 6. I waited until she was 9 and we started lessons this year. WOW. Now, to be fair, both her mother and I have rode horses in the past and I was looking for a stable that not only taught how to ride, but how to take care of a horse, what they need instead of just a ride. YEP. they do this. Her first lesson consisted of learning how to curry a horse and how to use the pick to clean their hooves. They also teach how to saddle and bridle the horse. She was able, by her 3rd lesson, to do weaves with the her horse, Commanche (yes, she says that Commanche is her horse) and has also gone out on the trails. Now, if you go out just for riding, you don't have to do the extra work, the staff will cover that...also, one person complained about a change in charges? If you have a guide or trainer that is a paid worker, you don't have to tip(although you're kinda cheap if you don't IMO), but many of the workers are volunteers and work for tips. Considering the care they give to the riders and the parents that are standing around, they deserve the money. read more

Wonderful experience for myself, my wife and daughter! Made three rookies feel completely comfortable. Will be returning for lessons and many more trail rides. read more

Memory Lane Stables - Very nice employee grasping a nervous young lady's hand and leading her to "meet" a few horses before an awesome trail ride! - Horseback Riding Near Me - Willow Springs, Illinois

We wanted to get horseback lessons for our daughter and decided on Memory Lane because the riding lesson was much cheaper ($25/hour) than others in the area. We have been for 2 lessons and 1 family trail ride and I have to say they are a HIGHLY disorganized and unprofessional operation. Seem understaffed overall, and each time we have been there they are complaining about others not doing their job. Oh btw, 10:00 appointment scheduled as 10:30 ("oh that happens all the time")- they are all running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Just really no organization whatsoever. I want to love this place, and horses are great, but holy cow......it's COMPLETE CHAOS. They seem to be just winging it. Plus the "hour trail ride" was only a half an hour. I'd say go elsewhere for riding lessons. You get what you pay for- applies here. read more

This was a lot of fun! Great horses! We felt very safe. And the trail was fun. Good for first time riders.

I did multiple riding lessons, I learned a lot and had fun. Only downside I didn't appreciate some days my instructor was absent, I wasn't notified only to arrive with a different instructor who's fee was $35 instead of the normal $25 and the pay difference wasn't brought up until after the lesson. I felt cheated and this happened multiple times with the same person. But overall it is a wonderful place for trail rides read more

Our guide Tyler had a massive attitude problem, berated my daughter for not being good enough to steer her horse and she cried for an hour after the ride. He also yelled at the adults when the horses got out of the line. The horses were not well trained, and one of the other staff was saying swear words in front of little kids. They also messed up our reservation. Highly recommend skipping this place and instead going to Sarah's Pony Rides which is right next door. Much cleaner and better organized. read more

Best place ever! Animals and staff are super friendly. I was allowed to stay as long as I wanted with all the animals. I plan on returning to get a few lessons. read more

Memory Lane Stables - Horseback Riding Near Me - Willow Springs, Illinois

Went with our scout troop and had a great time! The guides are wonderful and friendly and the horses are beautiful and were well-behaved. There's also a petting zoo with goats and sheep and other animals. Highly recommended. read more

If I could give negative reviews I would! DO NOT BOARD your horse here! They smoke and drink beer in the barn around hay and horses. There horses live in filth and their arena has rocks and nails in it. This place is a joke and the people are nothing but rude! Stay away from this place if you love horses. read more

My 4 friends and I decided one day to go to Memory Lane Stables for a leisurely horse ride on a course but little did we know we were going to be rudely taken care of and feel so uncomfortable. When we arrived, we didn't see one adult anywhere until we got towards the back of the barn. Instead we were (rudely) greeted by a 16 year old giving us attitude the entire time. As we stated we'd like to ride they were acting annoyed and so rude about having to go on another trail ride. By the time we got our horses saddled up two of my friends didn't even want to ride. Yes, our ride was enjoyable. The horses are well trained and beautiful. When we came back, we absolutely came back to hell. This time the owner was here, and rudely screaming at the 16 year old who took us on the ride, making us feel so uncomfortable. All in all it was an awful experience. I definitely do not plan on coming back ever in this life time and never would recommend it to anyone. If you see Memory Lane Stables, keep driving. There are plenty on Keen Ave., and I'm sure those other stables would treat their paying customers better. read more

A very cute barn to ride at! I took a Western lesson on a pony and even though their lessons are aimed for beginners and I have more riding experience, I ended up having quite a bit of fun. Their barn is tidy and feels welcoming. I might return for a trail ride! read more

These guys are great. We just had a birthday party and Kathy was great to setup everything. The walkers were very very friendly and we would love to have them over next year in Summer time for another party. These guys deserve an applause for making our party a success in Winter. The kids loved the ponies and the staff. Thanks so much!! Sharad read more

