215 Henderson Road Shelbyville, TN 37160
EveningShadeFarm@Hughes.net
(931)685-9785
215 Henderson Road Shelbyville, TN 37160
EveningShadeFarm@Hughes.net
(931)685-9785
Customer Comments
One of the many great aspects of our lives with horses is the joy that comes from placing them in wonderful homes and with families who love them as much as we do. Few things are more gratifying than to hear how well they have fit into their new lives and how much they are loved, enjoyed, and appreciated. Many of our customers have bought more than one horse from us because they found that we did our best, first for our horse and then for them, to only place them in homes where the qualities desired and needed were matched by the horse's innate abilities. The comments below were not solicited from these wonderful people but just occasional notes sent to us by them in appreciation for connecting them to horse partners that fit their needs and wants while also living up to their expectations in a wonderful pleasure and trail riding companion.
 Chance does it all naturally shod and ridden... Another awesome family for any horse to enjoy... |
Hi David and Lisa, This is an
email that I should have sent long ago. Chance is such a WONDERFUL horse!!! We changed his name because one takes a chance buying off the internet. Michele and I have NO REGRETS.... We are continually getting compliments on how mature he is for his age. He doesn't act like a 3y/o out on the trail. The other day Michele rode him in an indoor arena and he performed wonderfully, as though he were showing off. We view your website weekly looking for our next addition. Thanks again... Brian and Michele M in VA 10/22/06 PS... Brian and Michele met Chance/Boss in person for the first time when he stepped off the trailer at his new home with them in VA. This is the situation in over half of the horses we place in new homes. Thanks for the faith... David & Lisa, Another update on Chance/Boss. You can add Olympic swimmer to Chance's resume' as we recently went on a weekend camping/trail ride and had an opportunity to go into a pond. Chance never hesitated. I led him in, climbed on bareback, and off we went walking and swimming. Thanks again for the great horse. Brian and Michele 9/03/07 David and Lisa, Another update on Chance. With only one other horse show under his saddle, Chance was the Reserve Grand Champion today. Beating out 5 other horses in the Non-Trotting classes. Chance receives numerous comment on how quickly he moves and how flashy he looks. Once again proving what a wonderful horse he is. Brian and Michele 3/29/08 |
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Dear David & Lisa, It has been
quite a while (3yrs) since Royal Clue came to San Antonio and I have nothing but good things to say about him. In my eyes RC is the best horse in the world. We make a perfect pair and I would not give him up for anything. Wherever I ride him people want to buy him & the answer is not just NO, but H- - - NO! RC will be with me forever. In fact I send them to your website. Tennessee Walkers are beginning to catch on down here, in fact, I have a neighbor who brought two with him down from Memphis. If you want to see something funny you should see three TWH's and my old Thoroughbred playing together. RC really impressed me last Sunday. We were at the barn my daughter trains at and there were several small children who wanted to ride. One little girl about 8y/o was watching her mother ride and upset that she was not able to ride as well. I put her on RC and gave her the reins, you should've seen the smile. RC was the perfect babysitter and let her guide him around the arena for over an hour until her mom was done riding. I'm really proud of him, his manners and disposition are wonderful, a real asset to the breed. Kelly's mom was equally impressed. As it turns out, Kelly was afraid of some horses until she got on RC, he does work magic. I've attached a couple of pictures of Royal Clue. As you can tell it was very wet. It has yet to hit 95 here. I saw that Shelbyville was 105 today, what's wrong with this picture. By the way, you've got me beat on dogs with 10 but I've got you on barn cats; 21 at last count and no mice or snakes. The cats stay. If RC is good with Moon Pies, how is RC with Moonshine? I had to ask that. Stay cool. Dennis M Head Picture Tack Picture |
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Hi
David and Lisa, Vigorator is doing great and really enjoying the
Florida sunshine. He came off the trailer and started eating green grass. He looks great and was very clean and shiny!!! He spent his first night in a stall and as soon as he got out immediately rolled in the dirt. He is very sweet and laid back...... ...Wanted to give you an update on Vigorator and let you know how well we're doing together. He has been great on the trail. He is everything you said and more. He and I have grown as one. We are on the trails every week and he still continues to teach me :) and is so forgiving to me learning how to ride while learning to find all his gaits. Vigor has all the true "Tennessee Walker" gaits. I attended a clinic this weekend and he was one of only two out of the nine that could do the Flat Walk/Running Walk. Vigor was also the most willing to work and please their owner/rider. Thank you again for the opportunity of having Vigor! Sincerely, Jackie S. in FL Reg. Papers Head Picture Tack Picture |
