ONE OF THE steeplechase jumps constructed on the grounds of Three Witches Farm and Stable between Viroqua and Readstown is made out of the roof ornament of an old barn, probably decades old. This is a bit of symbolic recycling of agricultural equipment that is comparable to the recycling of the farm itself from tobacco fields to silent sports haven. There once was a time when a search of the local yellow pages or classified ads revealed no stables or riding facilities in the Viroqua area. Now there are several.

I was struck by the professionalism in the building and grounds—the barn is concrete-floored, specially designed—not a converted tobacco shed, which is what often passes for a horse stable around here. Stalls are walled off by wood and iron. And there are the continual sounds of horses, and of young people, mostly girls, asking questions, getting answers from informed adults. The smell is that of a well cleaned and maintained stable.

Three Witches Farm was supposed to be called Three Sisters Farm, in honor of the three daughters of Lori and Dan Icenogle, the owners. Lori says about the questions of witchcraft (and there have been some): “We believe in nature. We are not really witches. We don’t believe in covens.”

Lori is originally from the Madison area and Dan is from Galesburg, Illinois.

I sit beside Lori in the bleachers watching some of her students, including one of her daughters, ride around the ring. She watches every move the horse makes, carefully, as she keeps up her conversation with me.

If this place is dedicated to any philosophy it is that of the United States Pony Club. The Pony Club believes in giving the rider a full experience with the horse. Beginning riders are instructed in the care of the horse, the feeding of the horse (including dangerous plants to be avoided on the trail), and even horse anatomy. Riders spend a great deal of time learning how to groom the horse before the saddle is ever touched. Traditional stables present the already-saddled horse to the rider at the beginning of the lesson. Lori Icenogle had experience with the Pony Club through the riding instruction of her daughters. Two of her main helpers at the stable—manager Beth Bardeen, and instructor Emily McMahon—had training in the Pony Club dating from their childhoods.

About 50 people take lessons at this stable. Their ages range from four to senior citizen. Some come two times per week, some come once or twice a month. Some of the kids had never seen a horse before, and they benefit from the training in grooming, feeding, and saddling prior to the riding. Some of the adults have had experience and fallen away from the practice of riding. Some adults have had riding accidents and need to restore their confidence and gain new knowledge. A lot of the riders come from this immediate area—Vernon, Crawford, and LaCrosse counties—while others are weekenders from Chicago and the Twin Cities. The equestrian club of the University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse regularly uses the stable.

During the summer, regular horse camps are held for about three days each. These all-day sessions take the participant through a mini course of horse care and tack, as well as providing guest farriers and veterinarians who give lectures. Hay rides and swimming in nearby Read’s Creek are also possible activities. Beyond the camps during the week, guests can purchase a “Horse Lovers Weekend,” staying at the nearby Dragonfly Guest House, using the stable and trails and receiving two breakfasts.

The setting itself can be enjoyed in or out of the saddle. Read’s Creek runs through the property and is a recognized trout stream that is increasingly well-known throughout Wisconsin. Fly-fishing weekends can also be purchased by visitors who can stay at the guest house.

This really is sort of a riding academy, teaching horsemanship as a discipline and skill. But it’s also a passion common to all the Icenogles, one that Lori wants to share. “I enjoy riding and the feel of freedom and peace while in the woods.” she says.

“Our horses and animals are an extended part of the family, and once you build a bond of love and trust with them, they can be your best friend and confidante. They entertain you, and it’s just fun to watch the herd and its dynamics…. Each of the horses have their own personalities. It’s nature at its best.”

One tends to associate a love of horses with young women and girls, and Lori acknowledges that girls tend to display a love for them in their play with toy horses and in drawing them. But she adds that there are a number of boys who come to their stable, and one of them is training in English-style riding through the Pony Club.

Lori is delighted with the beauty of this area and believes it enhances the riding experience of the city dwellers who come out here to participate and learn. And no doubt it will give locals a whole new perspective on the nature they have heretofore seen on just two legs.