Rusted Star Ranch
*Focusing on Western Performance Horses * Enjoying The Rural Lifestyle*
About Rusted Star Ranch
Rusted Star Ranch is a western performance barn located on Maryland Eastern Shore. Majority of the horses that serve as our performance horses as well as those serving as our lesson horses at the ranch are American Quarter Horses or American Paint Horses whose pedigrees showcase the versaility of the breeds and great mind set to work with. Our unique ranch setting allows for an enjoyable experience. From trail riding to competition, Rusted Star Ranch embraces the rural lifestyle. We provide many avenues for you to improve as a rider while enjoying the time spent with your horse. Don't have a horse? We have riding horses available for you to use. It is not uncommon while riding on the trails surrounding the ranch to come across wildlife such as fox, eagles, owls, whitetail deer and turkeys!
Located 15 minutes from Assateague National Seashore, we serve as a convenient overnight stay for those traveling through. Rusted Star Ranch is fortunate to have an abundance of state public lands open to horseback riding located within a quick drive from the barn to hit the trails.
Rusted Star Ranch understands that time spent with your horses is precious and often an escape from the busy workplace. There are many events that are held throughout the year - cowboy campfire cook-offs, clinics, kiddo campouts, mounted shooting - there's something for you to enjoy as part of the Rusted Star family. Our friendly barn atmosphere provides a relaxing place where horse and rider can practice in a safe environment to strengthen and develop skills to achieve their goals.
Our History
Established in 2015, Rusted Star Ranch focuses on western performance horses, horsemanship skills, and enjoying the rural lifestyle! Together with their passion and breath of experience, Rob and Jessie created a warm and friendly farm that encourages you to embrace the rural lifestyle.
Converted from it's original purpose as a poultry farm, Rusted Star has a unique farm setting on Maryland's Eastern Shore. With the occasional bellow of cattle, you never know what critter is at Rusted Star!
The Value of Horsemanship
We value a positive relationship between horse and rider. Each horse is its own individual. Working with our instructors, riders gain the confidence to understand their animal by learning how to ask for positive results. Riders show their horses how making the wrong choice is difficult, and the right choice is easy. Learning how to set your horse up for success through proper timing of pressure release and encouragement to your horse is a focus Rusted Star Ranch has with all riders.
We value having a "light touch" when riding so horse and rider are fluid as one. Light and firm hands on the reins, a proper balanced seat in the saddle, and good posture all aid in fluid communication with seat and legs of the rider.
Gaining the skills to observe and communicate with our animals (on the ground and in the saddle) is essential for being a true horseman. Having good horsemanship skills encourages the best of our horses which is essential for success.
Rusted Star Facilities
Our facilities allow for many events to be offered throughout the year. Central to the ranch, the main barn includes eight 12 x12ft stalls, hot/cold wash stall with a concrete center aisle. The shed barn (currently under reconstruction) includes 2 additional 12 x12ft stalls with a tack/grain room.
The 120 x 190ft outdoor sand arena offers our riders plenty of space to ride regardless of discipline. There is a grassy spectator viewing area next to the arena. We feature a small indoor that shows the ranch history if you look closely. We have a clear pane viewing area on the front side of the indoor as well as a covered lean-to for those that would like to view out of the sun.
Trailer parking and dry camping space is available. A dry lot is available for those that wish for a simple turnout of their horses during their stay. The mature hardwood forest that surrounds the property allows for riders to take in the landscape of the eastern shore while riding the trails.
Meet Our Staff
Each our instructors have proven themselves in the show ring and are well traveled. Each are very versatile in their riding abilities, giving a breath of experience to learn from. Disciplines in which our instructors have succeeded in the show pen include:
English Equitation
Hunt Seat
Halter
Western Pleasure
Barrel Racing & Pole Bending
Mounted Shooting
Reining
With each of our instructors having a friendly and encouraging personality, you can't help to enjoy working with them! They tailor each riding experience to the rider in order to broaden the rider's horsemanship knowledge while polishing their skills to improve as a rider.
Safety first! Each of our instructors are certified in CPR and have received 1st Aid Training.