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 & Bell Nancy Dupont, Owner 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.  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 30 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. Arielle Goodfriend Arielle was recently promoted from Apprentice to Cadet and she demostrates a love for children and horses that makes her fun to be around.  Arielle finds joy in every detail of the ranch work from helping at birthday parties to assisting in Tiny Rider lessons.  Arielle has taken a full week of CHA training and while she is too young to be certified, she received credit for 45 hours of auditing and participating fully in the course. 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! Camp Staff: From left, Apprentice, Hunter Caldwell; Kristen Wheeler, Camp Instructor/Director; Nicole Ross, Instructor/Director, Alica Benson, Instructor and overall Camp Director for 2009. This was taken on "Super Hero" Day.		Heidi and her mini at Christmas Parade in Danville. Heidi Koch Heidi holds an European certification  as a therapeutic riding instructor as well with  NARHA. (North American Riding for the Handicap, Assoc.) She is kind and nurturing to children and beginning riders but possesses a "to the point" delivery that keeps your attention on riding. She has two college age daughters, both excel in Equestrian Competition. Heidi specialize in opening doors for children to enter the equestrian world. Leigha Perry heads up our Show Team at CRA. 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.  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 is presently coaching our Junior Show Team for the 2011 competition year. At our November schooling show at Leap of Faith, she sheperded 15 young people in a day long event. 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.