Willow Ridge Farm Of Woodstock, LLC
The Willow Ridge Story
Whitney and Meredithe Bodnar
Whitney Bodnar is a second generation horseman who trains, promotes and produces some of the top Morgan show horses of his generation. On November 1, 2018 he and his wife, Meredithe Bodnar, opened the doors of Willow Ridge Farm. Nestled in the rolling hills of McHenry County, Willow Ridge is a five minute drive from quaint downtown Woodstock IL. Growing up in the Morgan industry, Whitney has been training world class morgans for the past 15 years. His record boasts over 100 World and Grand National Champions. His keen eye for a young prospect paired with his talent of finding the best division for the young horse is his speciality. He has also proven to put together competitive amateur teams.
Meredithe Bodnar grew up riding and showing American Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies, acquiring her first Morgan in 2014, shortly after meeting Whitney. Showing as an amateur for many years, she has since turned professional, taking care of the office work, while also teaching lessons. She has a passion for teaching both the experienced as well as the novice rider; introducing the Morgan horse to the greater community.
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The Willow Ridge Experience
Training, Showing and Instruction
Showing
The main goal for most of our clients at WRF is to compete at the local as well as World level. Our Show Season begins in May and runs until the middle of October, with local shows and distance shows. We end our year at the World and Grand National Morgan Horse Show every year in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Â
For our full Show Schedule, see the links below.
Training
In order to get to the show ring, the horses must be trained in their discipline. While some have the advantage of training their own horses, many send them to professional training facilities like WRF. With placing your horse in training, you are giving them the best chance at being a Champion they have. Our expertise on suiting your horse to a specific division, or giving you and them the tools to excel in your current division, is our main goal. Training goes beyond the physical work as well, with feed, supplements and routine care a high priority for our horses. We strive to produce sucessful results, all while keeping your four legged friend healthy and happy.
Instruction
Here at Willow Ridge, our Number One Goal is safely! Riding promotes high esteem, self confidence and independence. Our Instructor, Meredithe Bodnar makes it her primarily goal to instill these attributes in all of her riders.
Meredithe, has been riding since the age of nine and has been tutored in riding and driving lessons by some of the best in the business. She has experience with running camps and lesson programs and teaches the finer arts of equitation.
Lessons can be scheduled with Meredithe at 815-451-6418
This Could be YOU!
Contact Willow Ridge today for your training, showing and instructing needs! Call today, Let us put you in the winner's circle tomorrow!
Accommodations
A working barn with the client in mind
Willow Ridge Farm offers comfort for both horse and client. With roomy 10X12 stalls, a working indoor arena that is 60X200, an outdoor arena in the nicer weather that is 100X250 and two different bullpens, the opportunities to train your horse to be the best competitor are limitless. WRF also features a one mile riding/driving trail to leg a horse up or give them a different perspective.Â
Our barn is fully heated, with a front area for the clients to lounge, an office for discussing business matters, and a full bath for clients only. WRF also features a "kitchen" just off the grooming areas where clients can gather and watch the horses through a picture window that looks over the indoor arena.
My Name is Meredithe and I'd like to be your Instructor
Welcome to Willow Ridge Program
$260
Here is a great opportunity for a private one on on instruction just for our beginner! Have horses always been a passion for you? Have you always wanted to try riding? Is your young child bugging you to go ride the horses? This is your opportunity!!!
We offer a package of 4 60 minute sessions; 30 minutes of instruction in the proper way to brush and tack up your horse and a 30 minute Private Lesson!
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Our horses are safe, we are fully heated to ride year round and our Instructors are members of the United Professional Horseman's Association.
Grooming
Tacking up Your Horse
Where does a Martingale go on a horse? How do I know if my saddle is in the right spot on his back? What are those wraps on his front legs for?
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As you are guided through our Program, you will become a master at not only what parts of the tack are, but the tacking up process!!!
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After your lesson, you will also learn how to cool your horse out and any special after care he or she may need post lesson!
When you arrive at Willow Ridge, you will have 30 minutes devoted to grooming the horse you will ride in your lesson. We have certified Ambassadors, many of whom are riders themselves, who will guide you through every step of preparation for your lesson!
When do you use a hard brush? How do you clean a horse's feet? What is the correct way to brush a horse? All of these questions will be answered as you progress through our Welcome to Willow Ridge program!!
My Name is Brenna McCracken and I want to be your instructor!
Hi! My name is Brenna and I have been instructing top riders for the past 6 years. I am the assistant Trainer and Instructor here at Willow Ridge and I'd love to meet you and your rider! My passion is to make riders the very best version of themselves both on and off the horse!
Summer Riding Camp
For riders 9-15 of any skill level, this camp runs July 28-August 1st!! Cost is $650/per rider and there is a 10% multiple rider discount. This camp runs from 10:30AM -3:30PM. There will be lots of opportunities to groom, ride, play games including the ever popular scavenger hunt and at the end of the week the Rider Showcase so you can show off what you've learned all week at camp!!!
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Junior Horse Riding Camp
We are offering 2 Junior Riders Summer Camp (tiny tot camp) sessions this year!!! This for ages 5-8 will bring back our popular games and crafts! The first one will be June 9-11 from 9AM until 12 noon. The second one will be July 7-9 from 9-12. Cost is $350 per camper. 10% discount on multiple camps or if you want to attend both sessions!!!! This ever popular camp is limited to 7 campers! Registration will close May 31st for the first session and June 30 for the second!!!
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Academy Team
Our Academy Team competes at the local level from February until June! This is a great introductory level for those interested in pursuing showing horses.
National and World Level competitors
Our Instruction leads to showing at the local level and producting National and World Championships competitors. Our Show Season begins in May and runs through October. We are always welcomeing New morgan show clients!
Welcome To Willow Ridge Cavago
For Beginner Horse Lovers!
We offer The Welcome to Willow Ridge Program on Cavago for horse lovers of all ages! In this 1 hour session, riders learn how to groom and tack their horses before their 30 minute riding or driving lesson! This package is 4 sessions and is a great option if you or the horse lover in your family is interested in riding !
Call or text 815 -451 - 6418 for more information
Contact us today to begin reaching your riding goals!
Meredithe 815-451-6418
