I also wanted to tell you how much I like
your website and what you wrote about treating the animals entrusted to
our care. It's wonderful to know that there are good horse people like
you all out there who genuinely care about their horses.
Take care,
Susan
Hi Debbie!
This is Debbie Carr's mom again! I
just got off the phone with Debbie
and she was raving about the
wonderful condition of the horses
when they returned from their
"vacation" with you. Deb is
overwhelmed with all she has to do
now, so it was so wonderful of you
to clean up Maggie and
Killian...Debbie just sang your
praises. As I have told you, it is
so reassuring to me that Deb found
your farm, I always worried when
they left the horses at home with a
friend just stopping in to feed and
water them. So, thank you from
me...I am an avid animal lover and
your wonderful care reassures me
that Killian and Maggie are in the
best of hands! I should be down
sometime in the spring or summer and
will definitely stop by to thank you
in person. Sincerely, Jean Carr
I adopted two special-needs horses who I keep at my
own farm most of the year so that I can give them extra special
attention and enjoy their company. I started taking lessons with Gayle
three years ago at Fieldstone Farm and was absolutely impressed with the
atmosphere, care, and philosophy that I found there. The horses seemed
so happy under saddle and in turnout that I really enjoyed every moment
that I could be there. Whether I was on a horse or on the ground, I was
learning. Gayle took a whole body and mind approach to riding and horse
care... exercises, stretching, demonstrations, and the best explanations
and mental images of riding concepts that I ever have encountered in 25
years of riding lessons. The variety of types of horses was amazing,
and each had something to teach me. I was always comfortable and
confident during my lessons; I was never pushed too far or over
mounted. I had saddle-fitting, blanket-fitting, horseshoeing, and
nutrition lessons, I learned massage… it was just a wonderful “whole
horse” experience and I was always more at peace as a result of my
lesson and so eager to get home and apply what I learned to my own
horses and farm.
Well, one August, it came time for me to go on
vacation and my usual horse sitter was not available. Debbie kindly
offered to pick up my two babies and keep them at Fieldstone while I was
away. I was so impressed with the handling of the horses while loading
and unloading as well as how carefully they were driven to Youngsville.
Upon arrival at Fieldstone, my horses (Killian and
Maggie) were unloaded and made very comfortable in their stalls.
Debbie, Amy, and Liz had made every effort to make them comfortable and
feel right at home. They went through the feeding and care instructions
so carefully and patiently, I just new that my horses were in good
hands. I went away on my vacation with no doubts at all that my horses
would be healthy and happy. Imagine my surprise to receive e-mails on
how my horses were settling in along with photos of my two babies
playing together on turnout! It sounds like a small detail, but to me
it was so thoughtful and a great treat. My horses were groomed,
massaged, fly sprayed, and glowing with health and contentment. Killian
had a chiropractic evaluation and adjustments that had him feeling years
younger. Thomas looked at their feet and had lots of great suggestions
for helping to keep them barefoot, sound, and happy (Killian has
thoroughbred hooves, Maggie was recovering from laminitis). Debbie and
Gayle looked at my feeding program and discussed ways of simplifying my
supplements and increasing my “bang-for-buck” without compromising my
horses’ nutrition. And best of all, my horses were shiny and happy
having been groomed and bathed and given plenty of love and attention.
As a result of this experience, Fieldstone Farm is
my horses’ vacation destination. It’s their trip to “the horse spa” as
they are pampered from nose to tail. I’d recommend Fieldstone to anyone
who takes their horse’s quality of life and happiness seriously.
Deborah Carr
Hi Debbie,
This is Jean Carr, Debbie Carr's
mom. Debbie had us go online to see
your wonderful horse farm. It was a
special treat to see a picture of
Killian! I want to thank you for
taking such good care of Killian and
Maggie when they are with you. I
feel so much better when Debbie
visits and the horses are with you.
Before Deb went to North Carolina I
used to help her groom Killian...I
was in charge of his tail!!! I miss
him terribly...he has been Deb's
best friend for a long time. Deb
has been through some challenging
times, but Killian has always helped
see her through. Hopefully sometime
when I am down visiting Debbie will
bring me over to meet you in
person. Again thanks for all your
TLC.
