Who We Are
Rockin’ B Ranch is owned and managed by Rose and Robert English.
Rose is a retired Fort Worth barrel racer, and turn-back rider for Tom Lyons cutting horse ranch in Texas. Rose taught riding lessons and guided trail rides for Lazy K Bar Guest Ranch in Tucson, Arizona. She was a Certified Horsemanship Association instructor for both English and western riding, with an emphasis on safety. Studying under several Natural horsemanship trainers over the years, she learned to communicate well and teach her students and horses to be bold and confident. Rose has dedicated her life to the education, development and safety of her horses and students.
Robert is Rose’s biggest support system. He is also the maintenance manager, lead mechanic, grounds keeper and compost controller of Rockin’ B Ranch, keeping all of our machinery running, stables and animal pens functional and crap under control. 😉 If you see Bob around, thank him for all he does behind the scenes.
ROCKIN’ B RANCH MOST VALUABLE ASSETS:
Hannah Fryfogle- English and Western Instruction. Hannah started at Rockin’ B April 2023, after moving to Anchorage, Alaska to get a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy. She hails from Ohio, where she was active in 4-h for 7 years. She trained at Indian Run jumping center, showing as a part of their team for 5 years.
Sierra Smith-Western and English Riding instructor, Drill Team Coach. Sierra started out as a student of Rockin’ B horse camps when she was just 10 years old. She rode with us many years and went from camper to helper, helper to apprentice and finally became part of the staff. Sierra has been instructing for 2 years and became coach of the Drill Team in Feb 2023. She is the mother of a 4 year old and a barista in her other profession.
Maya Kuligowski- Apprentice Instructor. Maya started as a camper at Rockin’ B at the age of 7. She later part leased school horse MISTY to compete in 907 Barrel Racers and was a member of our drill team. Maya took a break from riding to focus on her education. She returned to work the Summer camp season as an apprentice instructor in 2022.
Our awesome summer camp help: Anna, Ananda, Isa, Ela and Violet, Maile.
Rockin’ B Ranch instructors, assistants and helpers are trained in our program certification and undergo testing of 4 levels, beginner to advanced western and english disciplines.
OUR HISTORY
In the year 2001, right after the 9-11 terrorist attack, Rose and her then husband Jeff Brigmon bought the property at 3741 Ptarmigan Terrace. Rose owned several horses in Arizona and wanted to move them to Alaska. They built a small horse stable and moved the 4 horses in summer 2003. Kids in the neighborhood were drawn like a magnet to the horses. Before they knew it (and with no intention!) a backyard riding school was taking root.
In the year 2001, right after the 9-11 terrorist attack, Rose and her then husband Jeff Brigmon bought the property at 3741 Ptarmigan Terrace. Rose owned several horses in Arizona and wanted to move them to Alaska. They built a small horse stable and moved the 4 horses in summer 2003. Kids in the neighborhood were drawn like a magnet to the horses. Before they knew it (and with no intention!) a backyard riding school was taking root.
The Rockin’ B Ranch facility was built by the skilled hands of Rose’s ex-husband, Jeff Brigmon. The Indoor Arena was erected by Jeff in 2008 with the generosity and help of his friend, Paul Nelson, who was owner of Alaska Cover-All. The economy collapsed upon completion, and the riding club struggled to survive. Many families stuck with us in those uncertain times, and helped us weather the storm.
More than a decade in business, Rockin’ B had survived many storms, but the biggest yet was the demise of the Brigmon marriage in 2017. The business temporarily closed, school horses were sold off, and for a couple years other equestrian ventures took up temporary residence in our facility. We reopened as a boarding stable in 2019, with Rose and Robert as the owners, and slowly reestablished the riding school with 2 original mounts (Misty and Lacey) and several leased horses.
We came back strong after the Covid pandemic, and have a bright future with the most amazing barn crew yet! In our 17 year history, Rockin’ B Riding Club has served over 1200 students through our year-round camp and lesson programs. Many of our students have excelled in their education, riding disciplines and adult life. Some have become successful in their own equestrian ventures. We are very proud of all our past and present students!