Rocking Horse Ranch in Avon Park, owned by Jessie and Sam Freire, has been fostering meaningful life experiences through horseback riding since 2018. Jessie’s lifelong passion for horses, rooted in her childhood on a cattle and citrus ranch, inspired her to create a welcoming space for riders of all ages, especially children aged 8 to 12. The ranch emphasizes building confidence and horsemanship skills by teaching basics like grooming and saddling, while prioritizing the therapeutic bond between rider and horse. Each rider undergoes an initial assessment to ensure a safe and personalized learning journey focused on understanding horse behavior and developing a strong riding foundation.
Expanding beyond riding lessons, the Freires launched Ranch Life 101 in fall 2025 to teach practical ranch skills and foster a deeper connection to nature and hard work. This hands-on program encourages kids to engage in activities like driving tractors, maintaining equipment, and caring for the ranch, helping them gain confidence through tangible accomplishments. Jessie highlights the supportive community atmosphere at Rocking Horse Ranch, where friendships and life lessons flourish alongside horsemanship, offering a nurturing “village” that helps participants grow both on and off the horse.
