Willow Ridge Farm Of Woodstock, LLC
The Willow Ridge Story
Whitney and Meredithe Bodnar
Whitney Bodnar is a second generation horseman who trains, promotes and produces some of the top Morgan show horses of his generation. On November 1, 2018 he and his wife, Meredithe Bodnar, opened the doors of Willow Ridge Farm. Nestled in the rolling hills of McHenry County, Willow Ridge is a five minute drive from quaint downtown Woodstock IL. Growing up in the Morgan industry, Whitney has been training world class morgans for the past 15 years. His record boasts over 100 World and Grand National Champions. His keen eye for a young prospect paired with his talent of finding the best division for the young horse is his speciality. He has also proven to put together competitive amateur teams.
Meredithe Bodnar grew up riding and showing American Saddlebreds and Hackney ponies, acquiring her first Morgan in 2014, shortly after meeting Whitney. Showing as an amateur for many years, she has since turned professional, taking care of the office work, while also teaching lessons. She has a passion for teaching both the experienced as well as the novice rider; introducing the Morgan horse to the greater community.
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The Willow Ridge Experience
Training, Showing and Instruction
Showing
The main goal for most of our clients at WRF is to compete at the local as well as World level. Our Show Season begins in May and runs until the middle of October, with local shows and distance shows. We end our year at the World and Grand National Morgan Horse Show every year in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Â
For our full Show Schedule, see the links below.
Training
In order to get to the show ring, the horses must be trained in their discipline. While some have the advantage of training their own horses, many send them to professional training facilities like WRF. With placing your horse in training, you are giving them the best chance at being a Champion they have. Our expertise on suiting your horse to a specific division, or giving you and them the tools to excel in your current division, is our main goal. Training goes beyond the physical work as well, with feed, supplements and routine care a high priority for our horses. We strive to produce sucessful results, all while keeping your four legged friend healthy and happy.
Instruction
We have two formitable instructors here at WRF, Meredithe Bodnar and Katie Haberkorn. Meredithe has been riding since the age of nine and has been tutored in riding and driving lessons by some of the best in the business. She has experience with running camps and lesson programs and teaches the finer arts of equitation.Â
Katie Haberkorn has been riding in various seats since the age of eight, starting her show career under head trainer Whitney Bodnar. Her enthusiastic disposition and knowledge of riding skills has helped transform the beginner rider in to a competent horseman. Lessons can be scheduled with Meredithe at 815-451-6418
This Could be YOU!
Contact Willow Ridge today for your training, showing and instructing needs! Call today, Let us put you in the winner's circle tomorrow!
Accommodations
A working barn with the client in mind
Willow Ridge Farm offers comfort for both horse and client. With roomy 10X12 stalls, a working indoor arena that is 60X200, an outdoor arena in the nicer weather that is 100X250 and two different bullpens, the opportunities to train your horse to be the best competitor are limitless. WRF also features a one mile riding/driving trail to leg a horse up or give them a different perspective.Â
Our barn is fully heated, with a front area for the clients to lounge, an office for discussing business matters, and a full bath for clients only. WRF also features a "kitchen" just off the grooming areas where clients can gather and watch the horses through a picture window that looks over the indoor arena.
Meet Our Staff
The faces of Willow Ridge
Katie Haberkorn
Riding since the age of eight, Katie Haberkorn joins the Willow Ridge Team as assistant trainer and instructor. Her beginnings in barrel racing and western taught her the fundamentals for saddle seat and hunt seat. While not working with the young horses, Katie is working with young riders, teaching the beginners basic care and riding skills that will help them form a life long bond with horses and riding.
Andres Garcia
Andres has grown up with horses his whole life and has become one of the best caretakers in the country. Working closely with Whitney on the ground, he has helped start many young horses. Attending to their everyday care, Andres has both the experience and keen awareness for our horses' wellbeing.
