Rolling Hill Stable offers horse boarding, training and more

     A love of horses and proper care for horses brought Debbie Heims and Amber Padgett together to open Rolling Hill Stable in Monticello.

     The horse stable and attached in-door riding arena were originally built by Marv Wink. Heims and Padgett are renting the facility together from now-owner Mike McDonough.

     “It sat empty for five years,” said Heims. “We were looking for a place to start our own business, and Mike was willing to let us lease it.”

     Rolling Hill Stable, and its sister business On Course Horse Training, is a full-care horse boarding facility. The insulated and heated box stables measure 10-by-12 feet. There is also a ventilation system in the stable area as well. Heims and Padgett each house two horses of their own on the premises. They currently have four outside boarders.

     “We can have up to eight outside boarders,” offered Heims.

     The facility also includes a heated wash bay with warm water.

     “We can give these horses baths all year round,” said Padgett.

     The lighted arena, which is attached to the stables, measures 60-by-80 feet.

     Something of a luxury for a facility like this a heated bathroom with a shower and washer and dryer for use.

     There is also a heated and relaxing lounge area.

     “Owners can board their horse here, take riding lessons or just take their horse out for exercise,” offered Padgett. “We can teach them how to saddle a horse up to riding it.”

     Rolling Hill Stable not only offers boarding, but premium care for horses.

     “They have unlimited water here and quality hay and grain,” said Padgett.

     The operation, which opened Feb. 1, also offers horse training as part of the On Course Training business. In terms of the varied options for training, Heims said it all depends on what the owner of the horse is looking for.

     “It might be training a horse because if its bad habits or re-teaching the horse to learn good tricks,” she said.

     Coming together, Heims said they wanted to start a business that they could control themselves versus working for other horse trainers.

     “We’re well experienced,” said Heims. “We’re knowledgeable in every aspect from health to nutrition and care.”

     She explained, like dogs, no two horses are the same. Each needs individual attention, affection and care.

     “There isn’t much we haven’t done between the two of us,” said Padgett. “But the learning never stops.”

     Heims said, for her, starting a boarding and training center allows them to care for the horses properly. Add to that, said Padgett, “It’s an easy way to make a business doing something we already enjoy.”

     Aside from their business, Heims volunteers with horse clinics offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. She also works with area 4-H and FFA youth, providing lessons as they prepare for the Horse Show at the Great Jones County Fair.

     They offer lessons and training for people of all ages. The gals are currently giving lessons for a 4-year-old all the way up to 40.

     “Even 60-year-olds,” suggested Heims. But, their typical range is from 9-12 years of age. They’ve seen clients come to Monticello from Cedar Rapids, Solon, and Greeley.

     You can bring your own horse in for lessons or use one of Heims and Padgett’s horses on hand.

     “People can pay to ride indoor when the weather is bad,” offered Heims.

     Right now, there are over 10 people seeking lessons through Rolling Hill Stable.

     “Some have set schedules,” explained Heims, “where they come almost every night.”

     Those who board their horses just come and go whenever it’s convenient fore them.

     The plan once the weather warms up is to replace the outdoor fencing, allowing riders to take their horses outside, and giving the horses natural sunlight.

     “Offering indoor and outdoor pasture space helps set us apart,” said Heims.

     “There are not too many all in one facilities like this,” said Padgett. “The nice thing about us is we offer boarding, training, and lessons all under the same roof.”

     Padgett said they’ve seen their riders gain confidence through their lessons, and learn to respect the horse.

     “It teaches them to be responsible and just have fun,” added Heims.

     Originally from Ohio, Heims moved to Monticello when met her now-husband. Aside from running Rolling Hill Stable, she also works at Scherrman’s Implement in town. Over the years, Heims worked for different horse trainers and was a veterinary technician.

     “It wasn’t actually until I got older that I was interested in horses,” she said.

     Padgett has been around horses all of her life.

     “I worked for Doug Jacobs in Scotch Grove and for a few other barns,” she said, “feeding and working for trainers.”

     She is a para-educator for the Anamosa School District.

     To learn more about all of the great opportunities offered through Rolling Hill Stable, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RollingHillStable/ or www.facebook.com/OnCourseHorseTraining/.