The woman behind the Dream

Meet Niki Van Schaik

Horses have always been more than a hobby to me—they’ve been a lifelong passion and a way of life. I’ve been riding horses since I was 8 years old and bought my first horse when I was 11 and have been taking care of and managing several equine facilities, including my own, since. With 21 years of riding experience, training, caring for and competing at horse shows; including regional competitions in Wellington, I bring a deep understanding of horsemanship as I begin this exciting journey of opening my own horse boarding facility. I’m committed to creating a place where horses receive exceptional care and owners feel confident knowing their equine partners are in good hands.

Growing up around horses taught me that great care is built on patience, consistency, and trust. Today, I’m proud to bring those values to every horse and owner who becomes part of our boarding family.

As the owner of Van Schaik Stables, I’m committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment where horses receive attentive, individualized care and owners have peace of mind. From daily routines to personalized attention, I believe every horse deserves to be treated as if they were my own.

Our facility features large green pastures, cool shade trees, a regulation sized grass dressage arena, a specialized track system designed to encourage horse engagement and natural movement, 24/7 access to forage and fresh water.

We are conveniently located 15 minutes from Croom’s 43 miles of premier equestrian trails, 3 minutes from Sumter Equestrian Center, 30 minutes from Florida Horse Park and within an hour of WEC Ocala and the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable home for your horse or a supportive equestrian community, my goal is to create a place where both horses and riders can thrive. I take pride in maintaining a clean, well-managed facility and building lasting relationships with the people who trust me with their equine partners.

My vision is to build a welcoming, family-friendly barn centered on quality care, safety, and respect for every horse and rider. I believe each horse has unique needs and I strive to provide attentive, personalized care in a peaceful environment where they can thrive.

Starting this business is the fulfillment of a dream I’ve worked toward for years. I’m excited to share that dream with fellow horse owners by offering a clean, safe, well-managed facility where lasting friendships, trust, and a love for horses come together.

Whether you’re looking for a dependable place to board your horse or simply want to become part of a supportive equestrian community, I look forward to welcoming you and your horse as we grow together.

The Man Helping Build the Dream

Meet Matthew Van Schaik

Matthew is the hands-on heart of Van Schaik Stables—the one who keeps our facility running smoothly so Niki can focus on what she loves most: caring for our horses and building relationships with our boarding family. With his dedication to maintenance, repairs, and always being there when we need him, Matthew ensures that every detail reflects our commitment to excellence. From early mornings to the unexpected challenges that come with running a stable, he’s the reliable partner who makes our shared dream possible. Together, Niki and Matthew create a foundation of trust, care, and genuine hospitality that makes our barn feel like home.

Together we are

Van Schaik Stables