Thursday July 21, 2005

Silverwood Farm Dressage – An Oasis in the Heartland

Prime Property Dedicated to Horses

The 103 acre facility which was once a quarter horse stable began over 25 years ago, with one barn and a few paddocks. Howard Nelson managed the before he and Lisa purchased it in 1998. The property now has 7 barns, with heated stalls for 30 boarders, an indoor arena, 3 permanent show barns, and 120 portable stalls when needed. Nelson, a thoroughbred breeder, has several horses racing, with a band of excellent broodmares and stallions, who share the property with the boarders, and Lisa’s dressage horses. There are huge grassy paddocks for turn out, and lots of trees all planted and cared for on a daily basis.

Silverwood Farm is located across the street from Camp Lake a popular summer spot for boaters and fishing. There is a small airport where private aircraft in all sizes and shapes can be seen taking off and landing during the competition.

As the lush farm land of this region, just a one hour drive from Chicago, Illinois gives way to the development of large homes, Silverwood remains a needed oasis, for the large number of entries who come from Illinois, Michigan, Indianapolis, and Ohio.

At any time Howard and Lisa could live quite comfortably on the proceeds of the sale of such prime real estate, if that was what they wanted to do. The taxes continue to rise reflecting the staggering real estate values of the region and the heating bill in the winter months tops $3,500 a month. But their hearts and souls are invested in their property, their shows, the people who count on them, and their horses.