Meet Thresa Horn of Windy City Arabians in Southwest Suburb

Today we’d like to introduce you to Thresa Horn.

Thresa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a life lone equestrian. I started when I was a little girl. Any chance I had to be around horses I was there. You name it. Cleaning stalls brushing or tacking horses I was there. I decided to go on my own back in 2010. Before that I had been just teaching lessons at another barn. The barn I was teaching at was being sold and I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I had an opportunity to go on my own and I did. I have been on my own since then. I feel I have been very fortunate by my community. They have welcomed me and helped me grow over the years.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. When I went on my own in 2010 I had a business partner. At first it was great. We worked very hard to build our business. Sadly over the years it was too much for my business partner and she decided she wanted to leave.

In 2013 I was truly on my own. I was beyond terrified! I had the support of my family, friends and clients. They encouraged me to do it on my own. So I did. I haven’t looked back since then. Not only was I on my own but I had to move locations as well anyone who has been in business know that’s a risky think to do. The move was a great idea! I have grown by 30% since then. I am truly amazed by the kindness and support I have received from everyone.

Please tell us about Windy City Arabians.
Windy City Arabians is a place where anyone can come and learn how to care and ride a horse. I specialize in teaching children to ride.

What I’m most proud of is my mentorship program. It is where I team up a young new student with one of my older students. The mentor is like a bridge to me. Most children are scared or nervous to ask questions. I have found that my older students are not as intimidating to the younger ones because of the closeness in age. So my mentors teach the new student to groom, saddle and bridle the horse. Then they help with their lesson. It’s truly amazing how the mentor really shines. It teaches them how to articulate what they know to someone else. It also helps with confidence. They are learning to become an adult. I have watch very shy and quiet children become the most beautiful articulate teenagers. I have also seen how this program helps with their school life as well. Because they have to talk with other children and adults, they are not a worried about public speaking. I believe I am the only barn in the area who has a program like that.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over I think I would have just been on my own from the beginning.

Pricing:

• Summer Horse camp from June 19th thru August 7th. Weekly rates $275. Monday thru Friday 10am to 3pm
• Group Riding lessons Monday – Friday 4;30 & 5:30 Weekend 10am, 11:30am & 1pm $35 for a group lesson

Contact Info:

• Address: Windy City Arabians
  14433 South Lemont Rd
  Homer Glen, IL 60491
• Website: www.Windycityarabians.com
• Phone: 708-752-1643
• Email: Windycityarabians@yahoo.com
• Facebook: Windy City Arabians TLC

Image Credit:
Christine Narvarre & Howard Schatzberg