Memory Lane is our favorite place to go for trail rides. And to see goats, chickens, even a mini-cow! Great atmosphere, great staff, great selection of horses for all experience levels. Owners Bill and Kathy are the perfect hosts, with one the gruff but lovable expert horseman, the other master of ceremonies managing the incoming and outgoing guests. Anytime the weather is even tolerable we try to get out for a great time on trail. read more

Rude on the phone made me not go here presentation is everything so if you're not nice over the phone I don't even wanna imagine what they're like in person spoke to 2 different people phone called seemed rushed and wanted to get it over with not good customer service I wouldn't waste my time of day here save your money y'all read more

I came out with a sorority group of 25 people, all inexperienced except for about 3 people who have ridden only a couple times before. I was so impressed by the trail guides and good horses. There were 2 groups that went out, one consisted of 12 riders and the other of 13. Things couldn't of went any smoother, the horses listened extremely well and did not give us any problems. The price was only $20 a person. Incredible service and best time I've had in a while. Thank you Kathy, the owner , and all of the employees who helped us throughout the ride. We will definitely be back soon. read more

Gross stable that does not care for their animals. Horses and other animals confined to stalls with one turn out pen that is tiny. Stalls are clearly not mucked regularly for the whole place burns your nose of pee. I do not recommend this place. read more

We had a party of 6 and all greatly enjoyed the 1 hour trail ride! Two of us had ridden before while the others were first timers, and they were able to assign horses accordingly. The guides helped us mount the horses and taught us the basics of maneuvering the reigns. There were two guides for our group, one in the front and one in the back the entire ride. The trail was through a forest but we did end up crossing a busy street of cars. The horses are mostly very well-trained and respond well to the reigns. A few times some did give us a little trouble, according to one of the more experienced riders in our group, but I would say definitely a great place for first timers for the price! read more

I came horseback riding here yesterday for the first time, and I had such a great experience! The staff were so friendly and the horses are very well cared for. Anna took my friend and I on a trail ride and it was perfect. She was very knowledgeable and mature for her age. I can't wait to come back! read more

We came in for pony rides and had a great time! The almost three year old loves Daisy the point, and the older two enjoyed Cupcake and Jack. The staff was very friendly and the horses were all very sweet and we'll mannered. The trail we went on was easy, though muddy, since we adults walked next to the ponies, I recommend boots. read more

Memory Lane Stables - List of services available. - Horseback Riding Near Me - Willow Springs, Illinois

Really nice staff, flexible trail ride schedule, beautiful trails, and well mannered horses. Would love to be able to trot and an updated visitor area of barn with nice bathroom, but for $25 an hour its a really good deal! read more

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When it is mid 2020, and you can't go to concerts or ball games, you throw your soon to be 6 year old daughter an awesome birthday party. She chose to have a cowgirl party so we decided she needed some ponies for that party. We called Memory Lane and set them up to come out to the house with 2 ponies and for a few extra dollars we added the petting zoo option. They called the morning of to confirm and showed up early to set up. Heather, June and Josh were our team for the day and they were awesome. They were great with the kids, taught kids about the animals in the petting zoo and interacted well with the adults. The two hours went by quick and when it was time to go everything was clean and whatever the animals may have left behind was taken with them. Only negative was in regards to the petting zoo, we weren't told that we would need quarters to be able to get grains to feed the animals. People don't carry change on them, so we had to borrow from our daughters piggy bank to ensure the kids could feed the animals. Either include it in the price, let people pre-buy feed or at least tell them they will need quarters. The ponies were a big surprise for our daughter and she loved it. Her friends had a blast and our family enjoyed the day. The only problem is---how do we top this next year? read more

Great experience. We came for a trail ride, and our awesome guide Joe made sure we had a great time! We definitely recommend it.

Every year for my Birthday, I request a horseback ride and a cupcake from my friends. This year was the best ever. Rode a horse named Bandit who stole my heart and was the angel that we all would like to get to ride. A beautiful black gelding, Bandit was as gorgeous as he was a pleasure to ride. Isabelle and Dom, our guides were entertaining as well as attentive to the riders to be sure that our mounts were perfect as can be. Such a beautiful day and what better experience than the trails on an incredible creature with such good company. read more

I went for a trail ride. I'm not an experienced rider. My guide was a girl with long brown hair. I can't remember her name. She was very helpful, gave me a few tips and was very patient. Very professional. Friendly. Hoping to build off of this experience I went back. This time my guide was a girl named Claudia. I am an adult but she spoke to me as if I was a child. She embarrassed me in front of the other riders. No guidance. This is how people get hurt. Very rude and unprofessional. I will never go back. People like this shouldn't be interacting with other people. If you want to be ridiculed go here, I certainly won't be coming back. I only gave 1 star because I had to. read more