Gentle Giants Ranch

01/06/2025

We will be closed until further notice. Stay safe, stay warm, and stay home! Will be posting updates.

01/02/2025

We’ve lost one of the “good” ones last night. Babe was apart of CCR Farm and their lesson program. As babe started getting older she was retired and lived the rest of her life out in the pasture with her buddies.
As the cold season approached her heath dramatically declined. With the upcoming weather and her heath kept declining. We decided it was best to put an end to her suffering.
She went peacefully with her herd and her human herd standing right next to her.
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the CCR group.

01/01/2025

Please keep in mind that next week is going to be bitter cold! With that being said, we may have to cancel/reschedule lessons during these frigid temperatures!
Further updates will be posted as the week goes on.
Stay warm!❄️

12/31/2024

Happy new year!

12/29/2024

Have a fun and safe New years!

12/26/2024

THIS RIGHT HERE.

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.

CREDIT TO:
💙 💙

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas everyone!

12/20/2024

Just wanted to remind everyone, we will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Along with, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays! 🎄🎅

12/14/2024

Union Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade turned out SO cute! Thank you to everyone who showed up and helped out. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! 🎄🎅

12/13/2024

It’s here is just a few of our favorites!

12/11/2024

Updated flyer, thanks to Amg photography for your help!

12/11/2024

If you are participating in the Christmas parade with GGR, we are meeting at Union Middle School at 5:30! Hope to see yall in your cowboy-Christmas cheer!

12/10/2024

Getting festive at the barn with our REAL Christmas tree!

12/05/2024

The face you make when the sneaky barn cat stole your horse!😹

12/02/2024

Just a little snow! ❄️⛄️

11/30/2024

Spice’s first snow! Garcia Performance Horses LLC

11/28/2024

We are so grateful to have Garcia Performance Horses LLC apart of our team!

This year I give thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout the years, hardships & changing circumstances. I'm extremely thankful to be announcing that Dec 1st I will be operating out of a great facility in Washington MO. This facility is where I started riding at 6yrs old so its full circle to a place that started my passion. We will only be taking horses in training or wanting to show with us.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Thank you to all our sponsors
Don Rich Saddlery • Cross J Tack • Mid Rivers Equine Centre • Lonesome Pine Leatherworks

11/28/2024

Happy thanksgiving from all of us!