OO'king Ranch Horsemanship

02/23/2025

Set up and ready for judging a fun trail course today. I love this stuff! The weather is cooperating, and Keith Oehlerking is here to help. Perfect day.

10/22/2024

After seven days in Canton, NC assisting with Hurricane Helene recovery, I came home and had to process the experience before posting this. The days were hard, physically as well as emotionally.

While there, I helped sort and palletize donated supplies, people supplies rather than livestock supplies. Most folks who came to the distribution center were looking for basic supplies: toilet paper, paper towels, canned food, manual can opener, diapers, cleaning supplies, dog food, trash bags. Some were desperate for survival supplies: sleeping bags, propane heater, charcoal grill, tent.

The facility had a room set up like a makeshift Dollar store so folks could get what they needed. We worked nonstop to keep the tables restocked. Every time I walked in there, my heart ached for those "shopping" among the donated supplies. So much loss. Grief lurked everywhere.

On Wednesday afternoon, soldiers from Ft. Campbell's 101st Airborne Division arrived. Their mission: Support residents and counties devastated by Hurricane Helene. As I had been working solo that morning, I was grateful to see them. With their efficient and willing assistance, we made significant progress on organizing that mountain of pallets. Not only that, those guys loaded and unloaded hay/feed, helped folks carry supplies to their vehicles, assisted with parking, and did anything that needed doing. No matter what I asked of them, their only response was, "Yes ma'am!"

As I've reflected on my experience, I know that I am blessed, incredibly so. I'm grateful that Keith Oehlerking took care of the home front, and that my employer supports and encourages volunteer missions.

Many of the 1:1 encounters impacted me deeply. I will be forever changed by them.

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

10/15/2024

The beginning of my third day here at the WNC Regional Livestock Center. Still much to do, and hay donations still arriving. The hay and feed goes out as fast as it comes in. The household goods are slowly making their way to those who need them. Today will be another long day of sorting and loading. Grateful to be here serving.

10/13/2024

It's a beautiful morning here in Canton, NC. When I arrived yesterday afternoon, the WNC Regional Livestock Center was jam packed with folks needing to pick up supplies for both livestock and humans. I waited behind three 18-wheelers for 45 minutes just to pass through the gates. I was happy to do it. That hay will mean life to the livestock that receive it and sustained livelihood for the owners.

The energy here is ripe with equal parts desperation and generosity. The hay goes back out almost as quickly as it arrives. On the people side, every square inch of this facility is overflowing with almost anything a Hurricane Helene survivor might need. As I sorted pallets of donations I observed an older woman sheepishly ask for bleach, a broom, and some dog food. She left with that and toilet paper, trash bags, canned food, and more... and a big hug. This place is doing a good work.

I'm exceedingly grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to this beautiful outpouring of love to WNC.

10/22/2022

Great group lesson this morning! Sandy was a perfect model and everyone learned about the horse's skeletal structure. Perfect lesson for this time of year. 🎃

06/05/2022

Still have openings for the Building Blocks clinic next weekend June 11 & 12. Will accept registrations through Wednesday.

05/26/2022

The Building Blocks clinic still has a few open spots. If you're ready to have a confident relationship with your equine partner, here's your chance.

The clinic will be led by CHA-certified instructor, Laurie Oehlerking. Laurie has a successful competition history that includes endurance, stock horse, competitive trail, and colt-starting training challenges. Recently relocated from Texas, Laurie is the past Judge's Director for the Texas Trail Challenge organization. Her teaching style is based on natural horsemanship and focuses on building confident horses and riders

You can check out all the participation options—including a Saturday-only attendance option—here:
https://OOkingRanchScheduling.as.me/ClinicRegistrationOptions

05/24/2022

The web site is live! Check it out.

Natural horsemanship for any discipline. Lessons and clinics for riders of varied ages, skills, experience, and disciplines. Whether you ride your own horse or one of ours, our mission is to develop competent, confident equestrians who demonstrate respect and compassion when engaging with horses and

05/22/2022

OO’King Ranch Horsemanship lessons is currently accepting new students to our structured Academy Program. We teach children and adults at all levels.
Our program teaches multi-discipline horsemanship through a structured multi-level program. Students master skills at each level, pass written and mounted tests, and earn certificates for levels completed.
Our curriculum-based program coupled with experienced, certified instructors and well-trained horses provide the highest quality riding experience. We specialize in creating highly capable, confident riders—regardless of age or previous experience. In addition to becoming competent horse people, we often watch our students grow as empathetic, responsible human beings.
We supply the horse, the equipment, the instruction—you provide the most important part: YOU (or your child!)
For a limited time, we are offering introductory lessons for only $50.
If you are interested, click below to send us a message and set up a time for your first lesson. Pay after—only if you loved your experience.
If you have a dream with horses, we have a plan.
Located in Ronda, North Carolina

05/03/2022

By popular request, the June 11-12, Building Blocks Horsemanship Clinic now has a Saturday-only option! That's right, you can now register to participate on Saturday only with a reduced clinic fee (full clinic $250, Saturday only $150).

Ready to build a solid foundation with your horse? Want to expand your horsemanship tools. This clinic is for you!

Whether you're just getting started on your horsemanship journey or you've been riding for years, this "building block" approach will help you make the most of your current foundation and expand your skills to the next level.

The clinic will be held at the OO'king Ranch in Ronda, NC and will be facilitated by CHA-certified instructor, Laurie Oehlerking. Laurie's successful competition history includes endurance, stock horse, competitive trail, and colt-starting training challenges. Recently relocated from Texas, Laurie is the past Judge's Director for the Texas Trail Challenge organization.

To register for the full clinic or the new Saturday-only option, use this link:
https://OOkingRanchScheduling.as.me/ClinicRegistrationOptions