‘I bought a pony for my daughter and three years later I found myself with 10 horses,? said Kim Palazzola, owner of Fox Lake Hunt Club.
Palazzola started the business almost two years ago. ‘My daughter was taking riding lessons and I joined her shortly after. Soon after we got her a pony, I bought the building.?
The property and the building underwent a major make-over. Palazzola and her three other employees gutted every stall, cleaned the arenas and put new equipment in where it was needed.
While some stables do not provide anything but the stall, Fox Lake is considered a full-care boarding facility.
‘We give them their medications, grain, hay and water, blanket them and even assist farriers and vets. Some places charge additional fees to do some of those things,? said Palazzola.
Clients also have the option of half leasing a school horse. It enables them to own the horse from month to month or to horse show.
‘It works out great because the horses get a friend and the client gets lessons.?
The facility is not only available for lessons, but also for people who wish to board their horse.
In addition to the staff, children who take lessons also do a lot of caring and maintenance. Carollyn Scholar, who teaches the children’s classes, instructs them about the anatomy, habits and proper care before they start.
They also groom the horse for riding. First time horse riders are also taught everything they need to know ‘from the ground up,? including ground manners, horse tack, feeding and safety as well as riding.
‘We actually give them worksheets to take home so they’ll have a knowledge of the animal. Our lessons are meant to be fun. There is no pressure on the children.?
Fox Lake has a variety of classes for children five and up and adult sessions as well. There are also summer camps that start in June.
‘We just don’t want people to feel intimidated. Even if you have never been on a horse, you can start here. We want to break the mold and let people feel comfortable around horses.?
‘We handle all aspects of seasonal change appropriately and take care of each individual horse as if it were our family,? said Palazzola. ‘The horses go out for almost eight hours each day.?
Fox Lake Hunt Club has many amenities including three trainers, 27 acres of pasture for the horse, matted stalls, two outdoor arenas, two indoor arenas and is located less than a mile from the Ortonville Recreation Area trailhead. They also host shows and buy and sell ponies.
Currently, a special of five one-hour classes is offered for $125. They also handle the BGO rec. riding and have numerous classes one can sign up for.
Fox Lake is located at 5813 Honert Road in Hadley Township. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends. Telephone is (248) 627-1416.