Here are a few websites of boarding stables to get you started:
newmoonfarm.net
marquisstables.com
goldengaitstable.com
jjrquarterhorses.com
creeksideacresonline.com
I don't live very close to chicago, but my best advice to you would be to start searching online and calling stables. If you can narrow down your choices to 2 or 3 stables that would be much more manageable to look at rather than trying to sort through 20 places in the car. You can get rid of several choices off the bat by calling and seeing if they have stalls/pasture available for your horse
I would also try calling tack shops or feed stores. I know a lot of boarding stables don't have websites and they may be able to help you find some of those. They could be perfectly good places to board, and a lot cheaper. But be leery of these, they might not be what the person says they are.
Also ask the college if they know of any good stables around. They might even know of a place that gives discounts to college students.
Another thing I would do is keep a few stables in mind, in case your first choice becomes full before you get a stall or something goes wrong.
Here are a few questions you might want to ask when you call:
-what is monthly rate?
-what facilities do you have/offer?
-do you have trainers on site?
-what does board include?
-do you offer lessons?
-How many boarders do you have? What is the main disipline?
-Do you sell feeds/tack/supplies on site?
-Do you offer clinics?
-Are there any restrictions to your faclilites? What are they?
-Do you have specific rules/guidelines for boarders?
-What equipment do you offer (like trailers, saddles, jumps)? What are the prices?
-Do you have stallions on the premesis?
I hope this helps you out and good luck at college!
