The Hayes Family
A ranching legacy, brought home
For three generations the Hayes family has lived the cowboy life. Now they're bringing it to River Woods Ranch.
A Partnership
The family behind the horses
Horses were the point at River Woods Ranch from day one, and the equestrian side of the ranch is where that shows most. It's anchored by a partnership with the Hayes family — people who have spent their whole lives in the saddle, and who now shape every equestrian detail here.
At the Hayes ranch, hard work has never been a chore. It's a dedication to the land and to the animals who thrive on it — a way of living passed down, generation to generation.
A Family Legacy
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.
Around the Ranch
Life in the saddle
A look around the Hayes ranch and the family who has spent three generations working it.
The Next Generation
Jill, Cody, and the ones coming up
Rufus's granddaughter Jill was born and raised on the ranch, and today she raises her own five children there — passing on the same lessons in responsibility and respect for the land that she grew up with.
Jill competes as a barrel racer and her husband Cody wrestles steers professionally, while their kids ride in rodeos of their own and pitch in with the daily work. It's a whole family that lives the life — not a hobby, but a calling carried forward.
Brought Home to River Woods Ranch
The heart and soul of the ranch
Now the Hayes family is bringing that legacy to River Woods Ranch — onto land roughly ten times the size of their home ranch, with room to build something bigger and better than ever.
Because it's designed by people who've truly lived the cowboy life, every detail rings true: training arenas across the rodeo disciplines, stables, lessons, and trail rides, all woven into the ranch-wide trail system. It's shaping up to be the heart and soul of the place.
Watch
The Hayes family, in motion
Spend a few minutes with the Hayes family, their horses, and the life they're bringing to River Woods Ranch.
In the Saddle
Ways to ride
The Hayes family shares their passion for horses with everyone who visits — whether it's your first time in the saddle or your thousandth.
Trail rides
Peaceful rides through the pastures and along the ranch's wooded trails and riverbanks.
Private lessons
One-on-one instruction that builds environmental awareness, confidence, and proper body mechanics.
Grooming & saddling
Start at the beginning — learning to groom and saddle before you ever head out to the pasture.
Rodeo & cowboy training
Roping, barrel racing, and the rodeo disciplines the Hayes family has competed in for generations.
“The ranch is a living testament to family, hard work, and integrity.”
The Hayes Family
Keep Exploring
Explore more of the ranch
Come Ride
Meet the horses for yourself
The equestrian village is taking shape now. Join the waitlist to hear when rides, lessons, and rodeo days open — and to receive an early invitation to visit the ranch.