DuPage forest district might sell horses to Schaumburg Park District

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners are considering selling two draft horses to Schaumburg Park District for $1.

But critics say the deal should be delayed until officials know how the move fits with their new horse retirement policy.

On Tuesday, commissioners got their first look at the proposal to sell the horses kept at Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago to the park district.

If the deal is approved, the horses - 16-year-old Darryl and 19-year-old Jack - would move to Volkening Heritage Farm along Plum Grove Road in Schaumburg.

Robert Lahey, forest preserve director of community services and education, said the animals have "performed admirably" through the years. The district has owned Jack since 2001 and Darryl since 2011.

The horses' daily tasks at Kline Creek include working in the fields, moving equipment and hauling feed. On occasion, they lead wagon rides throughout the district.

Volkening Heritage Farm is a living-history farm, much like Kline Creek.

"The Schaumburg site is smaller than ours, but it still offers an opportunity for Jack and Darryl to remain active together," Lahey said. "They have functioned well as a team for us, and it's anticipated they'll continue to do so in their new nearby home for the foreseeable future."

In December, commissioners approved a policy outlining what could happen to horses retiring from Kline Creek and Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton.

One of the options includes conveyance to an area government or nonprofit group "that shares the ethical stewardship practices of the district."

But resident Jane Muklewicz, who previously raised concerns about how district horses were treated, said specific guidelines for the policy haven't been established.

"No processes have actually been finalized and accepted," Muklewicz said Tuesday. "Therefore, no transfer should be approved."

Commissioner Mary Lou Wehrli said she was surprised the board was asked to consider the sale at this time.

"Schaumburg has a great program," she said, "but this kind of came out of nowhere after our December decision."

Forest preserve President Joseph Cantore said the district might have to put the "finishing touches" on its horse retirement policy before selling Jack and Darryl.

He said the public's concerns and the welfare of the horses will be considered before reaching a final decision.