The Origins of Ghost Rock Ranch and The Gift of Rocks

The ground beneath Ghost Rock Ranch was created when Mt. Mazama erupted thousands of years ago, hurling pumice far and wide. The ranchers call the wonderful soft earth “pummy;” it’s not so good for growing, and it freezes hard as cement, but it’s very kind to horse’s feet.

Owner Cherie Appleby began a tradition of asking guests to bring a rock to the ranch at each visit… a kind of homage to the pre-volcanic rocks buried below, and the inspiration for the name Ghost Rock. From small, colorful pebbles to rocks the size of their head, guests have given these simple gifts to the land in exchange for what is always a natural experience. In this way, the ranch is constantly being shaped by the people who visit.

Ghost Rock Ranch has evolved from its origins from ancient native camps and hunting grounds into a place of elegance, serenity and unimaginable beauty. It’s a first class equestrian center that caters to big groups and intimate gatherings; to riders and non-riders alike. We invite you to come and visit our chunk of heaven. But when you do, don’t forget to bring a rock for the ranch; we think you’ll love what you get back.

The Ghost Rock Ranch logo has meaning for us, not only as a horse, but the three triangles within the horse signify the Cascade Mountain view from the Ranch. The triangles depict South Sister, Mt. Bachelor & Broken Top and the spots represent rocks. Click here for a map to the ranch.

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Cherie L. Appleby, 53, is an extremely talented and sought-after television commercial producer. Her company, Pistol Productions, include clients such as Pixar, Nike and Acura among others. Since then, with cowgirl roots and a head for business, she has organized her life towards one goal: the establishment of a center for equine and human hospitality offering state-of-the-art boarding and arena facilities and a simple yet majestic mini-lodge for entertainment and accommodation.

Click here to learn more about Cherie

Clancy is from MN, Dakotas. His past experience includes growing up on a ranch with cattle, horses, sheep, hogs. His natural horsemanship skills include handling rescues, challenged horses, “I am a true believer in training the horse, not breaking them.”

• Ranch Mgr – Square D Ranch
• “Over 40 Riders” club
• Aerospace industry
• EMT I - 15 years
• Search & Rescue – horse & dirt bike
• Supervisor – up to 100 people
• Industrial Maintenance
• Certified – Hydraulics Technician
• Recent years – St. Vincent de Paul, Composite Products/Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

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Gina was raised on a cattle ranch on the Southern Oregon coast. As the daughter of a cattle rancher, she’s been around cattle and horses all of her life. She, her husband Greg and daughter Aubrey moved to La Pine 2 years ago from the Willamette Valley. Gina has numerous years of experience in banking, retail management, newspaper and advertising. She enjoys fishing and golfing in beautiful Central Oregon with her family and friends. Hit her up for that big event, be it a dream wedding or a quiet retreat or give her a call to come tour the ranch to see the possibilities. Email Gina at gina@ghostrockranch.com .

A long time friend, Steve has played a part in Cherie’s life for the past 30 years.
Lives full time on the ranch as caretaker. His father worked as Regional Director for US Forest Service. Steve's background is in the music industry, he owned a music store for 11 years.

• Degree in Business Administration – Portland State
• Avid stock market analyst
• Currently specializes in collector coins and metals
• Truly provides security and personal care to the ranch & critters
• Responsible for general ranch duties
• Responsible for making sure we recycle anything recyclable

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Betty & Brown Boy: Security Staff

10 years old – brother & sister – Australian Shepherds
Brown Boy is the real worker – takes his position very seriously while Betty is a tattle tail and sings consistently with the nearby train whistle.

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Hud

Ranch Wrangler: Hud has spent most of his life on a ranch. The majority of time at Rock Springs Ranch in Tumalo, Oregon. He and his wife Ona moved to La Pine in 2007. Ona teaches 4th grade at La Pine Elementary. If Hud’s not working you can find him skiing or biking in the area with their dogs, Dolly and Jasper.

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Erick is originally from North Carolina. He grew up working on farms with cattle and horses. Erick was a volunteer at the Cedarfork, NC fire department for 4 years. He moved to La Pine with his wife, Jessica and their three children 3 years ago. He and his wife own a design business, Custom Vinyl Decals, which offers anything from custom banners to decals for your vehicle. Erick would rather be outside working than anywhere else. Finding Ghost Rock Ranch and becoming a member of the family is just what this cowboy was looking for. When he’s not at the ranch you can find he and Jessica riding their two horses. His love of horses and his southern hospitality will make anyone feel at home. So if he happens to call you “sir” or “ma’am”, don’t be offended, it’s just the way he was raised.

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Hershel and his wife, Nancy have lived in the La Pine area for the past 40 years. 37 of those years in their present home. So I guess you could say they’ve been around for awhile. They certainly know Central Oregon. Hershel was a Journeyman Millwright/Welder for 30 years. He semi-retired in 2004 but then went back to work with his son and two of their grandson’s building homes in the Bend/Redmond area. Hershel came to work for Ghost Rock Ranch in February 2008. From the very beginning he was impressed with Cherie Appleby’s concern and well being for the horses under her care. She treats all of her staff as family and will tell you he counts it as a privilege and blessing to be part of Ghost Rock Ranch.

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