Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Carney.
Ray Krussell of Krussell Stables of Richmond, IL, is a highly respected trainer, judge and so much more. Ray fits the proper definition of a Renaissance man – a person with a variety of skills and a deep, broad-based knowledge of many different things. Not only does he love horses and many different sports, he has a great appreciation for theater, opera and other cultural pursuits. His broad view of the world and enthusiasm for life in general spills over to the kind of horse trainer he is – a passionate, enthusiastic perfectionist who will never accept less than his personal best.
Ray began riding at eight years old. His aunt, Leslie Krussell, was an American Saddlebred enthusiast who gave him lessons for his birthday at the famous Harms Wood Stables in Illinois, his home state. As a young boy, Ray played many sports but there was something about riding that intrigued him. He began riding on lesson horses, competing at in-house and Academy shows, although his goal was to be on the Saddlebred show circuit. He was able to realize his dream bycatch riding and showing his aunt’s horses (Ace High Duke and Max Dugan) through his high school years. These experiences guided him down the path of becoming a horse trainer.
Ray went on to attend Illinois State University but had no idea what his major should be. What he really wanted to do was to train horses. He decided to follow his passion and became a professional horse trainer. In spite of a number of attractive offers he received to train in Kentucky, he decided to stay in the Midwest, close to his family and his roots. His first training position was for Scott and Carol Matton who had just purchased Knollwood Farm in Hartland, WI. Ray worked at Knollwood Farm during the early days of their business so he saw and experienced first-hand what it takes to start a new venture.
Ray stayed at Knollwood Farm for ten productive years, gaining valuable experience in their breeding, training and riding programs. He also learned how to attract and retain new customers from all walks of life. During this same time period, he earned his Licensed Official’s Card and began judging horse shows at the age 26. He is now in his demand for his judging ability and just had the esteemed honor of judging the American Saddlebred World Championship Horse Show in Louisville, KY this past August.
Ray met Wendy Carney, his partner in life, through a mutual friend while he was still working for Scott and Carol Matton. Wendy began riding as an adult shortly after she graduated college. One of the people she worked with had a photo of her horse on her desk. When Wendy expressed an interest she was invited out to the stable and the rest is history.
Ray loves the Chicago area and was anxious to get back to Illinois. In 2002, he began operating his own stable in Richmond, IL, at the former Royal Scot Stables. It was a big facility that had plenty of space for Ray to start his own venture. The business rapidly grew and in 2006, he and Wendy bought what is now Krussell Stables in Richmond, IL. The property is on 14 acres and includes a beautiful barn that after a large renovation, now includes 38 stalls and a 60’ by 192’ arena. “The lesson program is key to any successful horse business in this day and age”, said Ray. In the last fifteen years they have built up to 75 lessons a week and many of the lesson clients have moved into the show program.
Wendy has become an essential part of the operation. Even though she worked as Director of Sales in the consumer products industry until recently, she has been tightly connected to Krussell Stables for the 15 years they have been in business. Her knowledge of the horse industry combined with finance and business management has been a key to their success. Like Ray, she is a sports enthusiast and proved herself as a college volleyball player. While Wendy had a great career, the more time she spent in the barn teaching lessons and helping with the business, the more she became dedicated to making horses her profession. Working full time at Krussell Stables became a necessity. She had a demanding, full-time job and was trying to keep up with growing business at the farm. “Changing careers was an extremely hard decision”, said Wendy. “We planned for this transition. It was a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’.
Ray and Wendy have taken an innovative approach to integrating new clients at Krussell Stables that differentiates them in a competitive marketplace. As athletes who have played many different sports, they have the tools and techniques to ensure their students are physically and mentally prepared to show. Wendy was a Division 1 volleyball player and Hall of Fame inductee at Bradley University. She knows that kids and adults have choices for their leisure time pursuits and those parents, in many cases, want their children to be part of a team sport. They have developed a riding program with a team approach that parents can consider in the same way that they look at gymnastics, soccer or any other sports activity.
