Castle Rock Arabians teaches horseback riding, introduces young people to horses and provides an Equestrian Lifestyle for the entire family.   At Castle Rock Arabians we introduce horseback riding to young people through our camp, show team, trail ride team and riding lessons. Through this introduction, the child or beginning rider takes the first step in a lifelong journey of love and understanding for the horse—and at Castle Rock Arabians we provide a safe environment  to develop skills, discipline and determination to excel in the sport of riding.  For centuries, riding horses has always been a fascination to humans. Learning to ride is a joyful and exciting experience. No other animal in history has had more impact on our lives than the horse. Countries were explored and cities were founded on the back of a horse. The horse has plowed our fields and delivered our mail. They have provided sport, moved merchandise and gave their lives in our wars. In doing so the horse became a companion and faithful friend.    We are proud to have LACEY'S ARABIAN RANCH as our Mentor Barn.  They are breeders and trainers of fine Arabian and Half Arabian horses. Their horses have excellent ground manners and their training reflects kind and understanding treatment. The versatility of their horses are evident by what they can do. Dean and Sheri Lacey have garnered National Championships in English, Western and Driving competitions. Sheri completed the 100 mile Tevis on her show horses.  Dean Lacey comes from an original family of "Horse Whisperers" and uses simple (but not easy) methods that are intuitive when you live your life with horses.  The key is working with the horse at its' level of ability to absorb the training. By allowing the horse to develop naturally to his full potential you build a partnership for a lifetime.  We are all in love with members of our equine family.  There is no room for cruelty in your relationship with a horse! Our Staff

Nancy Dupont Owner and Manager  Owned and managed Castle Rock Arabians since 1971 Nancy instituted a Junior Program at Castle Rock Arabians while she was still working in journalism at the Oakland Tribune.  Many of these young people have grown up at her ranch while they have gone off to pursue careers, they still love and own horses.  All of her staff are chosen from her apprenticeship program and all are CHA certified. Many still return to visit and some are still training horses or teaching children to ride. She formed a partnership with the East Bay Regional Park District in the late 90's to expand the operation to an additional 10 acres and includes 2 riding arenas which is presently a day camp with selected overnight camps for advanced riders. She has owned an Arabian horse training center for over 40 years.  Horses she has bred were trained and shown by Lacey's Arabians and are used in CRA summer camp. Nancy has had a lifetime involvement with horses, including dressage, western pleasure, competitive trail and for 25 years conducted group rides in 22 wilderness areas, teaching wilderness ethics and how to camp with your horse.    Anne Wheeler, Coordinator Anne's expertise with planning and organizing keeps our staff and clients happy.  She is comfortable with anytype  presentation whether the event consists of 2 riders at a U.S. Park Service venue or traveling to the Rose Bowl Parade (in 2010) with over 18 participants all needing costume changes and equestrian equipment. She presently can be found at CRA managing office details or riding her horse, Taylor in a serious lesson each Thursday with Dressage Master, David Ventura. Rachel Thompson-Instructor Rachel, at 17 years old has accomplished much.  She grew up here at Castle Rock and at 14 completed the 40 hour CHA  course as an auditor.  She will return this June for another 40 hour clinic and this time she is old enough to be certified. Rachel placed top ten in the Arabian Horse Nationals in both Canada and the U.S. Rachel's gift of expressing herself gives her the ability to not only teach children but lead them by example.  Her mentorship brings a healthy and wholesome addition to an already successful program. She is a straight A student at Crondolet and still finds time to spend with her horses.  While Rachel is new to our staff this year, she has been with Castle Rock Arabians for almost ten years. Leigha Perry Trainer and Instructor. CHA certified, She has won the U.S. National Championship in English Show Hack and English Pleasure. She has also brought several Juniors to Top Ten at the Nationals. After taking a hiatus of 10 years to raise her two wonderful boys, she returned to her roots about 2 years ago to Castle Rock as head trainer and Show Team coach. She took two of her students to the U.S. and Canadian Nationals and returned with top tens in English and Western. She just returned with her Junior Show Team from New Mexico for the 2012 competition year. They brought home several top 10's and championships. She will be coaching our juniors in the CRA September 15 schooling show. Leigha started riding at Castle Rock Arabians at the age of 8 years old and began her career at CRA training under then trainer, Rob Bick at 18 years old. She went on to work for several of the top Arabian Show barns including Lacey's Arabians, Rich Doran Show Stables, Rob Bick training center and Sabankaya Arabians. Emily  Instructor and hoof care specialist CHA certified Emily has come on board recently and taken over several tasks that make the ranch run smoothly.  She splits her time between administrative duties, working with clients and helping special needs children accomplish riding skills as well as relating to the horse itself.  Emily's background is in cross country eventing and studied under well known trainers in the Clayton area. She grew up in Clayton having Mt. Diablo as her training ground. She is presently studying under Dressage Trainer, David Ventura to refine her Dressage Equitation. She is the "go to" person when our clients or their horses need special attention and she works with Dr. Cory Soltau in the horse health care management. Rachel Hannigan-Instructor Rachel received her 3rd level certificate last summer and is a favorite instructor with the campers.  She can be seen teaching students every Saturday as she splits her time between college and Castle Rock.  Rachel teaches our apprentices to drill and she has formed a formidible group of serious drill riders.  Theyperformed at the 2012 Horse Faire at Heather Farms on Saturday, April 7. Rachel also helps Leigha Perry with the Show Team. Her ambition is to one day own a barn and have her own students. She is currently studying Dressage under David Ventura and continuing her Western riding with Dean and Sheri Lacey. While she is firm with the kids, she is fair.  This makes her popular with our apprentices!   Kristen Wheeler Camp Director, 2010,  2011, 2012 Kristen has been with Castle Rock since she was ten years old.  Now 21 and attending Colorado State University she has logged 11 years of pure  expertise both here at CRA and in her pursuit of an Equine career. She is on the judging team at college and has attended the largest Quarter Horse show as an intern judge. She brings to camp new information on Nicole Ross Nicole is a college student at San Jose State while working weekends at CRA. She and has had a lifetime of experience riding horses. She excels in English Equitation (with a strong Dressage background) and jumping. She has garnered many blue ribbons on her own horse.  This June, she completed the CHA certification course as a level 3 Instructor. She is a camp  instructor and counselor. Megan Morrison Megan is a bright, friendly young lady who attends college and works at CRA on Thursdays and Fridays.  She has ridden most of her life and covered the East bay hills on horseback as a teenager. Megan assists in the office and when possible, helps with the horses. You will likely hear her voice on the telephone when you call to schedule a lesson or have your questions answered!