12/22/2025
With the conclusion of 2025 approaching, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your invaluable support and guidance throughout the years, especially during the past few years which have been a pivotal period.
Riata Ranch International
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- Riata Ranch International
Horseback riding, Vacation Room Rental, Trick Riding Lessons, Horse Training, Hiking, and Life Skills from the Beauty of the Riata Ranch.
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42390 North Kaweah River Road
Three Rivers, CA
93271
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Life Lessons Learned on the Back of a Horse
For over 60 years Riata Ranch International has been a leader in promoting the western lifestyle worldwide. When our late founder, Tommy Maier, started Riata Ranch in 1957 in Exeter, CA as a riding school, he had no idea the tremendous impact it would have on the global western image for generations to come. Thousands of girls crossed the railroad tracks into the ranch and began a unique journey filled with valuable life lessons and friendships that would last a lifetime.
It all starts with the firm, trademark Riata Girl handshake and a rake where girls young and old carefully rake a herringbone pattern in the dirt with pride on the ranch they love so much. After the grounds prepped, horses are gathered and saddled in a way that only Riata Girls can do it. Everything here is done by the numbers and backed up with life lessons and leadership principles. There’s your way and there’s the time tested Riata Ranch way. It’s special environment here, far away from crazy city life, where young people learn what they are made of and what they can be if they earn it. You see out here there are no trophies for last place, but rather an atta girl for failing forward and making the most of every opportunity.
In 1976, Tommy created the western performance team of 4 girls who trick roped, trick rode, and played in a band. They quickly rose to stardom as the “Riding and Roping Royalty of the West”, the Riata Ranch Cowboy Girls. To date, they have performed in 20 countries on 5 continents including for Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for Her Royal Majesty’s 60th Diamond Jubilee at Windsor Castle in England.
After Tommy’s passing in 2002, longtime member Jennifer Welch Nicholson took the reins on his legacy. She assembled a board of directors and made Riata Ranch International, Inc a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. As Executive Director with very little money and huge dreams, she kept marching forward just as she had done since joining in 1974.
