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. 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.
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.
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.
Click on this link to view a video of our riding lessons and summer camp students.
Click on this link to view and download our Student Policies.
Click on this link to download our Waiver of Liability.
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. Check
the calendar of events for the date and to download a document with the program format and fees.
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.
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.
Therapeutic Riding. GRR
is not set up to properly conduct a lesson program for children with special needs. Contact NARHA certified instrucor
Lisa Graham at Bella Terra Stables in Winder 404-626-0456.
Click on this link to learn more about Lisa's therapeutic riding program.
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. 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. Intermediate and advanced camps can focus on drill team basics, horse
show skills, or trail riding. Overnight/Resident Horsemanship Camps will be offered
for beginners to advanced riders 10-17 years old. Campers will reside in a new two bedroom "bunk house" in
the stables. Click on the link below to see interior photos. To view and download a camp
brochure and the session rate sheet, click on the links below. Ask about our discounts. To request a registration form
or a personal interview and ranch tour, contact CJ.
Camp Director, CJ Farmer, has over 35 years experience with horses, breeding, training, boarding, seven
years of competition on a national level, 20 years as a riding instructor. Camp Counselors are
screened and selected for their personal qualifications as well as their experience in the equine industry.
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.
Pony Parties are not just a lot of fun, but a good way to introduce
children to grooming, saddling, and then "riding" while led by an adult. The indoor arena and
indoor round pen allow for all-weather parties. After riding, guests are welcome to use the climate-controlled party
room for snacks, games and gift-giving. The hostess is welcome to come decorate the party room (seats 36) the day
before and leave food items in the refrigerator. Contact CJ for pricing.
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 a clinician or group for
an event. Contact CJ for rates and availability.
CJ Farmer
345 Hickory Flat Drive
Gillsville, GA 30543
706-677-0072 or 770-540-8380
CJ@GroveRiverRanch.com