CW Equestrian Center, Inc.

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I’ve been boarding my horse at CWEC for about 2 1/2 years now. The care that is given to each horse is unparalleled. They are turned out 24/7 in the summer and about 12 hrs daily in the winter. The only time there is no turnout is during inclement weather. When the weather is bad then the horses are rotated in the indoor arena so they can get out and move. The feeding program is great. All grain is weighed out according to the requirements of each horse and adjusted as needed. Hay is placed at numerous locations in the paddocks so each horse has access to it. Horses are brought in twice daily for feeding and each one is checked for anything that might be amiss. There are many little things that are done for the horses such as fly spraying, flymasks, blankets put on or off if it gets too warm during the day. Farriers, Veterinarians, dentists, chiropractors and massage therapists are regularly scheduled.
Crystal is a superb riding instructor. Her knowledge and expertise is extensive. She has the ability to read a horse, how it’s moving, how it should be moving and how to get the rider to adjust their position or movement to help the horse move correctly. She is a hard taskmaster but is a lot of fun to work with. She makes riding fun.
All the boarders here are very engaged with their horses. Everyone is out on a regular basis throughout the day and evening working, riding, grooming or just pampering their horses. The camaraderie and support from everyone regardless of the level or discipline of riding is amazing.
This facility is one of the best in the area. The level of professionalism and care is at the top. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone looking to board their horses.

I have been a boarder and student at CW Equestrian Center for 2 ½ years now and I could not be happier. This is by far the best facility that I have boarded at in over 15 years. Crystal Welsh (owner/trainer) pours her entire heart and soul into CWEC. What I really love is the fact that this is what Crystal does. She lives on the property and does not have a secondary job to distract her from the facility. Her meticulous attention to detail about each and every horse is amazing. Crystal also takes the time to put on and take off fly masks, sheets, blankets and even fly sprays the horses before turn out during bug season. These are the little things that Crystal does for each and every horse at CWEC and the first boarding barn that I’ve been at that does this with no additional costs. Crystal’s strong educational background, experience and extensive medical knowledge in Equine Science and Equine Reproductive Physiology shows when any horse on the property gets injured or sick. I have personally seen Crystal take care of, doctor injuries and even use her own trailer to transport a sick horse to the local Equine hospital when the boarder could not. Crystal has always taken the time to help, give advice and address any concerns that I had about the health of my horse. I started to take lessons immediately when I moved in and my confidence, riding skills and bond with my horse has increased exponentially under Crystal’s training. I am legally blind and had suffered a devastating back injury about 6 years ago. It is with Crystal’s guidance, encouragement and support that enabled me to get my confidence back and even compete at the Western Dressage World Show to win World Grand Champion in 2017. Not only is Crystal supportive of my equine journey but her entire family and fellow CWEC boarders are as well. This is a drama free barn, a quiet, loving and welcoming environment for 2-legged and 4-legged alike and I feel so lucky and blessed to be here!!!

I've boarded my son (OK I guess he's my horse, not my actual child) at CW for over two years now and I can't praise this operation highly enough. Crystal truly does care for every horse as if it were her own, and tends to every little detail with as much concern as I would myself. Cleanliness, safety, quality feed and turnout . . . you expect and demand those things, and Crystal delivers in spades. But she goes far beyond by looking after the details that make a huge difference in a horse's well-being. Things like putting fly masks on/off, hosing horses off on hot days, putting turnout blankets on/off during the day. All this with no extra charge. Here's an example of her devotion to these horses . . . a fellow boarder and I realized one of the horses was showing signs of early colic so we texted Crystal who was away from home at the time. She instantly left her salon appointment and within ten minutes was at the horse's side (with wet nail polish!) taking vitals and alerting the owner. I was so impressed. I know my beloved horse is getting the best care in her very capable hands, and I trust her. The atmosphere at this barn is like a breath of fresh air. This is the happiest bunch of boarders I've ever encountered . . . no drama, no nastiness, no cliques. Everybody gets along and is supportive and welcoming. This is a place where horses and their people flourish!