Sincerely, Jean
posted
Jun. 08, 2004 05:52 PM Chronicle of the Horse Forums
I used to board at Fieldstone farm
in Youngsville, NC. Really close to Wake Forest. That might be a
bit far specially if you are south Raleigh, near Cary. But, they
are great with the horses (www.fieldstonefarm.org). I believe they are moving closer
to the Raleigh area, it is worth calling them. When I was there
my board was $400 a month and that included blanketing, great
feed, excellent care, feeding supplements, always hay in front
of my horse. I can't tell you enough good things about them, if
I ever go back to NC I want to be there.
There is always MacNair's. It is a big facility, really nice and
their board should be somewhere around $550 - $600 for the most
basic care and feed, it goes up depending on whether your horse
gets supplements, small or individual turnout, what feed your
horse gets etc.
Hello there! I just wanted to comment on
what a beautiful facility and bunch of animals you have. I actually
ran across your site when doing some nutrition expert searching...a
field I used to work in, and recognized Gayles' name. I used to work
with her at a tack shop and must say that she taught me a vast
amount over the short time I knew her. I'm sure you know what a gem
of a trainer she is. I wish you all the best of luck and success!
I'm so pleased with how Caleb looks! Aren't
his dapples amazing? He just dapples from head to toe. I do
miss the big lug. Please kiss his nose for me next time you see
him. *sniff*
I know I've said it before but I'll say it
again...THANKS A MILLION for the wonderful job you are doing with him.
I wouldn't hesitate to send you any horse I own and would be happy to
recommend you guys to anyone I know.
Courtney Wells
Feature Story from Farm
Chronicle 1/26/04
Fieldstone Farm Puts Horses First
by Jenan Jones Benson
Liz Indence gives that extra ounce of
loving care to one of her familys horse's. Photo by Jenan Jones Benson
Youngsville, NC – Debbie Indence
and her family have loved and worked with horses all their
lives. Now their labor of love has developed into a family
business.
“I started this as a more effective way to raise
the level of training and general horsemanship skills for the
kids, “ Debbie Indence said of her March 2002 purchase of
Fieldstone Farm.
Less than two years later, the farm is offering horses for sale
and on consignment, sells joint supplements and provides
boarding and training.
“Everything is about the horse, “ Debbie said.
“Showing is way down on the totem pole. It’s more
about riding the horse, knowing the horse, learning the horse,
bringing the horse along. (The horse) will even dictate what
you’re going to work on that day. The horse will always present
you with something and that’s what gets worked on that day.”
“When we bring a horse in, we go head to tail on
the horse and give it anything and everything it needs,
“Debbie said of her farm’s care philosophy.
“We check to see if it needs dental work, check to
see if it’s shod correctly. We have a fabulous farrier, Thomas
Flood, who can really correct their feet because, you know, ‘no
hoof, no horse.’ Many times we have to change their nutrition
significantly. We can tell instantly how they’re reacting to
different foods and we change their diets accordingly. We make
them the best they can be.”
Fieldstone Farm was very appealing to the Indences
because of the excellent existing facilities.
“We moved in and rode horses the same day, “ Debbie said.
The 10-acre farm includes a seven stall
custom-built barn with two wash bays, six individual turnout
paddocks, a fenced-in cross country jumping field, a lighted
dressage ring, a hunter/jumper ring and several trails. In
addition, the family’s home is on-site, allowing them to provide
daily, individualized care to each animal.
Specialized nutrition is a key to each horse’s care.
“We’re found many horses are grain intolerant, “ Debbie said.
“As we change their food to something more natural,
such as pelleted hay or pelleted alfalfa, their whole expression
changes. They soften, they relax, they lose the crest on the
neck. Some can’t develop muscle on a grain diet. A low starch,
high fiber, high fat diet is something we’ve always believed in
and always fed.”
Vitamin/mineral and joint supplements are added to
the diet. Fieldstone is the exclusive NC distributor of products
made by Animal Care Supplements. They carry all four joint
supplements offered by the company and use Motion Plus for their
own horses. The Indences also feed a vitamin/mineral product and
favor Animal Care Supplements because they are guaranteed to
contain 99% pure, human-grade ingredients.