 Jerry has sent us numerous accounts of his many adventures with Hesper. I don't know how I have missed getting one on before. The way he relates them is so wonderfully heartwarming. I wish that he would publish them for all to enjoy as we have.  |
Dear David and Lisa, I hope that
you two are doing well. I know that you are busy, but I have a Hesper story that I must share with you. I will try to keep it from being a novel. Hesper and I have been connected in an amazing manner since the first time I laid eyes on him at your farm. (over 5 years ago). We are best friends and I feel utterly safe around him (and Blackjack- who is shy and very sweet) and on his back. If I did not know that he was a guardian for me before, I know it now. A while back I was riding in the woods near my home. I always ride bareback ( his full out gallop is such an amazing power ride...) It was dusk. We came around the corner of the woods to come across a very big man with wild hair and a long full beard looking at us. I could feel a shot of nerves come from Hesper into my gut. The man stopped short and told me what a magnificent horse I had. I thanked him and urged Hesper on, but he would not move. He arched his back in flight mode and stood stock still, sizing this man up. The man took a step towards us and Hesper who loves everyone, pawed and threatened to strike with his front hoof. I attempted to get off of Hesper to walk him forward. He continued to out-move me so that I could not possibly get off without falling. Wherever Hesper was going, he was determined that I was going along. The man backed up and gave us a wide berth. Hesper turned, ignoring my urges forward, and watched until the man was out of sight. I stroked his neck and we went home. I was only to find out later that this man lives on the other side of the 100 acres where I ride and is an alcoholic who suffers from acute schizophrenia and has very unpredictable episodes-- he is about twice my size. Thanks again for connecting us with two such amazing, intuitive creatures. PS. Hesper is to the point now where I can guide his move- ments completely with leg and body weight cues. I rarely even touch the bit. Jerry Sanders in TN |
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Hi David, I don't
plan on the daily update on Amber Sunrise!! BUT... just had to tell you that my husband rode him for the first time today. I'm telling you, this guy has NO horse knowledge and has ridden maybe three times in his life. So... in the midst of Bob asking how to hold the reins, how to make him "go", how to "steer", and how to make him stop, Sunny was an absolute gentleman. He quietly walked around trees while Bob learned to steer, came back quietly when Bob got him moving a little quick and didn't know what to do but say "whoa", and got into his gait well enough that Bob said "yeah, I like it when he goes like that". It was hilarious... and my husband loved it! This horse is exactly what you represented him to be, and I can't thank you enough. I would and will recommend you to anyone out there that is looking for a well cared for, well represented and sound horse. Feel free to use me as a reference any time. Thanks again... Monica F. in NC |
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Dear David and Lisa, I
know how busy you are but sometimes there is a story that must be told. Last week we had an unexpected storm which totally caught me off guard. No warnings of any kind with high rotating winds, lightning, hail, and flooding. Since I was unable to get the horses to the barn I had to watch them huddle together in the far corner of the pasture. When the rain got too bad I lost sight of them completely. After the storm ceased but swirling dark clouds still threatened, the lower end of our pasture flooded with water up to 4ft. plus deep. All 4 of my horses were stuck on a triangle of land just big enough to keep them out of the water. I ran to the barn and called for Iceman. He started through the water and stopped to play, roll, and get muddy. The mares and pony would not come to me even though I called them, but stayed with Iceman. Trucks were stopping by the road to watch and offer help. I finally yelled at Iceman to bring the horses (a new command). He started out, water almost covering his back with both mares and pony in tow. They ran in the barn to their stalls where they each got a flake of alfalfa hay and a good scraping to remove most of the dripping water. Obviously, they took the storm in stride as horses do but I know how dangerous hail and lightning can be. My only regret is that I didn't take my phone to get a movie of them crossing the water. Iceman is