We have just moved from England with our 18 year old baby. I searched for months while still in another country to find a place to at least bring him to while we got settled and able to find his "home". That was in July and we are still here! Of all the boarding facilities we looked into only three responded in a professional manner. Only two answered my questions in a timely manner which allowed me to make a conscious decision as to which place my horse and I would benefit most at. From the moment we decided on CW until the day our boy arrived, communication had been top notch. Crystal explained to me exactly how we were going to introduce our boy to the herd and within a week he was accepted and establishing his place amongst the other horses. Crystal has worked with me closely in establishing a feed regime that is as close as possible to what he had in the UK to keep weight on him and even though it's been a long process, with her guidance he has put his weight back on (keep in mind that travelling overseas as well as a new herd - he was bound to lose some) and is thriving. They have always notified me if something isn't right or sometimes just to send me a photo of my boy being silly. I had some top notch Dressage instructors in the UK, and regardless of what age Crystal started, she is just as good as who I had. Right away she was able to pick up on things that my other instructors were working with us on. The review about a horse's demise on the property is just not accurate as any horse owner knows that sadly horses can die without any reason or early signs of illness. I had a mare that was healthy one day and died the next morning from a severe onset of colic. I spent a lot of money for my horse to be flown over here from England and I certainly wouldn't place him in a substandard barn after that.

My horse has been happily boarded at CWEC for 2 1/2 years. The location is great for me, the facility is kept clean and neat, the horses are well cared for and I am secure in the knowledge that my horse is just as important to the barn staff as any of the other horses. My horse gets out every day, receives plenty of hay and I love that the grain is weighed. Horses are periodically assessed for weight and health and feeding is adjusted as needed.
The fact that the owner has her degree in Equine Studies and has worked as a vet tech is a bonus. She has the skill to know if a horse is sick or lame or just "off". She has given me invaluable advice in the care and treatment of my horse and even has been willing to administer medication to my horse's eye 3 times a day--for weeks when I was unable to get out to the barn.
The dressage instruction my horse and I have received from Crystal Welsh have helped us grow in the sport. She is positive and encouraging while instilling discipline and the desire to improve.
This is truly a family operation where everyone pitches in whenever necessary. The owners, boarders, students and workers all help each other and get together for parties and other celebrations. I love that kids are welcome and it’s fun to watch them grow in their knowledge and skill as they progress up the levels.
If you are looking for a great place to get back into horses, or to board or to introduce your kids to the fantastic sport of riding, come visit and see for yourself.

My horse has lived at CW for almost three years. I would not board anywhere else in this area. The facility is kept very clean. Feeding, watering and turnout is done in a very consistent manner daily. Feed is carefully chosen for each horse and weighed every day.
Keeping the horses healthy and in great condition is really important here.
Veterinarians and farriers often comment on well cared for all of the horses are at CW.
The owners love and care for each horse as if it were their own. The boarders are treated like and consider themselves family. We all care about each and every horse and each other.
Lessons with Crystal have improved my skill on my horse and really boosted my confidence.
If you are looking for riding lessons or a boarding barn this is it.

I have been riding at CWEC for over 2 years now and I have loved every moment. I have never been a part of an equestrian facility where every single person is so kind and friendly. While I have never been in a position where I could have my own horse, that doesn’t matter to anyone. I’m just as welcome out there as the boarders. I used to care for the most famous horses in the world and I can attest the care the horses at CWEC receive is top of the line. The animals needs always come first! I’m proud to be a part of the CWEC family!

