Riding Lessons, Summer Camps, Clinics, Workshops

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. 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.

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.

The disciplines we focus on are western, hunt seat, and trail riding. Our instructional programs come in different formats as listed below:

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, or riders who wish to lease/own a horse in the near future. Strong emphasis is placed on safety, horse care and handling, horse psychology, basic horsemanship, facility layout and construction. The cost and structure can be the same as day camp or in the form of a workshop.

Riding vacations are for people visiting this area who wish to get a specified amount of concentrated instruction while they are visiting the area or just taking some time off. The subject matter, number and length of lessons are decided by the vacationer, and priced accordingly.

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 using natural horsemanship, reining, mounted police horse training for civilians, and dressage. Our facility can be rented by any approved group or clinician for an event. As clinics are booked, they will be listed on our Calendar of Events along with a flyer and registration information.

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.

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. Intermediate and advanced camps with focus on horse show basics or trail riding are offered. The 2008 summer camp session dates are posted on our Calendar of Events on this web site. Contact Camp Director CJ Farmer to get a camp registration application.

Camp Director, CJ Farmer, has over 35 years experience with horses, breeding, training, boarding, seven years of competition on a national level, 17 years as a riding instructor. Camp Counselors are screened and selected for their personal qualifications as well as their experience in the equine industry. Contact us for your personal ranch tour and interview.

Two day horsemanship camps are also offered during fall break, Christmas break, spring break, and some three day holidays. The cost for the two day session is $250 per rider.

Short Stirrup Program, scaled down for youngsters 7-8 years old, is introductory camp to prepare them for the more comprehensive riding program when they are older. Format can be two full days, or four half days, and includes some classroom 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. The cost is $250.

Full Day Horsemanship Camps will be offered for beginner to intermediate riders 8-15 years old, Tueday through Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Subjects are horsemanship (three levels), intro to trail riding and horse camping, and horse show basics. The cost is $450 per session.

Overnight/Resident Horsemanship Camps will be offered for beginners to advanced riders 10-17 years old, Sunday evening through Saturday afternoon. The cost is $950 per session. Campers will reside in a new two bedroom "bunk house" in the stables. Click on the link below to see interior photos.

The summer camp sessions are listed on our Calendar of Events. Contact CJ Farmer for availability, to receive a registration application, or if you wish a personal tour of the facilities and interview.

Tim & CJ Farmer
345 Hickory Flat Drive
Gillsville, GA 30543
706-677-0072 of 770-540-8380