Fieldstone’s trainer is Gayle Dauverd, who
initially worked with the Indence daughters before joining the
family as a business partner. “All of my training is based
on the classical principles of dressage, “ Gayle said.
“We work very much about having the horse understand what we
want (it) to do. Everything is praise-oriented. We really try to
have each horse branch off into what (it’s) going to do best
naturally.”
Gayle, who commutes three hours round-trip, said
balancing career and family is her greatest challenge.
“This farm has allowed me do that, “ she added. “Debbie
and I both have children and work together to make things
happen.”
Helping their own children and other young people
develop equestrian skills is a top priority for both women.
Debbie’s daughters, Amy, 15, and Liz, 13, are “both horse
crazy,” their mother said. Both are actively involved in the
daily care of the horses, riding and showing. Amy’s awards
include 4-H honors and NC State Fair winnings. Gayle rates Amy’s
skills at a professional level. Liz has developed photography
skills which are showcased on the farm’s website (www.FieldstoneFarm.org).
Both Debbie and Gayle are involved in selling,
which they view as a stringent matchmaking service.
“We look specifically for what that person needs.
It’s like finding a husband; it’s that hard, “ Debbie said.
“We won’t sell a horse to just anyone. Gayle screens them (in
advance of a visit). We’ll lose a sale before we’ll let (a
horse) go to some home that’s less than ideal. An absolutely
perfect horse in the wrong hands can turn into a horrible
nightmare. Horses are always welcome to come back on
consignment. If (owners) outgrow the horse, we’ll take it back
and sell it on consignment. “
Fieldstone’s “horse first” philosophy was summed up
by Lisa Frick of Raleigh, NC whose children ride at the farm.
“From feeding to training to teaching, at Fieldstone Farm the
one-size-fits-all approach does not exist,” she said.
“Fieldstone Farm strives to find the right solution for each
horse. The result (is) content, healthy horses capable of
achieving their full potential.”
Hi Debbie and Gayle,
Congratulations on your
upcoming “feature story!” It doesn’t surprise me that horse people are
intrigued by your new business. Your gem of a farm is certainly making
my children’s dreams come true. We all learn something new and
fascinating each time we visit.
I can’t tell you how many
times I’ve been asked . . . Do you really drive all the way to
Rolesville to train at Fieldstone Farm? I end up spending several
minutes trying to explain all the reasons, but I always leave something
out! So, I decided to write down my thoughts and share them with you. I
believe the time spent at Fieldstone more than makes up for the time in
the car! In the six months since we started riding at your farm, I’ve
witnessed example after example of respect for the equine athlete. I am
grateful my young equestrians are learning this important lesson of
partnership. Here’s what I think is unique about Fieldstone Farm . . .
What is unique about
Fieldstone Farm?
Family owned and
operated, Fieldstone Farm exemplifies integrity.
Passion and honesty
characterize the way the owners and trainer at Fieldstone Farm do
business. They are doing what they love – and it shows.
Committed to quality care
and training as well as developing skilled riders with a back-to-basics
approach, Fieldstone Farm wants what is best for each horse and each
rider. It is a business committed to quality. The result – integrity in
care, integrity in training, and integrity in sales.
From feeding to training
to teaching, at Fieldstone Farm the one-size-fits-all approach does not
exist. Fieldstone Farm evaluates each horse as a unique athlete. Needs
are assessed and each horse receives exceptional, custom care. With
proper nutrition, consistent healthcare, and considerate training,
Fieldstone Farm strives to find the right solution for each horse. The
result – content, healthy horses capable of achieving their full
potential.
The consistent care
Fieldstone provides is possible because horses receive attention from
the same people each day. The owners live on-site and understand each
horses specific daily needs. Stalls are meticulously cleaned, water
tanks and buckets are scrubbed, paddocks are groomed, and rings are
dragged. The result – consistent, personal care for your horse in a
clean, healthy environment.
Horses in training at
Fieldstone Farm are cared for with consideration for their abilities,
not pushed in ways that are inappropriate. As athletes, they are
nurtured toward their strengths and respected through each step in the
training process. Tack is carefully selected and fitted, exercises
consider the horses’ current condition, nutrition is analyzed to draw
out optimal performance and health, and riders are appropriately matched
to each mount. The result – equine athletes learning and performing in a
safe, consistent training program.
