Community Corner

Plenty of Horsing Around at Wheaton's Danada Equestrian Center

The Danada Equestrian Center serves a vital role in the community as a resource and educational center for learning horse care and horsemanship.

On more than 800 sprawling acres in Wheaton, one can find any number of horses milling around.

The mission of the Danada Equestrian Center, managed by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, is to promote safe horse-handling practices for the educational benefit of both man and horse.

Riding trails wind throughout the preserve, located at 3S503 Naperville Road, offer riders a scenic experience. The Equestrian Center is part of the the Educational Department for the Forest Preserve, which offers a variety of horsemanship classes, seminars and riding classes.

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The staff at Danada are assisted by trained volunteers. Daily horse care and feeding routines are taught through lectures and demonstrations. Volunteers receive hands-on experience in feeding, grooming, saddling, bridling, and basic health care.

The Center also offers recreational activities such as horse-drawn hayrides and sleigh rides. Visitors are also welcome at the Center to view the horses and activities taking place. Group tours are also available.

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Annually, , which also serves to educate the public as to what the world of horses is all about. The festival is the Forest Preserve District’s largest special event, and draws more than 12,000 visitors each year.

The equestrian office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on select holidays.

For more information or to sign up for one of the many programs offered at Danada, call the Danada Equestrian Center's office at (630) 668-6012, or visit www.danada.info.


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