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
Private and Semi Private Instruction
$50
30 Minutes of one on one instruction with our Head Instructor Meredithe Bodnar. These lessons are intended for seasoned riders and are geared to help them improve their riding abilities. Semi- Private instruction is also available, where you still recieve one on one instruction in with another rider in the arena to get a group feel. Semi Privates are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00-4:00 and 4:00 to 5:00.  Private Instruction is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 5-6, and Saturdays 10:30 - 1:00Â
Please Call 815 451 6418 for more information or to schedule.
Welcome to Willow Ridge Program
$200
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 also offer a package of 4 60 minute sessions; 30 minutes to brush and tack up your horse and 30 minutes of instruction! Welcome to Willow Ridge is offered Wednesdays and Fridays. Please Call 815 451 6418 for more information or to schedule.
Group Instruction
$48
Have you mastered your skills in some private instruction and want the thrill and up tempo of riding in a group? This is a great opportunity to test your skills in a group setting. No more than three riders at a time in our large indoor or outdoor (weather permitting) arenas, so you won't get lost in the shuffle of a larger group! Group Instruction is available Saturdays from 1:30 to 2:30 and Peak Performance Groups are offered 2x monthly on Firdays from 6:00 - 7:00 Call 815 451 6418 for more information or to schedule.
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 5 years. I am so excited to be the new assistant trainer and instructor here at Willow Ridge. My passion is to make riders the very best version of themselves both on and off the horse!
Summer Camp
Our Willow Ridge Summer Camp is a unique opportunity to get to know the in's and out's of horse care, horseback riding and making new friends - both two legged and four legged!!! Contact Meredithe Bodnar 815 451 6418 to reserve your spot today!
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 Groupon
For Beginner Horse Lovers!
We offer a special Discounted Groupon 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 !
Contact us today to begin reaching your riding goals!
Meredithe 815-451-6418
