Grove
River Ranch LLC welcomes students on any level of ability,and has carefully selected lesson horses suitable for even the most
novice riders. However, those people who own their own horses are welcome to bring them for lessons or training. Visitors
are welcome to come observe lessons in progress and to tour our facility any time, but if you prefer a personal guided tour,
just call or email us for an appointment. Click on the "Location" page for specific driving directions. To join
our lesson program, email us from this web page, or call the numbers listed at the bottom of this page.
Students under the age of 18 are required to wear protective headgear, bring
their own helmet if they have one, or one of ours will be provided for them. Shoes with at least a one-half inch heel must
be worn, no sandals or tennis shoes. You can download a copy of our Student Policies and Waiver of Liability. The Waiver
of Liability must be signed by both parents for all riders under 18 years old.
Click on this link to view and download our Student Policies.
Click on this link to download our Waiver of Liability.
  
The disciplines we focus on are western and hunt seat, with primary goals of establishing a good balanced seat,
natural horsemanship techniques, and skills to optimize safety of rider and horse. The GRR Equestrian
Team is made up of adult and youth students who have advanced their skills to participate in trail riding trips, parades,
and obstacle challenges. Our instructional programs come in different formats as listed below:
Standard lessons are structured for people
who want to come take a 45 minute lesson ($45 for private lesson, $35 for 2-6 riders) on a regular basis, usually weekly.
Scheduling can be fixed or flexible. Two hour lessons can also be scheduled.
Boot Camp, a workshop for adults, is specifically focused on teaching
skills and knowledge that is needed by the first time horse owner, riders who wish to lease/own a horse in the near future,
and parents of kids who are involved with horses. Strong emphasis is placed on safety, horse care, ground handling,
horse psychology, desirable personality traits, health care, facility design and maintenance. Sessions are usually
four hours on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and can be scheduled any time there is a minimum of four attendees, with a maximum
of eight for more individual attention to Q&A.
Click on this link to view a sample of topics discussed in boot camp sessions.
Riding Vacations are for guests who would like to include customized riding lessons
during their stay. Training and problem solving instruction is also available to guests who wish to bring their own
horses. On site lodging and stabling by reservation.
Specialized clinics with top professionals will be organized by Grove River Ranch LLC based on public demand.
We have fifteen years experience hosting clinics on specific subjects, such as "resistance free riding and training",
ground work and starting a horse under saddle, dealing with problem horses, Parelli Natural Horsemanship, reining, mounted
police horse training for civilians, gaited horsemanship, and dressage. As clinics are booked, they will be listed
on our Calendar of Events along with a flyer and registration information. GRR facilities can be rented by any approved group or clinician for
an event. Contact CJ Farmer for pricing.
 Workshops for Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to earn horsemanship merit badges are available. Other badges that
can be earned if the troops chose to camp over the weekend might include (but not limited to) camping, hiking, fishing and
cooking. GRR is an approved scout facility and offers special scout discounts for the two hour workshop and semi-private
riding lessons.
HORSEMANSHIP SUMMER CAMPS
All things horses! Horse-related activities, horsey
arts and crafts, and making new horse-loving friends. Classroom academics, demonstrations and practical application of skills
help campers learn horse care and horsemanship riding skills. At the end of the camp session, campers will demonstrate some
of their newly acquired skills for parents. Beginners to advanced, campers grouped by age and experience level. Intermediate
and advanced camps with focus on horse show basics or trail riding are offered. For a higher quality of instruction
and safety, sessions are limited to 4-8 campers. Attendees who own their own horses are welcome to bring them
to camp. For 2010, shorter and less expensive sessions are available.To view and download a brochure and the session
rate sheet, click on the links below. To request a registration form or a personal interview and ranch tour, contact
CJ at 706-677-0072.
 Camp Director, CJ Farmer, has over 35 years experience with horses, breeding, training, boarding, seven years
of competition on a national level, 18 years as a riding instructor. Camp Counselors are screened and selected for their personal
qualifications as well as their experience in the equine industry.
The "Small Stirrup" Program, scaled down for youngsters 6-8 years old, is
an introductory camp to prepare them for the more comprehensive riding program when they are older. The format is one or two
full days, and includes some classroom/crafts time, demonstration of horse care skills, and some hands-on practice for
the youngsters. All riding is done with an attendant or on a lunge line, usually in the indoor round pen.
Full Day Horsemanship Camps, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., will be offered for beginner to intermediate
riders 8-17 years old. Subjects are horsemanship (three levels), intro to trail riding and horse camping, and horse
show basics. One, two and four-day sessions are offered, a special half-day rate is available. Ask about our "bring-a-friend"
discount and our "early bird" registration discount.
Overnight/Resident Horsemanship Camps will be offered
for beginners to advanced riders 10-17 years old. Sessions are 2, 4 or 6 nights in length. Campers will reside
in a new two bedroom "bunk house" in the stables. Click on the link below to see interior photos.
Click on this link to view photos of the Bunk House in the stables.
Click on this link to view and download the summer camp brochure.
Click on this link to view and download the summer camp session rates.
CJ Farmer
345 Hickory Flat Drive
Gillsville, GA 30543
706-677-0072 or 770-540-8380
CJ@GroveRiverRanch.com
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