Rafter 7C Ranch

Rafter 7C Ranch Rafter 7C is a Christ-centered family owned and operated riding lesson operation.

Our primary focus is to develop quality horsemanship skills in riders and to connect those riders to a lifelong future of learning with horses.

01/05/2025

Even rodeo riders should teach their horses trail obstacles. This girl has an amazing handle on and communication with her horse. Wow!

Sunset is a time to relax, unwind, and consider all the blessings God has poured out on your life. God did this!
01/04/2025

Sunset is a time to relax, unwind, and consider all the blessings God has poured out on your life. God did this!

Happy Birthday to the lesson horses who serve faithfully at Rafter 7C Ranch. January 1st is the official birthday for ho...
01/02/2025

Happy Birthday to the lesson horses who serve faithfully at Rafter 7C Ranch. January 1st is the official birthday for horses regardless of when they are actually born. We love them all and are thankful God has blessed us with them.

A little love for Sunday on New Year’s Day!
01/02/2025

A little love for Sunday on New Year’s Day!

As the sun sets on 2024 we are reminded of so many blessings and opportunities God has blessed us with this year as we c...
12/31/2024

As the sun sets on 2024 we are reminded of so many blessings and opportunities God has blessed us with this year as we continue to serve Him in all we do. Our prayer is that you will also be able to truly know how blessed it is to know and serve Jesus Christ personally. God did this! Happy New Year!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬

As we move closer to 2025 I hear a lot of people talk about goals. Today in my Bible study I was reminded of how there i...
12/30/2024

As we move closer to 2025 I hear a lot of people talk about goals. Today in my Bible study I was reminded of how there is more to life than achievement of goals.

“I think it is right, as long as I am in this bodily tent, to wake you up with a reminder,”
‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭13‬ CSB

The actual word for “wake you up” is diegeiro which refers to the sea that when agitated begins to rise.

The sea doesn’t just reach the shore and stop moving. The sea moves forward and back, higher and lower, constantly adjusting, always moving. The rider in this picture has had to be a lot like the sea this past year in her riding, growing with each ebb and flow of learning more about herself and her horse in the show and practice pen.

We should be like this with our goals.
1. We have an opportunity to create a plan to reach specific goals.
2. We have an opportunity to create routines that enable us to reach those goals.
3. We have an opportunity to bring others in to hold us accountable to reach those goals.
4. We have an opportunity to grow and change as we move forward or even backwards regarding those goals.

How are you like the sea today?
- Are you being stirred up towards something God has challenged you to do?
- We make goals for our riding, for our horses, but what are we doing about them? How are we being stirred up to reach them?
- How are we stirring ourselves and others up to grow in our walk with Christ?
- What plans, routines, and accountability partners have I brought in to reach specific goals?

We should be like the sea: always stirred up to grow to be more like Jesus.

Sometimes you’ve just gotta brag on the kids behind the scenes. Emma designed this advertisement for the 2025 Cullman Co...
12/23/2024

Sometimes you’ve just gotta brag on the kids behind the scenes. Emma designed this advertisement for the 2025 Cullman County Sheriff’s Rodeo with Alana riding her old horse Rio. Pretty amazing what can be accomplished when you encourage children and adults to use the talents God gave them. We sure are proud of them, and so thankful to be a part of this amazing organization.

12/20/2024

➡️ Why I Choose Horses for My Kid: Lessons Worth Every Penny

People often ask me, “Why do you spend so much money on horses for your kid? They’re just ‘money pits,’ emotional heart-breakers made of tissue paper that can kick your lights out. Why?”

The answer is simple: because horses teach kids more than any iPad, social media influencer, or textbook ever could.

Yes, you’re right—horses are relentless in every way. They demand your time, energy, and finances. They can test your patience, challenge your emotions, and consume you entirely. But look at what they give in return.

⚡️ Lessons That Last a Lifetime

Horses teach my child skills no technology, trendy outfit, or peer group could ever provide:

• Nonverbal Communication: Learning to “speak” with a 1,200-pound animal without words develops awareness, empathy, and understanding.

• Responsibility: Early mornings, late nights, and putting the needs of another being before their own teach kids accountability.

• Confidence: The triumphs and struggles in the saddle or barn instill self-belief and grit.

• Emotional Intelligence: Handling setbacks, managing fears, and celebrating successes alongside a horse build emotional resilience.

• Decision-Making & Problem-Solving: When something goes wrong, as it inevitably does, kids learn to think critically and act swiftly.

• Goal Setting & Consistency: Progress with horses comes through small, consistent efforts—a powerful life lesson. swiftly.

• Value of Networking & Mentorship: The horse industry molds kids to be coachable and open minded to collaboration with their peers. Success in this industry requires a network - they learn that quickly.

Beyond the tangible skills, horses bring kids closer to nature, science, and even spirituality. There’s something deeply humbling and awe-inspiring about working with these magnificent creatures. I know for a fact they bring you closer to God as well.

🔥The Physical and Mental Challenge

Many don’t believe equestrian activities qualify as a sport. To that, I can only say: spend a day in the barn. The physical demands of mucking stalls, lifting hay bales, and conditioning a horse are real. Riding itself is a full-body workout that requires balance, strength, and coordination. These kids spend more time practicing their skills than most athletes on the planet.

But the mental aspect is just as significant. Equestrianism teaches kids how to master pressure, manage performance anxiety, and handle adversity with grace. Those are skills they’ll carry into every aspect of life.

👉 A Priceless Investment

I would rather my child be so consumed by the living, breathing responsibilities of horses than searching for validation on social media, in peer groups, or, worse, through harmful substances.

