About

The Cruise Family

In 1998, Robert and Jennifer merged their cattle and equine endeavors into what is now known as Rafter 7C Ranch. Robert continued the cattle program he and his father began when he was young, and Jennifer brought her equine expertise she developed through various training and teaching endeavors.

Jennifer, a graduate of the University of Findlay’s Western Equestrian Studies degree, began teaching riding lessons. Together they also trained a number of horses for reining, cutting, ranch work, and many other disciplines.

As their cattle herd and business of riding lessons and training horses grew, so did their family. After their third daughter was born, Robert continued the cattle program and stepped into ministry as a youth pastor while Jennifer taught riding lessons and helped raise their family which grew to include five daughters.

A major setback occurred in 2018 when the Cruises lost their home in a devastating house fire. Their home was often called “The Refuge” by the many youth who found refuge there. With the focus being on God as our refuge, the Cruises began to rebuild their home in 2019 and continued to expand the ranch in 2020.

Finally in 2021, with the entire family including all five daughters working together on the ranch, Robert and Jennifer restarted the riding lesson and horsemanship camp program under Rafter 7C Ranch. The brand symbol was developed with a Rafter symbol (depicting the Refuge) over the 7 members of the Cruise family in honor of God’s provision as their refuge.

Since 2021, God has continued to grow and develop Rafter 7C Ranch. Every family member plays an integral part in keeping things going and growing in every way. Together they are able to use the gifts and talents God has given them, along with his blessing of a beautiful ranch, to reach many individuals and families with the motto of "bringing horses and people together through God's Word."

Today, the riding program builds on the foundation of solid horsemanship skills with a goal of connecting riders to Jesus Christ through horses. With Christ at the center, the desire of everyone involved is to see Jesus glorified and others drawn to Christ through their blessings.