Northeastern Pennsylvania is known to possess some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, with its abundance of native forests, pristine lakes, and endless mountains. Royal Rock Equestrian Center, located a few miles from Harvey’s Lake, encompasses some of this breathtaking scenery on its 56 acres.
 Royal Rock is a place where individuals and families can enjoy picturesque landscapes while experiencing the joys of horseback riding.
Royal Rock was founded in 2006 by Carrie Sisson, who has loved horses since she was a young girl. Having taken riding lessons from age 10, Sisson developed a lifelong desire to work with horses. Her first thought was to become a veterinarian, but later changed her mind and chose a career in which she could spend more time actually riding, training, caring for the horses, and teaching others. Her passion for horses led her to Centenary College, in New Jersey, where she studied for her bachelor’s degree.
Today, Sisson runs Royal Rock, where she offers a range of services such as lesson, training, and boarding programs; trail rides; and the leasing or sale of horses. The Equestrian Center offers large outdoor riding arenas, acres of grass pasture, spacious stalls and pens, an indoor riding arena, and a 50-foot round pen.
Horseback riding, as a hobby, is a great way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, which may otherwise be seen only through the window of a car or office. It can be a very pleasurable experience to get out to the countryside, away from the traffic and congestion, leaving the pressures of everyday life behind.
Lessons to be Learned
At Royal Rock, Sisson encourages children of all ages to take lessons, as she did. She has seen even the most shy youngster blossom after taking riding lessons. When children are taught skills associated with caring for a horse, techniques to control a huge animal, and assuring responds to commands, they develop a great sense of responsibility. Sisson’s teaching method is all about the understanding of her students’ aspirations and particular learning strengths and weaknesses. She aims for fully educated students who understand the “whys” as well as the “hows” of riding.
Many adults also take advantage of Sisson’s excellent teaching skills and start lessons late in life, finding it to be a wonderful way to spend time with nature. These students often say riding is a great stress reliever, so she encourages all of her students to experience the joy of riding.
Royal Rock provides training in the disciplines of Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Eventing and specializes in “restarting” thoroughbreds from the track, handling all the usual “baggage” that comes with them.
“A good start is invaluable for any horse and can affect its entire future for better or worse,” said Sisson. “For our horses that are here for starting or breaking, the training style is best described as black and white. While we believe in setting clear boundaries for every horse in training, it is especially important to avoid grey areas with those just starting out. We encourage young horses to see the humans in their lives as leaders and to look to them for direction in times of trouble.”
Boarding Programs
“Boarding at Royal Rock is all about comfort,” said Sisson.
The Center strives to create a peaceful, yet energetic atmosphere in which the client will feel at ease to enjoy the horse. It also works to create the most productive and stress-free environment for the horses, whether they are there in full training to further their development or just there to take in some fresh air, green grass, and relaxation. Royal Rock offers three different boarding packages– pasture, full, and full training boarding. All packages include full use of arenas, tack rooms, and wash stall.
Royal Rock also has horses for sale or lease, for which the list changes frequently. A full description, as well as photos of the horses, are available at www.royalrock.net.
Sisson also enjoys applying her skills as a coach of the Wilkes University Equestrian Team, which has been in existence since 2005. This team is a club sport that competes throughout the school year in Hunt Seat in Zone 3, Region 4, under the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association rules.
Royal Rock Equestrian Center is located at 202 Chestnut Tree Rd., Harvey’s Lake, and can be reached at (570) 905-5622.
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