Rock Ridge Ranch Inc.

August 2010

So, I get this phone call " Amanda, you have to take my horse, he loves you" my response...." I know nothing about horse's, and I certainly can not afford one. Sorry I can't help you out." And they say....We spoke to a woman named Debra, she owns Rock Ridge Ranch, give her a call before you say no. So, I do. And now I am an official horse owner. CRAZY!!! my life has not been the same and I certainly would not change it. What ensued between the time I spoke with Debra and me aquiring Flynn was alot of trust on Debra"s side as well as mine. Before I said yes, I worked with Deb for a few weeks to make sure I could handle being with the horses. Deb and I needed to see if we were a good match as well. You see, in order to help me with the cost of board, Deb has allowed me to volunteer helping with feeding and cleaning out the stables....good for her and for me. We found out that we worked well together and have the same work ethic. And most important, the love for the horses. It has been a truly amazing experience. Mr. Flynn came from a loving home, but his people were unable to give him the time he required. he was alone in a paddock for many years and developed some bad habits such as mouthing...to the point of dragging you. Very dangerous. He did not like his feet being cleaned...nor did he appreciate being fenced. Putting a saddle on him the first few times was interesting....he would throw a temper tantrum. He reared and busted off the fence two times. He bit me.....stepped on me and fought me along the way. There were days I thought "OH MY GOD....WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO?" but at the same time...he loved me, and I loved him. And Debra's continued support, her willingness to teach me and her constant help, helped Flynn and I to move forward and come to an understanding. It is now August and I have had Flynn for 3 months...Flynn no longer mouths, he stands on the fence, he takes a saddle...still gives me a teeny bit of trouble w/ his back left hoof...but we think he may have had a hock injury,,,so, it is acceptable! He is calm and relaxed. He has made great friends wiith the other inhabitants and he loves Debra and Brittany...Brittany also volunterrs for Deb and is amazing as well! They have given great support in my endeavor to being a good horse mom....LOL! I could not have done it without them. There is no other place like Rock Ridge Ranch. Flynn and I have truly been blessed to be given such a great home to grow in!

 Amanda Boyd and Flynn

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Summer of 2009

I went to Rock Ridge Ranch this summer, and it was one of the most fun camps. I’ve ever gone to. I got to go horseback riding every single day. At first we got lead around on a lead line, but by the middle of the week we were all riding by ourselves. We got taught about the parts of an English and Western saddles. Also, we were taught about the parts of a horse. We each got assigned a horse for the week. That means we got to feed, groom, and clean their stalls. One of the best parts about that is that we formed a bond with the horses. Everyone that came to the camp would come from 8:30am to 5:00pm. I have to tell you that it was the best horse camp that I’ve ever gone to, and I will go every year from now on!

Alexandra

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July 29, 2008

Dear Debra,

I can’t thank you enough for providing such a wonderful camp experience for my son, James.  He recently completed the Little Rockers camp and is still talking about how much fun he had.   This was James’s first time attending any type of camp and I feel so fortunate to have found your program.  

Your camp really helps young riders to begin to develop their skills and confidence on and off the horses.  James was having so much fun learning to groom, tack and clean the barn that I doubt he felt like he was working, but as a parent, I appreciate that he had the opportunity to understand that there is so much more to taking care of horses than riding them.

Your camp counselors, Brittany and Kayla, obviously love working with kids and I felt completely at ease leaving James with all of you. 

Thank you again for making a difference in my child’s life.   I am sure he will remember his first experience with horses for a very long time.

Sincerely,

Claire Morgan

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PHIL HAS MOVED ON TO BIGGER THINGS.  WE WISH PHIL AND SCAMP ALL THE LUCK IN THE WORLD.

                                                                             DEBRA & RRR

Dear Debra,

Just wanted to say thanks for all you have done to help me with my dream of owning a horse come true.
 
From day one when I first met you I felt like I new you for years. Always going out of your way helping me to find my first horse. One that would be just right for me and than came "Scamp" she is a dream.

Teaching  me so much never realizing all that was involved in owning a horse and for your patience and knowledge. Willing to teach and take time out of your busy schedule for any one that is interested in learning. Going that extra mile. Even my wife that never felt comfortable on a horse enjoys it now. Since taking lessons from you she feels she has more control and confidence and one day we will go for a nice long ride together. Our daughter and granddaughter always enjoy visiting the ranch with all the animals and of cause riding. They said you always make them feel like family.
 
You are a true animal lover and that shows in everything you do, that is what makes you so special. My wife and I can see animals are your life. All of them from the horses, the donkey, goats, rabbits, ducks and of cause the cats any animal that needs a home. You are there.
 
What impressed us was how clean the ranch is and how well kept the animals are with plenty of food, water and plenty of attention. We don't know how you do it. All the time and energy it takes and now with the cold weather and snow. Going out all times of the day and night making sure they are warm enough and have everything they need.
 
We give you lots of credit! but we also know that this was your dream to own a ranch and it shows.

Keeping Scampie housed with you gives us such comfort knowing that you take care of her as if she were your own and the knowledge you poses of horse makes us feel that she is in the best possible hands. 

We would recommend Rock Ridge Ranch Inc. to anyone that is interested in housing their horse or just want riding lessons young or old there is no age limit just the love of horses.

Have a wonderful holiday !!!

Sincerely,

Philip & Elaine

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Hello,

I love animals, they are my life.  I plan to continue and pursue a career with animals.  My biggest dream was to ride a horse.  What is a horse?  A horse is an animal with great spirit, courage and bravery.  They will find the good in everyone and make it shine.  They allow you to learn about yourself and open your mind.  The secrets they hold are endless.  Riding a horse gives you great balance and teaches you confidence.  The skills you learn on a horse will help you through life.  So I have fulfilled my dream and I now ride at Rock Ridge Ranch.  At Rock Ridge Ranch there is always something new to see, interesting to hear and fun for all.  Whether it is a Birthday Party, Horsemanship, Boarding or Lessons, etc.  you will learn everytime you come.  Everyone is friendly from the horses to the cats.  It's a great feeling knowing that you will be safe walking through the gates at Rock Ridge Ranch.  I began taking lesson and I wasn't very confident at all.  I met Judy, the horse I ride and she taught me everything.  Between a knowledgeable instructor and a gentle horse my confidence  went through the roof.  Now I wanted to take my love for horses a step further ~ I want to work with them.  I started by volunteering my time at a therapeutic riding center but I wanted more hands-on time with horses.  So, Debra the instructor and owner at Rock Ridge Ranch offered me a job.  Now I help feed all the animals, clean the barn, and of course ride the horses.  I also help with Birthday parties (which are a blast of fun!), Horsemanship (which is fun and educational), and even help the students groom and tack the horses.  Rock Ridge Ranch fulfilled a dream I never thought was attainable and taught be how much love and spirit a horse really has.  Come fulfill your dream at Rock Ridge Ranch.

Brittany