Tower Hill Stables

I have been here for many many years and I absolutely love it. Both as a boarder and employee THS is the place to be. As I read some of the other reviews I see a lot of discrepancy's. first off the drama, I'm sure that there is drama in the barn but you know what your going to have that at any facility that has a bunch of competitive little immature girls in it, I know for a fact that it is all taken care of in a professional way. People say they don't trust the new trainers, well those trainers are extremely qualified for the positions that they are in, I wouldn't trust anyone else to care for my horse. As for turning horses out in the rain, THS does not do that because 1 it's slippery and 2 they don't want the grass to be ruined, in all the years I've been there I've never seen my horse or any other horse go out when it's raining. As for the owner, he's a great guy, he does not yell at anyone, he's extremely professional and really cares about his boarders and customers I'm not saying times don't get stressful and he doesn't have a bad day but who doesn't have bad days. I saw someone mention that THS buys moldy hay, well if that person new anything they would know that I fact THS grows cuts and bales there own hay, they don't buy hay when they've gots fields full of it, and during feedings if we find moldy hay we get rid if the bale it's that simple or we would be held responsible if a horse got sick. And the last thing I want to clear up would be the Thea Westphal comment, Thea is no longer is employed at this facility. Overall this is a great place to work as well as board, they have fun nights for everyone as well as BBQ's for everyone, I wouldn't take my horse anywhere else. If you've never been here give it a shot and if you have and you still don't like it I erge YOU to not be so dramatic as you write a review about this facility not everyone is perfect. THS best facility ever. \r \r N.S. more

I have boarded at Tower Hill since June of 2007 and can say, very honestly, that I have always been happy there. My horse loves it as well! I truly haven't encountered the negative things that have been mentioned in some of these reviews. I know I read some mention of drama, but I've been there over five years and have managed to avoid any sort of barn drama. It isn't really that hard to do! ;) more

i have heard lots of things about Tower Hill and none of it was good things. i myself was never a boarder there but i know one of the trainers who got fired and is banned from being on the property for stupid reasons...i also know past boarders who have nothing but negative things to say about it. more

Honestly, DO NOT listen to any of these people bashing Tower Hill. It's literally the best barn ever and has changed my life so drastically for the better that I will always be in debt to it. more

I have boarded there for 5+ years. I thought this was going to be a forever home for my horse. Sadly, due to the recent changes to the facility the Owner and Manager are more focused on making it a better show arena than pleasing loyal boarders. There used to be much more space in the barn to be able to stay away from certain boarders, but now everyone is crammed together. Its making for a really hostel situation. There has been a recent change in staff members and I honestly don't trust any of them to do their job, let alone even be able to find one so I am able pay my board. I've noticed the horses always going out even when raining. I understand boarders always wanting their horses out, but now the pastures have hardly any grass... there's so much more to be said, and there are so many more unfortunate disappointments, but the THS I knew and loved is now gone. more

We took our daughter who was nine years old at the time for riding lessons at this barn. For us it was a very uncomfortable experience. The employees who work in the office were not very welcoming and where you sit to watch the lessons the other people were not friendly either. I am pretty chatty and usually can strike up a conversation but not with the people here. Listening to the employees talk badly about customers made me realise they would talk that way about me also. My daughter didn't really make friends at her lessons and it seemed like they just wanted to sell us a horse. I will say that the property is nice, it is a long ways out but once you get there it is pretty. I would give it one and a half stars but it wont let me. more

Our horse was injected via syringe with a tranquilizer (left accessible in the owner's office) by a fourteen year old girl who walked right in and helped herself to it. She is one of two nasty girls (the other one is actually worse!) who have destroyed the atmosphere of this once nice little barn. Boarders and lessoners continue to leave and these two continue on their campaign, undeterred by managment. All barns have ""mean girls"" but in my quest for a new barn, I called almost forty, and virtually all of them knew the names of these two, based on others who have left because of managment's failing to address the problem. That's a pretty sad sign. Constantly missing tack, jumping lessons interrupted to the point of horses spooking and running away caused by these two girls cantering through the jumps, their foul language around young kids, and did I mention, they SHOT UP MY HORSE with tranquilzers - but weren't asked to leave. Horrible situation. Rude staff who ""shot the messenger"" because I spoke up about it, which I find bizarre. Very disappointing - but everything happens for a reason, and we're happy to have found a SAFE place. I would strongly recommend against taking my horse, or child, to Tower Hill. Sorry. :( more

I love this barn so much! this has been the longest I've ever stayed at a barn in my riding career and I don't plan on changing that! I started as a lesson kid 2 years ago just coming for weekly lesson and now i board two horses there (I purchased my horses through tower hill and I love them to death! best horses ever!). The trainers are extremely nice! i train with two of the best trainers there! They have really helped me develop as a rider and have taken me to new heights. Before I was the kid where i though jumping 2 ft was HUGE, but now i can go around a 2'9 course without batting an eye. There constant teaching and praise has helped so much! I have even competed in a few shows to top it all off. And it's not just my two trainers, but everyone at Tower that makes that place so amazing! Carrie and Chad are always improving the barn (In the process of adding two new outdoor arena!) and all the trainers are extremely willing to help you out if you have a problem even if you aren't ""their kid."" Every time I walk into that place I am greeted by the desk staff, trainers, and boarders. But more importantly then my happiness are my horse's happiness. My horses love their 7 hr a day turnout and all the attention they receive. I am very pleased with the service provided at Tower Hill. I wouldn't want to go anywhere else! Best barn in Illinois even if i have to drive 45 minutes to get there! more