Ray and Wendy have complementary skills and tackle the business as a team. Ray loves to train and Wendy loves to teach. She manages the business and the rapidly growing lesson program. Both Ray and Wendy are very involved with the clients who own show horses. Ray trains the show horses and teaches the lessons on those horses. Wendy and Ray discuss each rider’s needs and then Wendy teaches their lessons on the school horses and works closely with them on specific skills that will improve riding their own horses. Wendy’s career in sales and her athletic background make her a great coach. She is very successful at adapting her coaching style to meet the needs of each junior exhibitor and adult. “Good riding adults and kids will do anything you tell them”, said Ray. “They will ride through a brick wall – no questions asked and those are the riders that become great at this sport!
Ray learned early on that it was important to give back to the industry that has given so much to him. He has worked on a lot of show boards and committees including the Wisconsin Futurity Board and the Mid-America Horse Show Association and is currently serving as the United Professional Horseman’s Association Chapter Chairman for Illinois.
Not only do Ray and Wendy take excellent care of the horses, they are crazy about their golden retrievers, Maggie and Duffy, who are featured on their website as the official ambassadors of Krussell Stables who will ‘greet you at the door with their wagging tails and smiling faces’.
Ray & Wendy love the American Saddlebred world and are dedicated to the development of the breed through public awareness. Ray believes it is up to the younger generation to promote the breed and make it accessible to all income levels and abilities. Just in the last twelve months, three lesson students and their families have purchased horses and advanced to the class A show team. Ray and Wendy are fortunate to have several excellent instructors on the team to accommodate their growth.
Ray Krussell & Wendy Carney have created a strong, successful business over the last fifteen years. Their clients are attracted not only to their ability to win but also to their passionate dedication to the horses and riders at Krussell Stables. Their deep, complementary skills make the whole greater than the sum of the parts. They are interesting, dedicated people who deserve a bright future. We have no doubt their star will continue to rise as new clients come through the doors at Krussell Stables.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Riding is fun and a great source of exercise and stress relief. The biggest struggle the industry has is getting the general public in contact with horses these days. I don’t think I have ever met a young child or adult who doesn’t love horses and the thought of riding.
Due to the cost constraints associated with running a horse farm the majority of stables end up being located outside of the highly populated cities. Attracting clients and getting them to drive for horseback riding can be a challenge with today’s lifestyles being so hectic and busy.
We have clients from all over the Chicagoland and Milwaukee areas. Once a rider is committed to the sport they are willing to make the drive. Our focus continues to be developing new ways to introduce people to horses and riding.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Krussell Stables story. Tell us more about the business.
Krussell Stables is a premier, nationally recognized equestrian training center that specializes in training & selling top American Saddlebred show horses for competition. Krussell Stables also offers Saddleseat riding lessons for kids and adults ages 4 and up.
Krussell Stables offers English Saddleseat riding lessons on safe and trustworthy horses with our highly trained and experienced instructors. Our fun and structured environment promotes learning and responsibility and ensures a positive experience for everyone from first-time riders to World Champion competitors.
Krussell Stables offers a variety of youth camps throughout the year for riders of all ages and skill levels. Our camps are a perfect combination of riding, grooming and educational horse activities and arts and crafts. Each child is sure to make great new friends, measurably improve their riding skills and gain a deep respect and love for horses.
We are known for our high-quality instruction and horse care. We are very proud of the World Champion riders that we have developed in our program. It is very satisfying to start and adult or child out in their very first lesson and then see them go on to win World and National Championships.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t think luck has been a big factor in our business. Our hard work and dedication have been the keys to our success.
Pricing:
- $45 for 45 minute Lesson. 30 minutes of riding and 15 minutes of grooming and horse care
- $180 for 4 Private Riding Lessons
- $427.50 for 10 Private Riding Lessons
Contact Info:
- Address: 7105 E. Tryon Grove Road
Richmond, IL 60071 - Website: KrussellStables.com
- Phone: 815-678-6808
- Email: admin@krussellstables.com
- Facebook: Krussell Stables
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