Fields & Fences Equestrian Center was established in 1987 as part of the prestigious 600-acre horse community, Hunt Club Farms located in unincorporated Lake County, Illinois. Homes starting at $1 million are situated on lots ranging in size from 2 to 15 acres. Homeowners with 5 or more acres may keep horses on their property. The residents of these estates and boarders at Fields & Fences enjoy exclusive use of over 12 miles of well-maintained, fenced bridle trails that run through the 600-acre development.

Anita Schadeck and Jim Robers purchased the equestrian center from the developer of Hunt Club Farms in February 1995. Originally, Fields & Fences was a hunter/jumper facility but in 1996 when Anita started taking dressage lessons and realized the benefits of dressage for hunters, she started recruiting others to try dressage. Now Fields & Fences' boarders are primarily hunter/jumper and dressage riders with a few eventers and pleasure riders rounding out the group.

Fields & Fences has undergone several expansions to keep up with demand. The most recent expansion, which began in December 2003, is the most ambitious with the addition of 105 stalls, a second indoor riding arena and over 9,500 square feet of clubrooms. Although the new indoor arena and 46 stalls are now ready for use, the entire project will not be complete until the fall of 2007. Upon completion, Fields & Fences Equestrian Center will feature:

• 2 heated indoor riding arenas 60' x 271' and 100' x 300' (yes, that's the size of a football field) with automatic watering system
• 4 enormous outdoor riding arenas with all-weather footing (180' x 250'; 180' x 240'; 150' x 250' and 70' x 210')
• Turf grand prix/hunt field with 2 water jumps and bank jump
• Box stalls are 10' x 12', 10' x 14' or 12' x 12'
• 121 stalls for boarders; 70 stalls for horse shows.
• 26 pastures/paddocks with 6' lanes between each turnout.
• 12 miles of private, groomed bridle trail through 600 acres.
• 10 heated wash racks, 6 tack rooms, 2 changing rooms and 10 toilets.
• Comfortable, heated and air conditioned 3-story clubrooms for each indoor arena with satellite TV, wireless internet, kitchenette and an elevator!
• Fire detection system. Security cameras. Automatic fly/mosquito control systems.
• Exercise classes for riders taught by a certified, personal trainer.

Fields & Fences hosts either a hunter/jumper or dressage/CT schooling show monthly during the summer months. With the new indoor arena, there are plans to offer USEF recognized dressage and hunter/jumper shows during the winter months.