Equine tradition continues at St. James homecoming

The clacking of hoofs and whinnying of mares were familiar sounds in the redbrick stables of St. James Farm for many decades.

So when the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County plays host to its annual homecoming celebration today at the farm near Warrenville, it seems only fitting horses will play a key role in commemorating the estate’s extensive equestrian past.

Among the groups set to participate is the Winfeld- based Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities, or FTEA, a nonprofit organization that specializes in therapeutic horseback riding programs for individuals with disabilities.

“We have the opportunity of making a difference in someone’s life,” said Nancy Winkelman, program director and riding instructor at FTEA.

While performers such as Mario Contreras Equestrian Fiesta Troupe and the Double L Miniature-Horse Driving Drill Team celebrate the international dressage and eventing competitions that once took place at the farm, FTEA will honor a different portion of the estate’s traditions.

Although annual steeplechase races drew crowds of 10,000 to the estate in the 1980s, the more intimate atmosphere therapeutic riding programs were not overlooked by the original caretakers of St. James Farm.

In 1974, owner Brooks McCormick hired John Davies to direct equestrian activities on the farm and shortly thereafter opened the St. James Riding School for the Handicapped.

As part of the homecoming celebration, Winkelman and the FTEA staff will offer short demonstrations of the activities and games typical for one of the program’s 45-minute lessons.

“We definitely want to have the visitors be able to have a flavor for the big-ticket events that would have taken place as fundraising programs by the McCormicks,” said Bonnie Olszewski, a public affairs specialist for the forest preserve district.

Purchased in 1920 by Chauncey McCormick, the St. James estate was sold to the forest preserve district in 2000 by son Brooks McCormick. McCormick maintained a life estate, allowing him to continue living on the 607-acre property until his death in 2006.

Founded in July 1996, FTEA is an offshoot of the now defunct Friends of Handicapped Riders program started by Davies to bring a culture of therapeutic riding to the Chicago area. The organization offers weekly lessons to children and adults with both cognitive and physical disabilities to improve balance, sequencing and memorization, Winkelman said.

“Truly our riding program is not to teach someone how to ride a horse,” said Winkelman, who previously worked with Friends of Handicapped Riders for 10 years. “It’s just important that they get on a horse and feel the horse move underneath them. It’s that movement that’s really crucial in improving balance.”

The program remains operational thanks to an extensive volunteer core group that help do everything from groom horses to walk alongside participants, Winkelman said, For those involved, the dedication of volunteers and staff has made it clear that the perks of the philanthropic endeavors begun by Davies 37 years ago extend beyond the physical realm.

“Probably, of the numerous benefits, one of the biggest for 99.9 percent of people that ride is that it increases self-confidence and helps improve self-esteem,” Winkelman said.

As one of only seven Illinois therapeutic riding facilities accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, FTEA serves as a valuable asset not only to the surrounding community, but also to the legacy of riding at St. James Farm.

“The timing of the homecoming is just a really good way to kick off the summer season,” Olszewski said.

The celebration will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the farm near Butterfield and Winfield roads in Warrenville. Visitors are welcome to bring picnics and can participate in a variety of activities, including fishing, archery and hayrides, as well as tours of the estate’s stables and dairy barn.

“It’s a nice way to show the preserve off to people who wouldn’t just drop in on a regular old Tuesday,” Olszewski said.

St. James Farm officially opens June 1 and will be open daily until late November.

However, a plan proposed in February 2010 highlights numerous changes that would allow for greater access for the public and a better use of the estate. The renovations are projected to take place over a 20-year period and would cost an estimated $34.25 million, according to the St. James Farm Forest Preserve Master Plan.

The plan lists a goal of the renovations providing “recreational and educational activities that recognize the equestrian heritage of St. James Farm.” However, it is uncertain when funds will become available to continue such programming.

“I don’t believe there are plans to uphold that for a regular, ongoing basis,” said Olszewski of programs like therapeutic riding lessons at the estate. “But at specific events we definitely aim to celebrate St. James Farm’s equestrian heritage.”

Regardless of budget constraints, the legacy set forth by McCormick and Davies remains an important element of the estate’s evolving identity.

“It’s such a rich part of St. James’ past,” property manager Wayne Zaininger said of continuing equestrian activities. “Especially at a public venue that a lot of visitors would be exposed to because in the past it was private.”

These days spectators no longer flock to the farm by the thousands and the stables have no permanent residents.

But each spring the echo of horseshoes can be heard once again on the grounds of St. James Farm as the forest preserve district welcomes its equestrian friends home.

If you go

If you go

What: St. James Farm Homecoming Celebration

Where: St. James Farm Forest Preserve, located on Winfield Road one quarter mile north of Butterfield Road near Warrenville

When: 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. today

Cost: Free admission, $5 family fee for some activities

Info: dupageforest.com; for FTEA: ftea.org