totally in charge of the herd and protects them. The fact that he responded to a new voice command in an unusual situation kept me from having to come and get him, as most horse would, truly shows the trust, intelligence, and love these great horses have for their owners. This is a true testimony to the wonderful training you give your horses in the early most critical stage of their lives. They all perform well under saddle, but, it's times like this when they perform beyond your expectations that you realize what a gem you have and the initial price you paid is insignificant to their actual worth. I've seen people chasing panicky horses in flood water again and again trying to get them to dry land and I walk around with the personal satisfaction that I can depend on Iceman. I am seriously considering getting search and rescue training with Iceman as he is truly a special guy. When people ask me where I purchased Iceman I send them to your website. You don't just raise and train horses to sell, you give your horses a complete mental and physical foundation for future owners to build upon to achieve their very own "perfect horse". Thank you. A big fan. Kathy L. in AL |
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Dear David and Lisa, I am
writing this to thank you for selling Ebby to me. She is everything you said she was and I am so pleased at how she has fit into our family here in Indiana. She learns so quickly where she should go and what stall she goes into. She gets along with our other horses and I am just so pleased. Thank you again. I hope other people will find out what a nice farm you have there in Shelbyville and how well you work and train your horses for pleasure riding. We have highly recommended you to all we have talked to about our buying experience. Mickey M. in IN |
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Hi David, I have meant to call
you several times, but time just slips away from me... wanted you to know that Smokey is doing great. He's really spread over winter and has a lot more body underneath him. We were able to ride off and on most of the winter and he was great. There couldn't be a nicer guy & with so much personality... he's a people horse and loves to be handled (given the TSC cookies you got him hooked on...). I'll get some pictures of him when we are out some this spring... He is breathtakingly gorgeous and always garners compliments when I have him out. I love the 2y/o filly you have on your web site and also your lovely new stallion. What's the filly's breeding and do you ever sell them before you spend a lot of time on them? She's awfully nice!! Take care and continue to produce the kind of horses you are well known for. Your excellent reputation is well-earned!! Lea V. in TN Body Picture1 2 3 4 Head Picture1 2 3 |
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Hi David and Lisa, It's
been two years now since I visited you and "fell in love" with Bo (ne Greed). I want to add my customer comments. He is such a terrific fellow. We have developed a wonderful partnership and he is indeed the fabulous trail horse that you predicted. Nothing frazzles him and we ride regularly throughout the mountains as well as in the arena. I am working toward showing him in some versatility classes. His gait is smooth as butter. His manners are close to impeccable. I continue to browse your website and think you have one of the finest selections of pleasure horses that I've seen. Thank you for my buddy. Kim K. in TN Head Picture Tack Picture |
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David and Lisa, It's been
a couple of years, but I just wanted to let you know how Chief, aka Joey, is doing. Well, let's just say he is the best trail horse we own. Each ride is better than the last. We went for a 25 mile trail ride at the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, NC. Our friend's 15 y/o daughter, Chris, rode Joey. She told us it was the BEST ride she ever had. Joey is always happy on the trail. NO issues, just ride! We truly love and adore him. Thanks again for the great horse. Sincerely, Sherry M in NC |
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Hi David, I wanted to let you
know we took Wind Dance to the state forest and he was perfect. We did some pretty tricky terrain and he took everything like a trooper. He just wants to please. I had him shod this morning and he was perfect. Yesterday I had my 7y/o nephew on him. He has also been the perfect horse to rebuild my mom's confidence. He's almost become to good to be true... Hi, Just wanted to give you another update about Dancer. He is the most wonderful horse we have ever owned. He literally does nothing wrong! We love him so much and are so grateful to you for matching him up with us! If you need any referrals feel free to give our name and number. And when the time comes for another horse I'll be calling you. I hope all is well. Beth M Beth decided that Society, aka Winchester,
would be a great partner to go Hi David, I just wanted you to know Winchester is
