Mackinaw Mail

Breezy Bluff Riding Academy

Breezy Bluff Riding Academy started in 1983 with 4 neighborhood kids as the customers with only word of mouth to grow the business. The business has grown to 35 to 50 students per week. Betty Broadfield is the owner of the business and she has been instructing since the business began. She is the author of any material provided with the lessons given. At the academy, they teach western to eastern on the flat style, and to use verbal cues and natural aids while riding. The youngest riders are 4 years old, and their oldest student is in her 70s. They can take riders up to 285 pounds, which is more than other stables typically take. They have been in business for almost four decades and Breezy Bluff Riding Academy still has a perfect safety record. Betty would want a potential customer to know that one phrase that describes her company is “safety first”. 

The rates for lessons, riding, birthday parties, or scout outings are available on the business’ Facebook page “Breezy Bluff Riding Academy'' or on their website breezybluffridingacademy.com. Betty stated that the packages of 10 are the most popular because it is the cheapest option. She continued saying, “You can’t really say you have learned anything with only 3-4 lessons.” For the first 10 lessons riders get to use a helmet provided for free. The academy also holds day camps. All instructors are over the age of 18. Most riders go to Breezy Bluff for recreation or exercise purposes, but some of the current customers show horses. 

Breezy Bluff Riding Academy has ponies and horses of different sizes and temperaments. There are between 15 and 20 horses at all times, and it is a good selection of horses. Betty’s personal favorite horse is Montana, who is a 7-year-old Paint Mare. The young kids’ favorite horse is Cooper, a Shetland horse. The most popular horse overall is Cruiser. Cruiser will be 20 years old in May and is a Grade Gelding. Breezy Bluff is located at 3634 N 685 East Rd, McLean, IL, and is open Monday through Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Saturdays from 9am to 12pm. If you are looking for a safe and fun place to try out horseback riding, Breezy Bluff Riding Academy is the place for you!