Hayes Ranch
At Hayes Ranch, hard work is not a chore but a dedication to the land and the animals who thrive on it. Here, generations of the Hayes family have celebrated the honest, fulfilling work of ranch life, sharing their passion for riding with anyone who comes to visit. The peaceful evenings are perfect for a quiet horseback ride through the wide-open pastures, feeling the breeze and taking in the scent of the land. It’s a place to reconnect with the simple joys of nature and the satisfaction of a day well-lived. Whether it’s for a private lesson, a trail ride, or a simple weekend away, the Hayes Ranch offers a sanctuary where time slows down and the beauty of the natural world is not just seen but felt.
Learn more on the Hayes Ranch website.
The Hayes Ranch Story
A Family Legacy
Deeply rooted in Santa Rosa County, multiple generations of the Hayes family have operated and cared for the Ranch and the local tradition it has become. The Ranch is a living testament to family, hard work and integrity.
Rufus and Sandy Hayes
Rufus and Sandy Hayes started the Hayes Ranch in the 1960’s, raising their 4 children and tending to countless acres of cows and horses. Sandy was a schoolteacher, counselor and principal which left Rufus to tend to the ranch, where he trained others on fundamentals of cutting horses, boarding horses and giving lessons. As the years went on, their oldest son Philip took on some training on the ranch. He specialized as a farrier, caring for the horses’ hooves. Becky (his former wife) started to help with the training as well and eventually took over the majority of the boarding and lessons. In Hayes family tradition, it was then passed down to their daughter Jill. The family works in unity each day training and caring for the horses that they’re so blessed to share a life with.
Jill Miller (Hayes)
Born and raised on the Hayes Ranch, Jill has a thorough understanding of what ranch life is all about. She has been blessed with a large family and now has 5 children of her own. For Jill, the ranch has been a wonderful place to raise children. Living on a ranch is a great environment for teaching responsibility, respect and common sense. She marvels at God’s beautiful creations daily, from sunrises to sunsets, to new babies and Mother Nature. Being able to share with her children how she was raised is such a blessing. Life on the ranch is hard work and never ending, with always something that needs tending to. But Jill wouldn’t trade it for anything.
In her time outside of the ranch, Jill is a professional barrel racer. Her husband, Cody Miller, is a professional steer wrestler and their children participate in rodeos. In addition to rodeos, their children are also starting to help out with tasks at the ranch.
Horse Riding
Begin your writing experience with grooming and saddling your horse. Then develop a connection with your horse while exploring acres of rolling pastures and creeks.
Horse Training
Hayes Ranch will work with your horse to develop and build environmental awareness, confidence and property body mechanics necessary to provide a safe riding experience for both horse and rider. The skills and lessons learned are critical for a healthy future with your horse.