I have been at this stable for almost a year now and the incredible support and care given by its owners, Crystal and Mike, is second to none. They treat each horse as their own and I never have to worry that if something is wrong they will administer whatever care is needed right then. And this is especially a peace of mind as I travel a lot for my work. There is nothing worse than getting a call from the barn that your horse is sick or hurt. Whenever this has happened, Crystal has already assessed the situation, treated if possible, or made sure the vet was on their way. Not having to wait for me to get to the barn to make a decision has saved my horse more than once. Trust me other barns do not do this! All of the family at CW Equestrian embraces the boarders, including Dianne, who does all the paperwork, etc., and keeps all of us up to date and in the know on upcoming events at the stable, to include schooling shows and barn barbeques! All of the staff, feeders/cleaners, knows each horse and makes you feel your horse is the most important one they look after. I can't say enough about our boarders, who are always there to lend a hand or let you know there is a problem with your horse. The boarders do fun events at the barn and also off property...we are just a big horsey family! Highly recommend CW Equestrian if you want to find a home for your horse, not just a barn.

I have been a student and a boarder at CW Equestrian Center now for just over three years. I have been a boarder at many, many places and this is by far the best boarding and training facility that I have been apart of.

This is a positive, healthy environment for the humans and the horses. They are always attentive to what your horse needs and they go above and beyond to make this a welcome place to board and ride your horse.

The owner / operator provides wonderful lessons that have progressed my riding and my relationship with my horse.

If you are looking for a place to board or take lessons, I would high encourage you to give CW Equestrian Center a call. They are excellent!

I have been a student at CW Equestrian Center for over 3 years, and just started working there.
I have ridden at multiple other establishments, and I can say that there is no where else I would rather ride. I have learned so much in my time here, from creating a stronger bond with my horse through better horsemanship to finer details of proper dressage riding and how to better myself in that area. I would trust anyone at CW Equestrian Center with my life and the lives of my own horses. Crystal never pushes students beyond their comfort zone, and believes in you and your progress before you even think you can achieve it.
In working at CW Equestrian Center, I have never seen a more functional establishment, in front of and behind closed doors. This location is always clean and all of the workers regularly go out of their way to help make life a little easier and better for the horses, boarders, and riders who come here. Transparency and quality of care are of the utmost importance for the owners and workers of this establishment.

I have been working at this facility for quite some time now, and I could not enjoy working there more. It’s such a wonderful way to start my morning. All of the boarders always greet you with a smile and a hello. Even the turkeys, chickens and duck will greet you. As well as providing great entertainment. I know the horses are recieving the absolute best care. I have worked at a couple of other farms, and I know you will not find a cleaner and friendlier environment to board your horse. There is not a day at CWEC that I don’t smile. I could go on and on about how wonderful this facility is. The main instructor, Crystal Welsh, always has a positive attitude even when things get tough. You know she puts her business first, the pride she takes in her work is truly inspiring. I could not be as happy working anywhere else as I am working at CWEC. I would highly recommend this barn to anyone.

Aesthetics are the only good thing here. Fellow boarders are nice and more helpful than the owner/operator - who seems to never have time unless you're paying her. Quick bottom line for out-of-towners coming into this area looking for lessons/boarding - don't come here, she's not genuine or professional, although she may seem that way at first. She doesn't have much of a show record for her teaching/riding abilities and her '20+ years of being dynamically involved' is a culmination of her learning from when she was a teenager (She's in her mid-30s and has owned this property/business for less than 3 years). Other barns and locals who know her unfortunately have nothing nice to say about her and warn to steer clear. Personally, I can vouch and will do the same. My horse demised on her property and she waited more than 14 hours to tell me anything was wrong and then made it sound like it was not an emergency. She also has chickens that get stuck/die in her hay barn and she then still uses the surrounding hay to feed to the horses. I used to help out there - that's how I know this. By the way, her mother wrote the other review - so not biased there, right?

CW Equestrian Center is a top-notch Premiere Boarding Facility in Mascoutah, IL. They offer lessons from Crystal Welsh, MS who has over 20 years of experience in showing as well as a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in the Equine field! Very impressive! Super Clean! Just nothing negative to say about this place!!