Copper Bit Ranch

Copper Bit Ranch "Where horsin' around is serious business." Copper Bit Ranch is owned and operated by Joan & Tom Harms of Sterling.

The ranch has over a dozen horses of various breeds who help educate people of all ages. For over 40 years, Joan has been a riding instructor (of all disciplines), horse trainer, breeder, and judge. Additionally, she retired from teaching school and focuses mainly on her "children" (the horses) and students. Her education and experience has enriched the lives of many horse owners and horses over t

he years. Since retiring from teaching also, Tom manages the stable. From maintenance and hay production to financial records and investments, he wears many hats around the horse farm.

Karma making sure you “notice” him.
06/10/2026

Karma making sure you “notice” him.

Metallica enjoys Horse Lovers’ Book Club at the ranch, and she’s looking for reading partners this summer. 📕 Want to rea...
05/23/2026

Metallica enjoys Horse Lovers’ Book Club at the ranch, and she’s looking for reading partners this summer. 📕 Want to read & learn all about horses together?
Contact Joan ASAP for the summer schedule! Metallica is waiting…

HORSE LOVERS’ BOOK CLUB—enrollment open now!! We gather once a week at the stable for an hour and a half in the afte...
05/18/2026

HORSE LOVERS’ BOOK CLUB—enrollment open now!!
We gather once a week at the stable for an hour and a half in the afternoon to enjoy hands-on activities with the horses and read a selected book or short stories.
Club members are grouped according to age, reading level (3rd grade+), and horse experience.
2026 marks our 19th year offering this unique opportunity for the young & young-at-heart.
Being a retired school teacher, Joan Harms never tires of opening our facility to horse enthusiasts. Activities may include giving a horse a bath, learning about feeds and care, basics of training, and the fit and use of horse equipment. Reading for enjoyment, learning to safely work with horses, and increasing equine knowledge are goals for these horse lovers.
Our indoor arena makes it possible to have the sessions - rain or shine.
Cost: $175 for the 8 weeks summer session.
📱 Joan Harms 815-441-4945

Mowing season is upon us and Nimbus & Karma are ready!
04/15/2026

Mowing season is upon us and Nimbus & Karma are ready!

New breed of cat discovered today called the “rainbow tabby.” 😉Karma the cat approved this message.
01/10/2026

New breed of cat discovered today called the “rainbow tabby.” 😉
Karma the cat approved this message.

Decided to “Lisa Frank” some horse photos with ChatGPT 🌈 and Siesta Key 🐕 made an appearance too. I swear she’s not that...
01/10/2026

Decided to “Lisa Frank” some horse photos with ChatGPT 🌈 and Siesta Key 🐕 made an appearance too. I swear she’s not that chunky! 😆
The prompt is in the comments in case you’d like to create your own 😁

🥶🥶🥶
12/04/2025

🥶🥶🥶

Oh what a “knight…”
10/31/2025

Oh what a “knight…”

Beau had a special visitor last night! Beau’s original owner & breeder, Bob Althous, came to see him at the barn. Bob ta...
09/20/2025

Beau had a special visitor last night!
Beau’s original owner & breeder, Bob Althous, came to see him at the barn. Bob taught Beau some “tricks for treats” in those early few years. Beau was also started in driving and riding before coming to Copper Bit Ranch. He definitely discovered his love of jumping right away as the story goes. 😉

CopperBit Ranch’s Horse Lovers’ Book Clubs with Horse Activities prepares talented young people for the future. Way to g...
07/16/2025

CopperBit Ranch’s Horse Lovers’ Book Clubs with Horse Activities prepares talented young people for the future. Way to go!

Address

29145 Pilgrim Road
Sterling, IL
61081

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 9pm
Saturday 9am - 9pm
Sunday 9am - 9pm

Telephone

(815) 625-4961

Website

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