doing great!!! I've been |
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Greetings David, I took JD
riding yesterday. WOW! What a beautiful horse. I could not possibly be happier with this horse. He's starting to bond and is the sweetest horse I have ever seen. His ground manners are excellent as well. We walked in hand for about an hour yesterday on a 50' lead rope just grazing & basically screwing around in an open field. I spent about two hours in the saddle before and after our walkabout. That's about 2X longer than I've ever been in the saddle in the past. He is way too much fun to ride. I've really only walked and 2nd gear gaited him so far. I will be learning this stuff as I go & am in no hurry whatsoever. He's really cooperative & needs only the slightest hint of rein pressure to get the request. His brakes are excellent. All in all he is absolutely perfect for my personal desires in a horse companion. This was an excellent match. You may be contacted by .... She is very interested in a gaited horse for trail work. She loves the way JD goes, acts, and looks. She ain't ever getting him, so her next best bet would be you. I hope you don't mind the referral. I will keep you posted on our progress... Glenn E |
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Hi David, I haven't spoken with
you in a while and I just wanted to let you know how awesome Jubi is. Today, I had friends over and had everyone from a 5y/o to a Grandma on him and he was PERFECT. Jubilee is a kind horse that just wants to please and the longer I own him (over three years now) and ride him with other horses in all different kinds of terrain, the more I have grown to appreciate just how awesome he is. I always received comments on his looks, manners, and way of moving. I feel like sometimes I need to put a "NOT FOR SALE" sign on him because he attracts a lot of attention and we have been asked many times if we would consider selling him. We love Jubi and he will be with our family for the rest of his life. If and when we are in the market for another horse, it will come from you. The Browns in CA Head Picture Tack Picture |
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Hi David and Lisa, just wanted
to let you know that both T-Bird and Pepper did 30mile endurance rides this past weekend in SC. I rode T-Bird Saturday- our ride was actually almost 32miles but counts as 30- he was super. We rode the first 15mile loop a little too slowly since I had no idea what I was doing, but the second loop was better. He recovered quickly, ate and drank well, and passed the vet checks fine. What a great horse! Everyone was saying how nice he is and what a pretty horse etc. "Mr T", (that's what I call him more than T-Bird) was great and we'll do another ride. Pius rode Pepper yesterday and got an official completion... his ride times were faster so he had some time at end which we needed. Both boys were so good. What great horses. We'll try Conor in a ride... Anyway, thanks for the super horses. They were stand-outs the whole weekend. Mary and Pius G. in NC |
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Both Jazz and Woody have been
great additions to our farm. Last weekend we went out on a family ride (all six horses). This was one of those days that makes it all worthwhile. Looking at my whole family plus one friend horse- back at the same time brings a smile to my face.... I must tell you that Woody has attitude and stepped right up with Big Spit. My 12y/o now loves riding with me. That little horse can really move out.... Big Spit has really matured and is unbelievable. I ride him at least twice a week and he is the best horse I have ever had. Sometimes I decide to ride one of the other horses but change my mind when Big walks up to me even before I try to catch another horse.... I've only ridden Jazz only about six times as my 15y/o rides him all the time... You know your horses and please use me for a reference. Just make sure you stay in business as I do not plan to buy a horse from anyone but you. Don S. |
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Hi Dave, Just a note to let you
know I rode Al last Saturday and haven't been on him since last November. He was a PERFECT GENTLEMAN. I got on him and he just stood there and I waited for a hump in his back but nothing, so I asked him to to move forward and just went along and he never put an ear back or anything. We rode down the road because the fields are so muddy and still some snow. We gaited along for a while and boy did I wish for my cell phone so I could call YOU and say listen to this... traffic no problem... noisy tractor trailers NO PROBLEM... What a great way to start off the new year... If this isn't a selling ad for your horses then I don't know what is. Hope all is well... BEV and AL in NY |
