HORSEBACK RIDING

Rocky River Ranch has a long tradition of horseback riding and our current leadership focuses on a high safety standard. Our program is certified and our horses are chosen for their temperment and experience with young riders. In addition to proper riding techniques, we also focus on proper care of horses and tack. 

Horseback: Barn Girls

Our main focus is on Western riding and Horsemanship skills. Our riding lessons are built around teaching the Secure SeatSM skill-driven system* from the American Association for Horsemanship Safety. Through these lessons, we hope to teach and improve each rider’s balance and basic skill set, so that they can be successful in any equestrian discipline they choose to pursue. Because our program caters to a wide variety of riders, a lot of whom are more inexperienced, our priority is always safety.



Unlike traditional lesson barns, many of our campers’ only opportunity to ride is during their week at Rocky River Ranch. Due to this, we try to place riders in  lessons at a pace where every camper can excel. Our Horseback Riding classes give various ground and riding activities through which to learn.  Riding activities will include lessons on Secure-Seat riding skills, as well as games in order to practice each new technique as they learn.

*The Secure Seat Method was developed by equine professionals as a step-by-step lesson program that teaches balance and control through the rider’s seat. Some of these steps include teaching proper alignment, a steady lower leg, posting, standing and sitting trot, and canter/lope only after passing a strict test.

How It Works:

Step 1: During online registration you will choose your morning classes and then indicate if you are interested in being considered for a Horseback Riding Class.

Step 2: Everyone who indicates interest will be sent an updated 'Horseback Program Information Form'  to complete that will have an important due date. Please follow the instructions and complete the online form in a timely manner in order to be considered for a spot.

Step 3: The barn director will review the forms and you will be sent an email offering you a spot at either the 9:00, 10:00 or 11:00 class hour. Please respond to the email and either accept or decline the class spot (your camper may choose to keep her already scheduled class if it's something she is really excited about) right away.

Step 4: Once the class is accepted, you will be given instructions on how to pay the $35 fee as well as  additional details about your riding class, the barn, and what to pack and how to prepare for for the best horseback experience possible!


 

 

Rocky River Ranch | Summer Camp Programs

Summer Camp Programs

The perfect summer is waiting for your daughter aged 5 to 14 at Rocky River— filled to the brim with new friendships, challenging activities and, most importantly, lots of fun! Check out our day camp and resident camp options.

Rocky River Ranch | Weekend Programs

Weekend Programs

In the hot summer months, we’re an all-girls camp, but the rest of the year, we offer year ‘round fun at our Great Escapes for women and Mother-Daughter weekends!

Rocky River Ranch | Event Rentals

Event Rentals

Rocky River Ranch is the perfect solution for your special event! We host family reunions, church retreats, teacher work days, company picnics, Girl Scout groups, and more with lodging for up to 135 guests.

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Rocky River Ranch experience

 

Mama Knolk — what a wonderful and gentle lady. She always wanted the best for us and for us to be our best.

‒  Jeanette Brian Lawrence Years at camp: 1960s

This was my very first camp I ever went to and let me tell you it was the best! I only wish I had found out about it earlier so I could have spent more than just one year there. Y'all are an amazing camp and I hope you keep running for another 50 years.

‒  Claire Tilton Years at camp: 2002

I love Rocky River Ranch. It was a place I could go and feel accepted for the person I was — not the person I was expected to be. When we passed under that arch, the playing field was leveled and I was free to be myself, or even to reinvent myself! If I could ride, if I could swim, if I could do crafts or even if my only talent was spitting watermelon seeds, I was accepted!

‒  Britany Beever Just Years at camp: 1979-1984, 1987-1988

My years at Rocky River were some of the most wonderful times in my life. My sister (Laura) and I still spend hours talking about our fun times there. We still remember our days of swimming in the river, riding horses and water skiing. I can't wait until my little girl can experience all the joy and fun I had as a child for herself.

‒  Debbie Merian Polasek Years at camp: 1976-1987

I had a wonderful experience of being a counselor at RRR 1960-61 and 1966-67. Those first 2 years I knew and loved both Mama Knolk and Jane. Later, I was there with Skeet and Sandy. I have great memories of all those special people and all the fun times at camp. I'm so glad the camp is still going strong!

‒  Mary Jane McDuffie Dillard Years at camp: 1960-61, 1966-67

Picture a Spot … My years at Rocky River mean more to me than can be written down in a little note. There's probably not a day that goes by that I don't think about an experience, a laugh, a friendship, a struggle, a success, etc. that I experienced at camp. I love that I can go back and find the same "safe haven" that I experienced as a 7-year-old girl in Circle B through several years as a Counselor! Driving across that cattle guard at the front gate, my heart beat calms to a familiar and comforting beat again, like nothing else I've experienced.

‒  Erin Davis Terjesen Years at camp: 1985-1998