Horses are an investment—not just in riding lessons, vet bills, and show fees—but in my child’s future. I’d rather spend my money on building her character, teaching her discipline, and giving her life skills than on fleeting trends or technology that will soon be outdated.

Yes, horses are expensive. Yes, they’re challenging. But they’re also one of the greatest gifts I can give my child. Because when I look at her, I don’t just see a rider—I see a confident, capable, compassionate human being. And for that, horses are worth every penny.

As we wrap up an incredible year at Rafter 7C Ranch, we are so thankful for the students, parents, friends, and family o...
12/18/2024

As we wrap up an incredible year at Rafter 7C Ranch, we are so thankful for the students, parents, friends, and family of so many who support our business and ministry. Each one of you holds a special place in our hearts.

We are so thankful that you allow us to not only work with you regarding being good stewards of horses, but also in growing in your physical and mental well being and learning how to challenge yourself to new heights.

Most of all we are thankful that God is present in each and every lesson. We are thankful for an atmosphere that allows everyone to grow to know God more as we explore His creation and develop relationships with one another.

We are excited about the year to come and pray that God continues to work in each and every person who comes to Rafter 7C Ranch.

12/17/2024

Now that’s a trail course!

They were so excited to ride under a full moon! It’s amazing how kids, when given purpose outside, learn to enjoy and em...
12/14/2024

They were so excited to ride under a full moon! It’s amazing how kids, when given purpose outside, learn to enjoy and embrace the wonder of God’s creation. God did this!

The most glorious sunset and a super fun riding partner make for the best rides. Love this time of year!
12/14/2024

The most glorious sunset and a super fun riding partner make for the best rides. Love this time of year!

Celebrating the Day of the Horse means pausing to say “Thank you” to the many horses who have blessed us in so many ways...
12/13/2024

Celebrating the Day of the Horse means pausing to say “Thank you” to the many horses who have blessed us in so many ways.

They have encouraged us, taught us, disciplined us, humbled us, comforted us, and so much more.

We are thankful for the opportunity to work with these amazing creatures God has created, and even more blessed to share them with so many who ride through our gates.

When your 13 year old disks the arena for the first time all by herself, it’s a proud moment. We love watching these kid...
12/12/2024

When your 13 year old disks the arena for the first time all by herself, it’s a proud moment. We love watching these kids grow not only in riding but in all of the behind-the-scenes work of managing and running a family-owned business. What a blessing it is!

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭6‬ ‭ESV

12/08/2024

Wow!!!! Truly amazing run!

Current students and their families: our annual Christmas party will be Saturday, December 14th, from 11-2. Please text ...
12/05/2024

Current students and their families: our annual Christmas party will be Saturday, December 14th, from 11-2. Please text Jennifer Cruise or respond to your Remind text to RSVP. We look forward to celebrating with everyone!

“Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭30‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬

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80867 US Highway 231
Blountsville, AL
35031

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Videos

We aren’t supposed to post the raw unedited parts of life to social media as they often bring unwanted criticism, but sometimes God works through the messes in such a way that you just need to share them to encourage others. Last weekend was our regional championship show, the last show of the year. It was wonderful and we were so blessed to ride with some truly amazing people. The night before my cowhorse class, however, I had a really rough night with a terrible nightmare (not horse related, but rough all the same). The morning of the class, even after reading my Bible, praying for others, praying for myself, I still felt a tremendous heaviness on me. My warm up time was great. Daisy was ready. I was not. I almost backed out, but with Katie encouraging me and tears in my eyes, we stepped into the pen and called for our cow. It was a mess. I even almost fell off! I even pulled up and was ready to walk out the arena, to QUIT. And then I heard them: VOICES! First one, then a few more, then many! They were the voices of coaches and fellow competitors and trainers and spectators all encouraging me on! We couldn’t quit, but we were like a ball in a pinball machine bouncing all over in chaos. The voices never stopped. We rode on. We FINISHED! I have never had a ride like that one. We placed terribly, but it was the most amazing ride I’ve ever had because it was beyond what I could do and only happened because others pushed me to go forward. I am so thankful for everyone who was there that day. I can still hear your voices. NEVER GIVE UP! God did this and we are so blessed! “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭CSB

This young lady loped for the first time bareback on Uno! So proud of her! This took a lot of courage and balance and horsemanship, and she did amazingly well!

When you can teach a 3 year old horse to pivot while riding your own personally trained 5 year old horse, you’re some kind of cowgirl. The patience and attention to detail with this team is incredible. So proud of them all!

This is one true cowgirl and horse whisperer.
This is one true cowgirl and horse whisperer.

After-show trail rides are good for the body, mind, and soul. God did this and it was so good!

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬ It can be hard to move outside a safe place. It can be scary. It can be intimidating. But it can also be a place of freedom! Today LB and Maple rode outside the arena to explore the new riding area. They just rode around, completely free and relaxed, just enjoying the ride. She was so happy! It can seem better to stay in control and not let God work in your life, not let Him take you outside your plan. But when you step out in faith and let Him take the reins and guide you, what freedom awaits! God did this for LB. Will you let Him lead you into His freedom today?

It’s hot outside. Are you drinking your water as well as Sunday? 💦 💦💦

When it finally drops below 90* and it’s 9:00 at night you hit some decent slides. Go, Daisy, go!

Katie’s latest project: Trudy, a 2yo cutting bred filly. Get it, girl! Cowgirl queen!

Love these ladies! Another two year old learns to be a big girl! Cowgirl up and keep on riding!

This young cowgirl rocked her lesson tonight! It’s such a blessing seeing big jumps in confidence and horsemanship as these kids grow and to be along with them for the ride.

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