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Greetings from Virginia! I thought I would let you know how wonderful Uno Poncho is. We did our first show this weekend and the judge just raved about how smooth he was. Also your claims about his loading were understated! There were several envious people oohing and aahing about how easily he loaded! He's doing great. We have done trails all around the area. As to spook-free, even trains and whistles didn't bother him! He is perfect! I couldn't ask for a better horse. Thank you for letting me buy him. Ellen H. |
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Just wanted to give you an
update on how great Domino is doing. He's been in the pasture with 8 other geldings since Monday with no problems at all. I have been walking/grooming/spending time with him every day. I had been walking up to him in the pasture and he'd wait patiently for me to put on his halter but today when I got within 50 feet of him, he saw me and just walked right over. I rode him for my lesson again last Weds. As you know, he backs very easily. Annette also had us practice "disengaging hindquarters" and she is very impressed with all you have taught him. We rode today for 1/2hr in the outside arena. This was his first time and he was excellent. I can't thank you enough for the great job you have both done with him. He is truly a dream & I couldn't begin to say enough good things about him. I have heard many 1st time buyer horror stories and had been told by many people that it would be very difficult for me to find a good horse. Well they were right - - I didn't find a good horse - - I found a GREAT friend. Please feel free to use my name as a reference. You and Lisa are the BEST! Diane S. in NC |
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It's been 3 years (6/03) since G
came to Connecticut and just when I think our relationship can't get any better, it does. G is without a doubt one of the most intelligent, willing horses I've ever had the pleasure to deal with. He has the heart of a lion and the soul of a lamb. We are continuing our Parelli games but have added cross training in dressage which has helped his physique....he is using his hind end even more, and in turn his running walk is smoother than ever. However, our first love remains the trail... G's been a great teacher and I have learned more with him in 2 1/2 years than in all my years of riding I think we make a great team, and I hope you know he has found his lifetime home with us. But it's only a matter of time now before he comes home once again when we move to Tennessee which means you and Lisa better get ready to ride as we will be knocking on your door. Thanks again for the pleasure of G's company. I hope you and your family have a happy holiday... Kate T. All we can say Kate and Zeke is "Come on down". We're waiting on you. |
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Hope things are well with you
and yours. I thought you might enjoy seeing some pictures of Sassy out in her first Oklahoma snow. She has really done some growing and filling out over the first year with us. Regardless of how big she gets she'll always be my baby! We ride her at least three times a week and try to expose her to as many new things as possible. We trail ride her 2-3 times a month.... I can't thank you enough for the joy you have brought to my life and to my sons. My fiancee' swears Sassy is the most spoiled horse he has ever seen but as usual, he helps with the spoiling. My trainer adores her. I wish you continued success, good health, and prosperity. Lynne Z. |
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It's Valerie C. here. I
purchased Waldo from you 2 years ago (Sept '03) and I just wanted to drop you a line and thank you again for selling me such a wonderful horse. Waldo and I have been competing in CTR over the last 2yrs and we are really getting good at it! All the credit goes to Waldo. This year we have entered 5 rides and placed 1st or 2nd each time out and there have been 25-40 horses going 12-16 miles. Waldo is awesome on the trails and has never been lame or had points deducted for any kind of medical problem. The ride vets love him. He really excels on the hilly rides and I attribute that to his time with you in Tennessee hills and the great TWH breed. I am so lucky own such a perfect horse and am reminded each time I see other folks having to struggle with bad-behaved and/or lame horses. Waldo has been to visit the kindergarten and 1st graders at my children's school 4 times over the last two years and the entire school know who he is. Thank you, thank you, thank you for selling me such a wonderful equine partner. Of course, now I want one more so my husband and kids can ride with me. I'll see you next spring... Spring came and Grand Slam now has a new and wonderful home.... Hi David and Lisa, We took Grand Slam on his first Ohio trail ride today and he was awesome. Craig is totally in love with this horse and calls him "Mr. Perfecto". Thanks again for the wonderful day of riding and the "perfect" horse you sold us.... I wanted to give you an update on Grand Slam. We were in our first competitive trail ride 2 wks ago and he placed 6th out of 10. I was so proud of him! My daughter Haley took 1st on Waldo. She'll be my toughest competition all summer! Our whole family is enjoying Grand Slam and Craig is a little reluctant to let anyone else ride him (even me!). Thanks again for our two great horses. Have a great summer. Valerie |