THE BEST BARN I HAVE EVERY BEEN TO!! Tower Hill Stables is by far an equestrians dream barn. It has so much property and tons of space for trails and pastures. ALL the trainers are certified and are excellent at teaching. I HIGHLY recommend taking lessons/boarding your horse here. I plan on staying here for a LONG time. I have one more year in high school and then i have to go to college and i plan on staying and going to college in this area just so that i can keep my horse at THS. I've been boarding my horse there for 5 years and am VERY pleased with what all the barn has to offer. The owners of the barn (Chad and Carrie) are THE BEST owners you could ask for. They give you so much freedom and always say hi to me with a smile on their face. As to which other barns are strict, mean, and always look like they are disappointed to see you. If you are looking to move you horse to another barn or start taking lessons, you should come to Tower Hill Stables because if you don't you WILL regret it. more

tower hill stables is one of the worst barns i have ever been to. the facility has potential to be beautiful, huge pastures, a ton of stalls and beautiful trails. after boarding my horse there for about 3 years, i have seen a massive decline in care. the owner, chad is very rude, constantly yelling and extremely short tempered. he seems to only care about how much money he makes. this barn cuts costs by buying horrible hay (either moldy or horribly dry and full of twigs and weeds). the barn is always dirty, since i have been there 6 horses have been so severely injured in the pastures they had to be put down. i understand horses get hurt, but if the problem is so severe that healthy horses need to be euthanized something should change. all of the trainer have very little skill, the worst of which is thea westphal. trainers are always late for lessons and you never get what you pay for. buckets are never cleaned, i have found dozens of dead birds in my horses water bucket and the workers just fill it up without even noticing. the pastures are riddled with boards and nails laying on the ground. everyone that works there is rude, lazy and should not be allowed around children or animals. children run around the barn yelling and start massive drama. bottom line: over priced for the little care your horse will get, severely under qualified trainers, and just a really negative place to be. do not board here. more

I would definately NOT keep my horse at Tower Hill Stables in Hampshire IL for several reasons all coming from my own personal experience. more

I <3 THS!!!!! This place is sooo nice compared to my old barn. I mean thy have huge turnout, awesome shows, amazing school horses, and tons of nice people and trainers!. When i first got there i was amazed at how big the place was. I asked if just by chance I could have a lesson on the spot and they got me a horse and a trainer to ride with. Talk about great service! At my old barn you couldn't jump after a certian height and weren't allowed to do much of anything, but now I'm jumping higher than ever and doing some awesome jumping things! My trainer is ssssoooo nice and really helps me a lot. If i mess up she makes me retrace my steps to see where my problems are. Also the people are very nice and friendly! I met a few girls there and one of them actually let me ride her horse! It was so awesome! Just gotta say that this is a wonderful place and I am very happy that I found this place. Pros: Turnout, learn a lot, friendly, and just plain fun! Cons: No heat in the big barn, but you get used to it! more

Tower Hill is a great place to keep your horses. Whether you want to show or just hang with your horse. The barn staff cares greatly for your horse and goes above & beyond to make sure your horse is happy & comfortable. They have a beautiful property in which they grow their own hay & plenty of room to roam around on, an hour worth of trail riding! The other great thing about Tower is there are many different types of trainers, in dressage, hunters, jumpers, western, you name it someone can show you how to do it. These same trainers use some of the greatest lesson horses I've ever come across. Each horse knows their job & really teach the kids a lot. Yes there are some older horses, but are used to show beginners the ropes, they are safe & know their job better than anyone else. Overall Tower Hill is a great place & a great experience for anyone who loves horses! Pros: Great trainers & facilities more

Tower hill is an amazing farm! They have a wonderful staff that is kind, caring and educated. Pros: Great trainers, wonderful horses Cons: So much fun you lose track of time at this farm! more

This barn truly cares for the horses. I don't know where the drugging comment came from but horses are medicated and rested as needed, not druged so they can perform! A quality barn that can care for both horse and rider in an individual manner. No cookie cutter barn. Carrie, the barn manager, is a smart, level headed equestrian professional who does not try to talk people into extras just to make money. She listens to the horses and cares for their needs first & foremost. Barn is clean (remember it is a BARN), never smells of mold, urine or manure. Hay & feed is good quality & always in good supply. If you take lessons, board or show horses this is a great place to be a horse! Pros: The barn manager is the best Cons: So popular everyone wants to be there more

i went to this barn when i first started horse back riding. It was nicer back eight years ago. I never knew about all of the drugging of horses going on and still the same horse I rode when i first started is still being used every day for lessons. He has to be about 30 and deserves to be retired. On top of it the stable hands are usually bad to the horses. The facility is dirty and usually over crowded. Not my top choice. There are way better horse facilities around to go to. I'd advice looking around Pros: trails Cons: things randomly go missing, drugged horses bad stable hands, more

decent facility, horses ok. very crowded arena. especially in the winter, jumps cover half.......... more