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 50 years experience with horses, breeding, training, boarding, seven years of showing the Appaloosa breed show circuit on a national level, and 35 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.
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. Riders must have a waiver of liability on file, signed by BOTH parents if rider is under 18 years old.
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.
Therapeutic horseback riding lesson program: Rachel Moss is a PATH International certified riding instructor with 10+ years of experience helping riders grow through the power of horses. Having her own mare for 21 years deepened her understanding of true horsemanship, patience, and partnership, skills she passes on to each rider she works with. She has had the privilege of teaching riders with autism, cerebral palsy, ADD, ADHD, Down syndrome, and many other unique disabilities. She is passionate about creating a safe, encouraging environment where riders build confidence, independence and connection through the horse-human bond. In addition to weekly lessons, she will be teaching a therapeutic horseback riding summer camp. Sharing the gift of horsemanship and the healing power of horses is her life’s passion. For more specific details about the program formats and costs, please email CJ@GroveRiverRanch.com.
“You are extraordinarily good at what you do CJ. Your passion for teaching really comes through.”
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 a one-day 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.”
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. Canine and other one-day events are welcome. Email CJ or call the numbers listed for rates and availability.
“It was a wonderful clinic. I learned so much from Mike Branch and had a great time with such a wonderful group of women!!!“