By Britney Grover
RAMM Fence and Stalls was born from a true need—a need Debbie Disbrow discovered because of her passion for horses. “At RAMM we strive to help equestrians with safer alternatives for both inside and outside of their horse barn—a one-stop shop for horse owners,” she said. “We created and manufacture our quality Flex Fencing, which is made specifically with horses in mind. 
Five types of Flex rail allow any custom configuration of fencing needed for a safer alternative fence to contain everything from minis to large horses.”
In addition to its unique signature fencing, RAMM offers solutions ranging from fencing to custom CAD-designed stalls and DIY kit stalls. Debbie and her family live in Northwest Ohio. “My family has been an integral part of RAMM,” she said. “Because I loved horses, they all grew up around them. They gave a lot to the building and cloth of what we do.”
Now, Debbie’s RAMM family also includes several dozen employees, all dedicated to helping clients create safe spaces for their horses. “Our team can work closely with you from the beginning to the end of your project, no matter how large or small it is,” Debbie said. “We help create the look, feel and dependability you need for your horses’ home with over 3,000 products.”
How did you become part of the horse world?
I was 5 when I begged my parents for a horse and they found Barnstorming Park Rental Horse, which fit the budget. That Pinto horse taught me to be a balanced rider—I didn’t have a saddle for some time. Not a structured start, but what a great way to learn to be a confident rider. Later I got into off-the-track Thoroughbreds. While I was boarding horses at our farm, my neighbor was boarding a hunter-jumper Thoroughbred that I fell in love with. He ended up being mine and was my heart horse. I couldn’t get enough of jumping. We competed at jumper shows and hunter trials, and we also foxhunted.
What is your involvement with horses now?
I have eight horses that live on our RAMM property: three minis and five horses. My horses are English pleasure and trail riders now, with a couple that drive. My love and passion for horses became our business. In trying to find balance between the two, business takes precedence.
When did you start your company and what gave you the idea?
Over 35 years ago, we needed fencing for our personal 21-acre horse farm. We purchased what we thought was a safer fence system, and later found out it didn’t hold up. After seeing how easy it was to make an expensive mistake, we saw the need clearly: other horse owners needed to learn there were safer alternatives and longer-lasting products for horses. My company humbly began with help from some girlfriends from our boarding barn. Our problem actually turned out to be an amazing opportunity that helped other horse owners in many positive ways.
How has your company and your role evolved over the years?
RAMM started because of a need and a belief to help other horse owners. I became a certified fence installer, made countless calls, measured farms in any weather, learned about advertising and did the bookkeeping. All the while, I was boarding 21 horses and taking care of a family. Today I’m blessed to be the CEO of over 40 employees that are dedicated to RAMM and serving the equine industry worldwide. Those humble beginnings make me appreciate where we are today.
What’s the best part about having an equestrian company?
Doing something that you’re truly passionate about, daily. Our horses are the common thread that brings us all together. We want to help other horse owners, and through our applications we hope they see and benefit from the driving force behind us.
What challenges do you face?
Building our brand. It’s so important to establish and keep. We want the heart of the company to be in all we do. Our sincere love and passion for safety with horses is poured into our fence and stalls that we make, along with helping customers with their horse farm projects. We work with our customers to help them understand how to avoid injury through better planning and proper products.
What great things have happened because of your business?
We have served so many people from well-known farms, famous riders and celebrities to small-pony owners. Additionally, we love hearing the good comments we get from our customers that their horses were spared from serious injury. We’ve had several customers tell us how their perimeter Flex fencing stopped cars from coming into the horses’ pastures or even hitting their barns. One recent customer was actually leaning against the Flex fence when very windy weather scared her horses and one horse ran into her. To make matters worse, a second horse ran into that one—and our customer was able to walk away unscathed. These are just a couple of examples of things we hear often.
What other things in the horse world have developed from your business?
Six years ago we created an equestrian lifestyle blog, Your Horse Farm, that has informative articles throughout the month. Additionally, five years ago we started a podcast called Late Night Riders geared toward all facets of equestrians and what they do. It has been a lot of fun to meet other passionate equestrians, and the podcast airs biweekly. We want to serve our customers and also give back to the community.
What are your goals for yourself and your business?
The vision is to be able to continue to grow and make this company a legacy for my family and the wonderful people that work at RAMM. If we don’t continue to better ourselves, we won’t go forward.
What advice would you give to other women considering entering the business world within the equestrian market?
Be ready to be tenacious, and know you will have to go further than you thought you could—because you can. Be open to opinions 
of others but ultimately you will be the decision-maker, so choose wisely, never stop educating yourself, and work with others that know more than you.
What’s the best thing about your life?
My faith, my family and friends, then everything else.
Best kept secret about what you do?
The little girl is still in me, begging for that next heart horse in that awesome barn.
For more information, visit rammfence.com and YourHorseFarm.com
Photos by Grant Beachy
