Open Sky Stables

08/23/2023

It's with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to Ozzy today.

Dubbed the "crystal chandelier" by our veterinarian for being accident prone, Ozzy spent the last 3+ years of his life in retirement with us getting into mischief, hanging out with his best friend Dodger, and making the best faces while getting scratches.

Sweet boy you're no longer in pain and back to running free and fast.

Please keep his owner and her family in your thoughts as they grieve the loss of their special boy.💙🩵

08/16/2023

https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1486767 (Scotch)
https://www.equinenow.com/horse-ad-1486768 (Delight)
Please share to help Scotch and Delight find new homes! They are both fantastic little mares, but unfortunately don't fit the needs of the farm.

NEEDS INTERMEDIATE RIDER Scotch was purchased back in June of 2022 to be a part of our trail herd. She was advertised to us as a beginner horse from her previous owner saying young kids were able to ride her in a small pasture and down the quiet country road.

08/14/2023

Open Sky Stables is hiring an Interim Barn Manager! Please share!
Job description
Position: Interim Barn Manager
Position Term: 6 months
Compensation: Competitive salary, based on experience. Housing provided,
About Us:
Open Sky Stables is located only a few miles from the Mississippi River, in Northwestern Illinois. Our facilities are nestled in the center of a 1200+ acre ranch and include 25 acres of wood-fenced paddocks, indoor and outdoor riding arenas, three stall barns and miles of groomed trails. We are a private facility that focuses on retirement boarding and maintains a small personal trail herd. We are not open to the public and are very low traffic. Currently, we are housing just shy of 20 horses, though that number fluctuates slightly throughout the year.
Who We Are Looking For:
Open Sky Stables, in Hanover, Illinois, is seeking an Interim Barn Manager while our current Barn Manager takes an extended leave of absence. Competitive applicants will have stellar, industry related references, a strong background in equine care, fantastic written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to work independently. The Interim Barn Manager is expected to work at least six hours per day, six days per week, in all weather conditions, and be reachable after-hours in case of emergency. You will be responsible for overseeing part-time staff and creating weekend and holiday coverage schedules. On-site housing is provided, including utilities. The first 30-days of this position will be training under our current Barn Manager prior to their leave of absence.
Duties include (but are not limited to):
- Maintain current safety protocols and procedures, ensure a safe workplace for all employees, guests and animals.
- Provide Trail Herd with quality exercise and corrective training as needed, with an emphasis on providing safe experiences for beginner riders.
- Responsible for all day-to-day barn operations such as feeding, grooming, scheduling routine veterinary and farrier care, basic barn cleaning and maintenance, and maintaining tack.
- Responsible for administering medication, blanketing, identifying and promptly addressing any animal health or welfare issues.
- Supervise part-time and seasonal staff, manage scheduling that ensures appropriate coverage for 2x daily welfare checks and feeding.
- Communicate with boarding clients as needed, manage occasional social media postings.
- Report daily to supervisor, detailing what was accomplished that day, any issues that arose and proposed solutions.
To apply for this position, submit a cover letter, three strong references and your resume to: [email protected]

06/27/2023

Dead bug yoga on this hazy Tuesday morning. Some are more skilled than others

06/09/2023

Another beautiful Friday on the farm. Enjoy the weekend everyone!

05/31/2023

Jilly's settling in with her new herd just fine!💜

05/12/2023

You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. What else are friends for?!

05/05/2023

Welcome to our new retirement boarder Jilly! Thank you Sara for entrusting us with Jilly's care in her golden years. We're looking forward to getting to know her better and she's VERY interested in getting to know the other mares. 🙂

04/29/2023

Our hearts are heavy today as we had to say goodbye to our sweet boarder Orphy.

Orphy lived a long life, 36 years, and in the past few years of getting know him, love him, and care for him we were able to understand how truly special he was.

We'll miss your old man whinny when you thought food wasn't coming fast enough, your lack of personal space in every aspect, the head rubs/butts when our backs were turned, and just overall your sweet little self.

Please keep his owner and his lifelong companion Chappy in your thoughts during this difficult time💙

04/25/2023

Good morning boys!

04/14/2023

We're out in Madison, WI at the Midwest Horse Fair all weekend!

Stop by and come see us in Pavillion 1: Stable Lane😁

04/07/2023

Finally starting to feel like spring! Everyone enjoy the holiday weekend!

03/29/2023

When the nap hits HARD😴

03/25/2023

Due to the great amount of snow and a loss of power the barn will be closed today.

03/24/2023

Chappy wants you all to know that shedding season is upon us!

03/22/2023

Sawyer would win this hands down! Closely followed by Tivo and Kisses.

You've made it.. it's officially Spring! 💐🤣

📸 : Credit: equimed.com

03/13/2023

Open Sky Stables is looking to add to our team!
We are currently in search of a Part-Time Stable Hand

Duties include:
Feeding/Prepping for next feeding
Administering Meds/Supplements/Basic wound care
Blanketing/Fly masks/Fly spray/Sunscreen
Catching/Turning Out Horses
Grooming Boarders
Cleaning Tack
Cleaning stalls, tack/feed room, buckets, automatic waterers
Dumping muck
Watering arena
Hold horses for vet/farrier
Unloading hay/grain/shavings
Keep barn tidy
Other duties as assigned

Experience:
At least 1yr equine experience or equivalent farming background

Qualifications:

Must have valid drivers license/reliable vehicle
Must be willing and able to work in inclement weather
Ability to lift 50lbs repetitively
Have self-motivation
Have good communication skills
Have a willingness to learn
Be reliable/honest

Schedule:
M-F
8:00am-12:00pm
Availability to work occasional weekends a plus

Hourly pay negotiable and based on experience

For more information or to apply contact [email protected]

03/09/2023

Is it spring yet?!😅