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

 

Rocky River Ranch is like my second home. It is such a comfortable, fun place to be! I am planning to be here as long as possible, and want my future daughters and granddaughters to experience this camp. Rocky River has a special place in my heart, and is a big part of my life.

‒  Molly Morgan Years at camp: 2001-2005

The truth is I would not have become the person I am today without RRR! Making decisions for classes at 7 years old (with the help of a big sister and Rue as my counselor), remembering to wear your bathing suit under your jeans so you could go from the barn to the pool without the dreaded trip back to your cabin, remembering not to sign up for your pool class right before horseback … I could go on and on. The mistakes we made there were safe and there was a support system to catch you if you fell. Later I enjoyed working with the campers younger than me. First in WE as a big sister myself and later as a CIT Mom. In 14 years I grew and strengthened my commitment to myself. I felt loved unconditionally and I formed everlasting friendships. Some of them recently re-kindled after a 15-20 year gap as if no time had passed at all. In the last year I received a letter from a former CIT that spoke of my influence on her life. How it made her a better mother and a better woman. I have saved that letter for my children to read one day. I will always feel like Skeet and Sandy helped raise me and they always saw the person I could be! I can never thank them enough for that.

‒  Sunni Becker Markowitz Years at camp: 1974-1988

I am still amazed and in awe of the subtle and mysterious way that simple activities and experiences weave together to leave an indelible impression of love ... confidence ... appreciation. They seem so simple there in the moment ... the singing of camp songs, Friendship Circle at the end of an evening program, the Cowpoke/Wrangler drawing, saddling a horse for the first time, scooting down the rapids ... but each song, with each tug on the halter rope, with each stroke of the canoe oar, with each ring of "Goodnight, campers!" a new brush of color is being painted on her childhood experience. From those "colors" spring forth amazing women as evidenced by the many remarkable people that now call themselves Rocky River alumni.

‒  Alyson Stringer Steakley Years at camp: 1982-1989, 1993

I can't believe this will be my second summer away from Rocky River. I'm so campsick. I find myself singing RRR songs all the time, and i wish I could be there now! Camp has meant so much to me. Thanks for such a wonderful experience.

‒  Sara Jane Mitcham Years at camp: 1998-2003

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

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