Will Cook County News

By Nuha Abdessalam. Updated: November 15, 2025, 9:37 a.m.

Mokena – The youngest horse lovers got their chance to ride Thursday morning at Nova Quarter Horses, Inc.

The stable, located at 10129 W. 187th St., Mokena, hosted its second Little Buckaroos event on November 13 at 10 a.m., giving local little buckaroos ages 5 and under a chance to get better acquainted with horses, as well as groom and ride them under close supervision.

Nova Quarter Horses, Inc. owner Lorri Ebeling said the idea came from watching younger siblings wait during lessons for older kids.

“We start lessons at six or seven, and the little ones never had anything to do,” she said. “This is a professional, and safe way for them to be around horses.”

Ebeling, who runs Nova with her daughter Samantha, said the event has grown quickly since the first one last year. Another Little Buckaroos session is already planned for March of 2026.

“I could probably do one every two months,” Lorri Ebeling said. “Parents have been reaching out like crazy.”

One of the best parts, of course, was the horses, calm and seasoned animals trained for beginner and lead-line work.

“They walk slower and lead properly,” Ebeling stated. “They don’t move around or spook, they know their job.”

Among the majestic faces in the barn were Ryder, a 17-year-old gelding who’s been part of the Nova family for years; Rodney, who seemed to bask in the attention, flaring his lips in approval; Missy Lane, a steady favorite with a soft demeanor, and Regima, a gentle mare who stood quietly while small hands reached to brush or stroke her.

The morning included a surprise stop to visit Stewart, Nova’s young donkey born last year.

Laura Pacioriek, brought her 3-year-old daughter Leona, and 6-year-old son Charlie. Pacioriek said she first learned of Nova when she hosted her son’s birthday party there.

“It was amazing,” she said. “We had about 25 kids, and every one of them had a blast, the staff walked alongside them for the rides, and the parents could just enjoy watching.”

She said her little buckaroos have been asking to come back ever since, “It makes you want to get involved too,” she stated. “Maybe not today, but some day.”

Nearby brothers Ethan and Eli paused when they noticed the camera snaps, when asked what his favorite part of the morning was, wearing a very wide smile, Ethan said, “HORSES!”

Little 4-year-old Ella joined the fun for the first time with her mom, Laura Teggelaar. “She loves horses and animals, this was a really great opportunity, and has felt very safe and intimate,” Teggelaar stated.

Nova Quarter Horses, Inc. has been part of Mokena for more than 30 years. The mother-daughter business has earned the Southland’s Best award five years in a row and offers year-round lessons, show coaching, birthday parties, and community events, like Nurses Night Out and Daddy & Me.

“We want families to know this is a safe and educational place to learn,” Ebeling said. “There are places that try to do this without the right setup, we always make sure its done properly.”

For those who missed this week’s Little Buckeroos event, Nova has more opportunities ahead for riders of all ages:

• Winter Horse Camp: December 29-31, 2025
• Galentine’s Day Ride: February 6, 2026
• Little Buckaroos: March 25, 2026
• Mommy & Me Mother’s Day Rides: May 8 & 9, 2026
• Daddy & Me Father’s Day Rides: June 19 & 20, 2026

There were plenty of programs for families to spend time together, and for Nova and the families who came out, it meant a successful riding lesson, memories made, and several smiles for the horses — and one friendly donkey.

To learn more about Nova Quarter Horses, Inc., visit their website listed here.

To view more photos, visit Facebook or Instagram at @WillCookCountyNews.

A special thank you to Tiffany Ossowski.

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