Lessons, Camps, Clinics | GROVE RIVER RANCH, EQUESTRIAN CENTER & RETREAT

LESSONS

Grove River Ranch instructors welcome students of all levels of ability. Our lesson horses have been carefully selected and trained to be suitable for even first time riders. Students who have their own horses are welcome to bring them for their riding lessons and horse training lessons.

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 the safety of horse and rider. Our instructional programs come in a variety of 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 on this page. The waiver must be signed by BOTH parents for all riders under the age of 18.

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. Visit the Map & Directions page for specific driving directions. Email CJ or call the numbers listed about joining our lesson program.

Equestrian center development and management is not a new business venture for CJ Farmer, former owner and developer of Valley Vista Equestrian Center in Hoschton, Georgia. Constructing Grove River Ranch on 143 acres enabled a wider range of equestrian services, recreational and retreat opportunities.

Riding instructor/trainer and summer camp director, CJ Farmer, has over 35 years experience with horses, breeding, training, boarding, seven years of showing the Appaloosa breed show circuit on a national level, and 25 years as a riding instructor. When utilized, the assistant instructors and camp counselors at Grove River Ranch are screened and selected for their personal qualifications as well as their experience in the equine industry. Attending classes in chaperone training and CPR/first aid are mandatory.

View and download our Student Policies
View and download the Waiver of Liability for Equestrians

Standard lessons are structured for people who want to come take a 45 minute lesson ($65 for private lesson, $50 for 2-4 riders) on a regular basis, usually weekly. Saturdays are the most popular days for lessons; however, some Sunday afternoons can be available. Two hour lessons can also be scheduled.

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 refreshments, 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. Email CJ or call the numbers listed for pricing and availability. An average of ten riders is recommended for the one hour time frame.

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.

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. Contact CJ to set up a boot camp date for your family or group of friends.

"You are extraordinarily good at what you do CJ. Your passion for teaching really comes through. Christine O."

HORSEMANSHIP CAMPS

Summer Camps. All things horses! Horse-related activities, horsey arts and crafts, and making new horse-loving friends. Riding lessons, 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 4-5 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. Contact CJ for rates and availability.

NEW: Weekend trail riding camps are offered for experienced adults riders who wish to start trail riding, or have a new trail horse, or a trail horse with issues to be worked out. These camps/clinics are not for beginning riders.

Many of our students, adult and youth, acquire skills through our lesson program to pursue a variety of activities including showing, riding in parades, trail riding and camping with their horses, and competing in obstacle challenges.

Small Stirrup Camp. Scaled down for youngsters 6-8 years old, this is an introductory camp to prepare them for the more comprehensive riding program when they are a little older and stronger. The format includes demonstration of horse care and horse handling skills, safety techniques, grooming, tacking, and some hands-on practice for the youngsters. All riding is done with an attendant or on a lunge line, sometimes in the indoor round pen.

For more information about our educational programs, how to register, or to schedule a ranch tour, email CJ or call the numbers listed at the top and bottom of this page.

"My daughter had a great time at small stirrup camp. I think we both could have stayed forever. Your place is beautiful. Thanks a million. See you soon. Jennifer K."

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Clinics

Specialized Clinics with top professionals can be organized by Grove River Ranch LLC based on public demand. We have thirty years’ experience hosting clinics on specific subjects, such as colt starting, re-training problem horses, natural horsemanship, reining, mounted patrol horse training, gaited horsemanship, and western dressage. As clinics are booked, they will be listed on our Calendar of Events along with a flyer and registration information. Grove River Ranch facilities can be rented by a group for a day event. We are always interested in new clinic ideas, and invite clinicians looking for a quality host facility to contact us. Email CJ or call the numbers listed for rates and availability.

Creating unforgettable memories

LESSONS

HORSEMANSHIP CAMPS

"My daughter had a great time at small stirrup camp. I think we both could have stayed forever. Your place is beautiful. Thanks a million. See you soon. Jennifer K."

Clinics

"It was a wonderful clinic. I learned so much from Mike Branch and had a great time with such a wonderful group of women!! Lisa W."