Testimonials

"This is by far the best barn I have ever boarded my horse at. Fabulous indoor, wonderful people, NO barn drama!! Abby Gibbon is a fabulous trainer and MOST important, the care of my horse is second to none. I’m so happy here!" - Amy Gaynor
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"When I came to Fine Idea, I was immediately welcomed into the family with open arms. The community here is one of my favorite parts. We all help each other, show together, do fun things outside the barn together, and that makes going to the barn and riding even more enjoyable. The amenities at FIF, like the indoor arena, heated wash stall, temp controlled tack room with cleaning station, and beautiful stalls are just incredible, the barn is kept immaculate, and top local trainers come in for on-farm clinics every month. Abby is the most dedicated and thoughtful trainer i've ever had and I love how she cares so much about every rider's goals and does everything she can to help us get there. I never worry that my horse will be overlooked. Abby and the barn staff are always there and take care of everything. Highly recommend Fine Idea Farm!" -- Shira Rosenthal
"To say that Abby has completely improved my riding would be an understatement. Because of Abby's guidance and ability to tailor exercises that go straight to what the rider and horse need, my 25 yo mare, Teaspoon, has reversed aged and learned new dressage movements. In 2022, with Abby's instruction and coaching, Tsp and I qualified for and competed at Region 1 dressage championships in Lexington, VA, and Tsp was the oldest horse at the competition. Abby brings in top class, sought-after clinicians to her barn, is in the know about fantastic clinics in the Maryland area and, as a result, my education and improvement has accelerated even more. I cannot recommend Abby and Fine Idea Farm enough. See proof below!" -- Caitlin Parker
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"Our family has had two horses at Fine Idea Farm for five years now, and we truly feel at home. We love the level of attention and care our horses get, with clear communications from the barn management staff and trainer. We're consulted on every decision, but always given options and expert opinions. The staff and boarders are really like a family, with fun training and social events on a regular basis and there's frequently a whole contingent attending competitions! Training and improvement are definitely encouraged, but competitions are never pushed on us. We can't imagine moving anywhere else." -- Leslie Van Hasselt
"When I moved to Maryland in 2015 my homebred, Aedan, was restless and agitated, the initial boarding situation wasn't working for him. Then I heard about a new barn opening and after checking it out, I decided to move him to Fine Idea. He immediately settled in and we've been here ever since. With Abby we switched from hunter/jumpers to dressage and eventing. Through her patient tutelage we've moved up the levels and qualified for regional/national competitions. Not only is her training excellent, but Abby also organizes/facilitates training with a wide variety of clinicians either bringing them in or taking us offsite. Because of her encouragement, I've had the opportunity to ride with Jimmy Wofford, Sharon White, and JJ Tate, among others. On top of the training experience I have had at Fine Idea, Abby has worked with me to provide excellent care for my boy who has had some chronic health issues over the years which require careful management. Through Abby and Fine Idea Farm I have met so many wonderful people. Our barn family is simply the best." -- Brittany Riggle
Testimonials
“I have enjoyed boarding and training at Abby’s beautiful farm for over six years. Abby has created a friendly and supportive barn community and she is a positive and dedicated trainer who cares deeply about all the horses and students she works with.” -- Sally McFarlane
"I recently purchased 'Who’s Your Daddy- Addie' from Abby Gibbon at Fine Idea Farm. My first horse purchase in over 15 years due to the loss of my beloved mare Georgie. It was such an easy and pleasant experience viewing and ultimately making an offer for Addie and Addie is everything Abby said she was!" -- Kathy Glenn Bennett
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“Fine Idea Farm got me back into riding after a long break and introduced me to the world of eventing & dressage. Abby is a supportive and patient trainer who can meet you where you are, whether you’re doing Intro level or international. My confidence in the saddle is a million miles away from where I started thanks to her and the wonderful Fine Idea barn fam. The horses at FIF receive the best of care and when I have my own again, I will definitely be boarding here.” -- Maddy Hamill
"After just a few months at Fine Idea Farm and training with Abby Gibbon, I can honestly say we have found our “forever home.” The barn community is very welcoming and friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. Horse care is top notch and the barn is extremely well managed. Abby has a thoughtful and kind approach to training and has helped me to understand what my horse needs from me, so that we can work towards developing a true partnership. She is very patient and always takes time to answer questions and make sure I understand what we have worked on in our lessons. Abby offers opportunities for her students to grow and learn by regularly hosting a variety of clinics with outside trainers and equine professionals. I feel so fortunate to have connected with Abby and I know if my OTTB could speak he would thank me for bringing him to Fine Idea Farm." -- Christine Koch-Paiz
"I've only been boarding at Fine Idea Farm for a few months, but it's by far one of the best barns I've ever been at. The care of my horse is exceptional - the staff quickly notices if anything is not right and is proactive about informing me asap. Abby is a pleasure to work with as both a barn manager and trainer. And the boarders and staff are always positive and fun to talk with -absolutely no barn drama! Hoping it stays as one of the best kept secrets in the area!" -- Shari Packard