50th Anniversary Private Barn Tours

Event Leadership: Patty Meroni

Hosts: Richard and Alicia Stephenson, Bryan and Christy Cressey, HARPS Donna Ewing, and Laura Pedian

Photos: Courtesy of Beth Mallen

Welcome to the Very Special 2007 Commemorative Barn Tour
to visit some of Barrington Hills’ most Spectacular Barns

Our first stop was the TUDOR OAKS FARM, home of Richard and Alicia Stephenson and a Haflinger Breeding and Show Farm. We visited the main barn which houses a fabulous collection of antique carriages and saw a parade of Haflinger mares and foals during our tour hosted by Jennifer Rousseau, Tudor Oaks Farm Manager.

Stephensons' Tudor Oaks Barn

Walking for visitors

Patty Meroni and visitors enjoy the tour

Beautiful show horses

Two Haflingers enjoying the day

CRESSWOOD FARM. Bryan and Christy Cressey, previously non-horse owners, moved to 500 West County Line Road in 1988 and christened the 54 acres “Cresswood Farm.” With their three daughters, Monique, Charlotte and Alicia, equestrian interests have included pony club, fox hunting and eventing. Over the years active participation has been with the Fox River Valley Pony Club and the Fox River Valley Hunt. With these activities, they have cared for a variety of sport horses.

HARPS (Hooved Animal Rescue and Protection Society) recently acquired this lovely old farm on Sutton Road which can house many of its rescued animals during their recovery and rehabilitation. Its founder, Donna Ewing, has pioneered the rescue of abused and neglected hooved animals, not only in Illinois but throughout the U.S., and is responsible for many of the laws protecting them in effect throughout the country today. Tonight [the night of the tour in 2007] will be the unveiling of another innovation designed by Donna – an equine ambulance with the capacity to lift and support a seriously injured horse and transport it to a clinic for life saving care. HARPS will make this ambulance available to the community for emergencies.

Laura Pedian’s beautiful barn home, UULKE FARM, named after her late horse, is the last stop for dressage demonstrations by Riding Masters Juergen and Inge Helmert. Laura designed this unique facility with her home inside the barn overlooking the arena, while Juergen designed much of the barn. Visitors toured the barn over dessert and coffee.