About Riata Ranch
What is Riata Ranch?
68 years of horsemanship with a purpose. 1957- 2025
Riata Ranch is an organization that allows people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in learning how to communicate with horses in a way that builds confidence, trust, teamwork and grit. Our programs are designed to connect people to the ranching lifestyle building unity and leadership that can be applied to the work environment using our 5 tenants to achieve our goals:
- Horsemanship
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Education
- Community Service
Our Program
In the program, people learn basic horsemanship, proper equitation, foundational trick riding, and basic trick roping. Using these components, the program develops:
- western heritage and culture
- goal setting
- leadership and mentoring
- physical strength/agility
- etiquette and social skills
- confidence
- work ethic
- self-discipline
- poise and public speaking
- relationship building
- values
- grit
Purpose:
Riata Ranch International is a mentorship and empowerment program which utilizes horses to build character and confidence. The program provides instruction to all people interested in learning about horses, ranch life style and leadership skills. Through intentional, focused training, Riata Ranch International presents a variety of opportunities for people to better themselves through horsemanship
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Our Future
The long term impact to our community and beyond is the people of great character this program produces. The alumni are a testament to the depth of personal success which can be obtained with the right training and skill set. Many alumni credit their Riata Ranch training with who they’ve become professionally.
Should you choose to become a financial partner, the funds will allow the program to accept additional participants by helping to facilitate the purchase of additional horses, tack and safety gear. The program owns and supports 11 horses. By expanding the number of participating students, the program would have additional income and support. This would also allow for some additional marketing materials such as updated brochures, and website expansion to take place. This would be a fabulous “shot-in-the-arm” for the program and would provide long lasting effects.
Funds will be utilized to expand our outreach to individuals who have the passion but, lack of resources to access, participate in and benefit from a program such as Riata Ranch. We have plans to develop a scholarship for Riata Students as well as partnering with local community colleges to aid in the higher learning of committed Riata students. All of this can be achieved with help and support. We are excited about building the Riata program for next generation…..decade #7. Thank you for considering Riata Ranch, International.
Accolades
- 2016, 2015 ,2014, 2013,2011 PROFESSIONAL Rodeo Cowboys Association Nomination
Nominated top 5 Specialty Act of the Year
- 2012 US House of Representatives Resolution
Acknowledging our performance for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, Windsor England
- 2012 California State Legislature Resolution
Acknowledging our performance for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, Windsor England
- 2012 Tulare County Board of Supervisors Resolution
Acknowledging our performance for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, Windsor England
- 2010 American Cowboy Culture Award
Recognizing the valuable contribution Riata Ranch has made to America’s Ranching traditions thru education & performance.
- 2007 California State Assembly Resolution
Recognition of Riata Ranch reaching 50 years as a business
- 2007 California State Fair
Recognition of Riata Ranch reaching 50 years as a business
- 1987 City of Visalia Proclamation
September 2, 1987 Riata Ranch Cowboy girls day, honoring our good will exchange trip to the People’s Republic of China
- 1986 Congressional Record, Washington D.C.
Recorded and recognized as America’s Goodwill Ambassadors on Horseback