Horses, Hot Cocoa, and Hayrides
NEWARK–I have been fortunate to go on some spectacular horse rides from the mountains of Vista Verde Ranch in Colorado to the Black Hills of Sage Meadows in South Dakota.
Nestled amidst the rolling pastures and expansive cornfields of the far west suburbs in Illinois, Millbrook Trail Rides in Newark offered another unique experience that combined the thrill of horseback riding with the warmth of a bonfire.
Our journey began with some quick safety tips and instructions before our guided horseback ride through the expansive 300 hundred acre secluded ranch, and the picturesque Millbrook Forest Preserve in Kendall County, just 30 minutes from my home in Naperville.
As we mounted our horses, we immediately felt the calm of our well-trained companions, led by our knowledgeable guide. The trails took us through an adventure, deep into the beautiful farmland, over Buffalo Ridge, through pastures of grazing cattle, across Hollenback Creek, into the cornfields, and past a herd of deer.
While riding, I felt a sense of calm and peace, immersed in the untainted natural surroundings that felt so far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our guide gracefully staged the perfect backdrops for memorable photos while simultaneously serving a dual role as our personal videographer, capturing our experience as we rode into the sunset!
The colors of the sky were like a storybook, transforming from hues of pink and orange into a dark canvas, highlighted by a perfect fall moon. As we re-entered the barn area, the evening’s adventures continued around a crackling bonfire. We were invited to bring a chair, drinks, and snacks to share our experiences and savor the moment as the flames danced in the night.
Millbrook Trail Rides isn’t just about the horseback adventure; it’s about connecting with nature and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, explore the beauty of Illinois’ countryside while enjoying the peacefulness that comes with it. October events include a Fall Farm Fun Day with horseback rides, a petting zoo, hay rides, and hot cocoa; as well as Sunset Rides and Special Moonlight ride with a bonfire, chili supper, s'mores, and tarot!
OVERVIEW
Millbrook Trail Rides provides people of all ages the opportunity to interact with horses and enjoy a customized horseback riding adventure through breath-taking scenery in the countryside through Scout Programs, Company Outings, Horse Camps, Yoga Retreats, Special Seasonal Events, Sunset and Moonlight Rides, and of course Trail Rides!
Millbrook Trail Rides
8078 Whitfield Road
Newark, IL 60541
(630) 777-9308
Hours: Weather Dependent
Price $: Starting at $40
ABOUT THE WRITER
Kristen Kucharski’s days are never dull, her kids are never bored! Over the years #MomsLittleBlackBook has explored hundreds of kid friendly things to do in our surrounding community and on the road. As her girls have grown and gone away to college, she continues to enjoy unique activities, excursions, day trips, weekend get-a-aways, and road trips while rediscovering my own passion for adventure with friends, girls nights outs, and date nights. In her words: “Life is a journey–might as well have fun along the way. Go, fly, roam, travel, voyage, explore, discover!”
