About US
natural horsemanship:
Operators, Kim and Dee Joyce, believe in Natural horsemanship. Kim states, "All our horses are trained with Natural Horsemanship. We believe the keys to training a horse is care, kindness, patience, and a lot of love. We train our horses so children can ride them. Even our barrel horses can be ridden on trails by adults or children."
"Safety is always a priority when riding. We abide by all Equine Safety standards as set by State laws and the NC Dept of Agriculture, including wearing riding helmets."
certifications:
Horse Riding Lessons-Kim and Dee Joyce
Horse Trainer-Dee Joyce
Farrier (on-site or travel directly to your location)-Dee Joyce
Equine Massage Therapist-Kim Joyce "LBMT#4322"
biography:
As published in the News and Observer Newspaper, 2005
Dee and Kim Joyce have always loved horses. Even as children, they spent every chance they could riding and working with them. Their dream was to open a facility that would cater to people like themselves. A few months ago, that dream became a reality with the opening of the Equestrian Center of Rockingham County.
Originally from the community of Ayersville, the couple and their two
children, Jessica 16, and Jesse, 12 moved to live on-site at the center.
Jesse is the winner of the 1-D Youth District '06, and Jessica is the winner
of the 2-D Youth District '06. "We are very committed to this place and felt that it was important to be
right here," says Kim.
Located in Stokesdale, the Equestrian Center offers a complete range of amenities for the horse lover. "We offer boarding, riding lessons, guided trail rides, barrel training, starting colts, shoeing, hayrides, birthday parties", Says Kim.
There are two spacious barns available for boarding. In addition to the barns, the center boasts a sanded 120' X 250' outdoor arena, 60' X 100' covered arena and 23 miles of scenic riding trails. The trails have given the area an excellent place for horse owners to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature. For those who don't have their own horses, the center has horses available for guided rides. Appointments are required for all rides and activities.
The center is also geared toward offering some very special equestrian-themed birthday parties. The parties are tailored to meet the needs and desires of specific age groups. For instance, the younger set might find it most enjoyable just to spend time petting the horses and riding them as the guides lead the horses around the arena. On the other hand, teens might find a guided trail ride more to their liking. And hayrides are always an option for any age group.
Since opening the center, Kim and Dee have made some major changes in their lives. Along with the move, Kim is now home schooling both children. Mornings are spent on class work and afternoons on chores such as cleaning stables and rubbing down the horses. Kim and Dee enjoy working together in this new career, as Kim says, "We wanted to go back to the values our grandparents taught us."
The equestrian center is part of a 600-acre wildlife preserve owned by Janet Dellosa and Jerry Helfrey. Their preserve started with 38 acres the couple purchased back in 1998. As time went along, the two were approached by other area residents who wanted to sell their land. Janet and Jerry have taken steps to ensure that the preserve will remain intact even when their gone. That's one of the reason's the equestrian center exists.
The plan is to have the preserve become self-supporting. Along with the equestrian center, the preserve has devoted several acres to its own nursery, A1 Growers. Managed by Trish Gigous, the nursery caters to wholesale and resale markets. In addition, the couple operates J & J Tree Farms to provide a renewal resource for the preserve.
The couple notes that the preserve is an ever growing project and that their vision is no where near complete. Their hope is to establish a resource that the entire community can enjoy. Not too long ago, work was completed on the Long House, a rustic community building that's being used for church services and other events. Future plans include the renovation of several tobacco barns located on the property. These barns would serve as primitive cabins for camping and at other times to handle artists and craftsman during art festivals that the couple hopes to host.
We are pleased to announce our 2007 Sponsors. A great Thank You to them all! They are:
Stuart's Auto Recycling, Inc. 336-344-1425
Barry Stuart 336-573-3051
Jeff Little Construction Co, Inc. Greensboro, 336-382-8185
Four Seasons Concrete 336-292-3812
Wite Wolf Custom Builders LLC Scott Murry 336-749-0736
House of Stars Ken Cecil, Robert "Pete" Beene, Darrell Boles, J.C. Weeks 336-548-2735, Fax 336-427-7372, toll Free 1-877-623-4700
For more information, contact us, or come by for a visit. "This is God's land."