Problem
These horses are in terrible condition. Most of the "trail horses" are kept in a tiny area called the "livery." They don't get the proper health they need. Their hooves are in such terrible shape they have started to curve upwards, as this is uncomfortable and they are still being ridden in these terrible conditions. The state of Illinois says " if horses have food, water and shelter there is nothing the state can do." This riding facility is doing the bear minimum for these horses, their water is never clean, all they have to eat is hay, and frankly not enough, they fight because of the lack of food, and for that these horses are suffering. These horses are skinny see bones sticking out of their skin, And they are still being ridden like this! These horses barley ever see grass, where they are "let out" is all mud! The facility even in 100 degree weather will make these horse go down the trails for hours on end, they are not well rotated and even if they are sweaty and out of breath they will still be taken out. They sit in the Livery with saddles on all day long never being able to take a break until closing. Besides the horses they have a "petting zoo" in the back of their property with animals crammed in tiny corrals easy 10-15 foot corrals animals side by side with barely any light. These sheep, pigs and even ponies barely see any sunlight. 3 ponies to a stall, its over crowded and very poorly managed.


Solution
Just because you own a facility and "work" with horses doesn't mean you know what you are doing, there are KIDS taking care of these horses, yes I know it looks fun but taking care of these animals is no easy task. This facility half managed everything. These horses need better hoof care for starters, they need to be seen by vets and farriers, they need fed more. Either this facility needs to change, take better care of their horses and run the risk of upping their trail riding prices, because if we are being honest I would rather spend more money going on a trail ride knowing these horses are well taken care of rather than cheap prices where the horses are suffering for my enjoyment for 1-2 hours. Or I will try all I can to get them shut down!

Personal story
Being a owner of 2 wonderful horses and a farm owner, I refuse to hide my face and let this facility, that I once loved, And worked at, get away with treating their animals like this. It all started when my mom worked at this facility when she was 16. Being in her 50s now a lot has changed. She worked at Forest View for a summer or two, cleaning the horses, making sure they always looked nice before a ride. always treating these gorgeous animals with respect. When turned 15 I got a job at Forest View Farms for two summers. Even then I took pride in making sure they looked good I did my part even if the other workers didn't care and just wanted to be around these horses. I have so many horrific stories of this place and I wish I knew then what I know now. Being 20 now I see the harm and dangerous situation the horses and the people that pay to ride are in. These horses even though they are trail horses have the claim that they are "dead heads", which means they just follow the horse in front of them and are like little robots. But these are dangerous animals. Lack of food and being in pain from hoof problems, saddle sores, and numerous other aliments, could cause a horse to bite, kick, throw a rider off, or take off no matter being a "dead head." This puts the rider in danger. People PLEASE read reviews to places like this! ASK for a tour of the place before you just go and ride a horse. This is a public place you have the right to ask for a tour. See how things are handled, look in stalls, are they clean? look at the horses hooves, are they trimmed? Do these animals look healthy? Are these Horses FIT or can you see their ribs and their bones? ANY ANIMAL that has bones VISIBLE is NOT healthy. STOP giving Forest View Farms YOUR money for Abusing these precious horses. Mothers, ask yourself, do you want your children understanding this is how we take care of animals? Please I'm asking for as many signatures as possible. As a mother of two, 4 legged hoofers, understand how this breaks my heart. I will do everything I can to see these horses not suffer anymore. Examine the facility you are going to ride at, I can Not stress this enough. Please for the Love of horses in Tinley.