Students at Fieldstone
Farm receive a solid foundation in the fundamentals of horsemanship.
They learn about all aspects of horse care, from health and nutrition to
riding and training. Students not only learn how to use their bodies,
but how their movements and actions affect the horse in each
interaction. The result – true horse people emerge, committed to the
process of bringing each horse along respectfully.
Thanks for the many ways
you’re helping all of us learn and grow into true horse people. The more
we understand, the better our respect for and relationship with our
equine friends.
Here’s too many more
years!
Lisa
Hey Gayle-
I am SO sorry that I have not gotten a picture to you before now.
I deleted the e-mail that you sent me in the spring and then totally
forgot about it. I'm sorry that I can't give you any picture
better than this, but all of my good ones were taken by professional
photographers who were going to charge me to put it on the internet.
If I get any better ones then I will certainly send them to you.
How are you guys doing? Are your kids well? I hope the
business is doing well too. I have definitely spoken highly of you
and recommended you to several people. Did a lady named Mary ever
call you? She is looking for a hunter horse for her 15 year old
daughter. They are looking for something a little older and
experienced because her daughter is fairly timid. I think that she
jumps like 2'6" now. I have no idea what their price range is.
If you have anything or hear of anything that fits that bill, I'll
certainly pass it on to them.
Nate (Bailey) is doing so well!! We had a really slow summer, just
because I was out of town a lot and it was so hot! But now I am at
Furman University in Greenville, SC and he is up here with me. I
am boarding him at a FANTASTIC barn called Never-Say-Never. It is
immaculate and the care is phenomenal. Nate is so spoiled he
doesn't know what to do with himself! I have my truck and trailer
here at school with me, so I am trailering him places every other week
for lessons, clinics, trail rides, cross country schooling and other
stuff like that. He is in great shape! And my
instructors all love him. One of them actually wants to buy him
from me because they think that he has 4-star potential! But there
is no way that I am selling. He is mine for life! I have just
fallen in love with him.
This Saturday we are going to go to a dressage schooling show.
Then he has a massage next week, and then we are going cross country
schooling. Then I am going to take him home with me for
Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hopefully after all of this training
we will be ready to show some in the spring. It is just kind of hard to
compete much because of school being so time consuming and hard. I
am always studying!
Well, again I am sorry for not sending you pictures sooner or keeping in
touch better than I have. No bad intentions! I hope all is
going well for you, and let me know what you are selling. I know
several people down here and in Georgia that are looking. I love
Nate so much, and have to thank you again for giving me the perfect
horse of my dreams!!
Linda and Nate
What a small world!! Fieldstone Farm is my old
farm (formerly Rose Gate Farm). We sold it almost 2 years ago to the
Indences, who run it now with Gayle as a trainer. I might be prejudiced,
but it's a wonderful facility
and I think you would be very happy sending a horse there. I actually
took a friend out there this summer to try a horse (one of Maple
Shade's!). She ended up not buying him, but they were great to work with
and very honest about the horse. They seem to sell horses pretty quickly
and definitely care about finding them good homes & matching them up
well.
Lara Katz/Rose Gate Farm
Yes, I've visited the farm. It's a great
facility and the care is exceptional. They address EVERY aspect of horse
care well above and beyond average. I have gotten to know Gayle well and
have seen her ride several different horses. A more caring rider cannot
be found. She really knows how to get into the horses head and help them
be happy and willing in their job. Their goal is always to find the best
match for the horse as quickly as possible.
Margaret/Maple Shade Farm
They have sold three horses
for me and are working with a fourth! VERY nice to deal with and a great
facility. I have visited myself and am very pleased with the care- feed,
facility, training, farrier, chiropractor, and loving attention etc. I
trust them completely and all horses there are very happy. They sold one
for me at the end of last year. This June I broke my leg and needed help
FAST farming my horses out on consignment. I had mere hours to figure it
all out while I waited on surgery. They graciously came to my aid, took
three which was more than they really had time for and did a great job.
All this to say-not only will they do an excellent job training, selling
and caring for you horse but they will also be there when you and/or
your horse need them. Feel free to PT or email me. I'd be happy to sing
their praises (more
)
and answer any specific questions that you have. Good luck!!
Margaret/Maple Shade Farm
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