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Smokey has arrived safely at his
new home in North Carolina. I have had so many compliments on him since he arrived. I have taken him for a couple of trail rides here on the farm and he has been a perfect gentleman. We saw wild turkey, a herd of deer, and he only pointed his ears in their direction. I had him reset on Thursday and his gait is not as pacey and he doesn't "click" any more. He could not be a better horse. Needless to say, I am very pleased with my purchase and he is exactly what you represented him to be. I will see you during the Celebration.... Thanks again. Ernie W. Added note... Ernie also later purchased Big Shot to go along with Smokey... |
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Hi. I left a longwinded message
today on your answering machine about how wonderful Molly an JT are and how I've already fallen in love with them. I do have some questions about saddles. We have someone coming tonight to fit both, but can you share some saddle sizing specifics for each horse with us? (I never knew what a science it is to fit a horse) We'd love to have any and all details. They both seem to have been so very well taken care of and I'd hate to provide any substandard care or equipment for them. Thanks. Kim and Scott S. in NJ |
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Max arrived today and is
awesome. I checked on him throughout the day. He came to me whenever I asked. I bragged about Max's condition and his beautiful tail to the farrier, who said you probably use Show Sheen. He was right. I really appreciate all your help David. My buying experience with you has been a pleasurable one and I'm sure I will be sending business your way but will only recommend you to those that I know will take good care of their horses as I know you and I would want. Max is a true dream. Thanks again. Melody S. in MO Added note... Melody has since purchased Silver and Joker to join Max... |
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We just wanted to give you an
update on Waterloo, she is doing great. We went on a trail ride the weekend of May 14-15-16. Everything went really well. Waterloo was excellent. There is so much that we want to tell that we don't know where to start.... Waterloo really loves Oatmeal Raisin cookies.... Waterloo was a very quiet camping companion. She didn't mind being tied to the trailer. There were 150 riders and a 2500 acres ranch with several miles of river frontage. On one steep incline I was nervous but she did it just fine. She was admired by numerous people and recognized as a TWH. She is very smooth and I believe she has a lot to teach me about her gaits and seems to be very patient with me. Joe and I feel that we have got the perfect horse. She and JoJo get along really well and we can't wait for our next ride. Denise S. |
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Everyone is doing great! I have
been riding both girls at least every other day and usually every day. I know what you mean about the overstride on Annie. You can almost get seasick with her walk..... I just love, absolutely love Bamboozled's personality. She is just like a big teddy bear. Always wanting a hug. I have decided not to breed them this coming spring. I think I will enjoy them as trail horses for at least the next 2 years and then, possibly then, breed them. However, that is not their main purpose. I want them as my personal riding mares. I love their size, their spirit, and Bam's lovely running walk. I do appreciate the time and the job you put into them. I think that they are wonderful and I am very, very pleased. I could not have asked for nicer horses. Thank you very much from the bottom of my heart. I really like what Champagne Lookout throws. He must be an outstanding stud. Micki H. in IN |
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Hi there. Just had to let you
know we had a wonderful riding day. Great weather (81 degrees and sunny) wonderful conditions- dry grassy trail, and had an absolutely perfect ride. Both Dave and I had a blast and I think the horses enjoyed themselves as well... at least I know they liked the treats. I got to gait, canter, walk, go up hill and down hill..... aahhh what a day!!!! YEAH!!!! What a funny boy Sundance is. He got to meet other horses on the trail, saw some traffic over the horizon, rode around a lake, and grazed in the picnic area. He's my buddy and the perfect horse for me. What a day, I am sure the horses will sleep well tonight. Hope all is well with you. Jacqueline H. |
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I just wanted to tell you
how much I love Ringo. He is such a great horse and I enjoy him so much. The pictures are from a ride we took with 13 other riders on an old Civil War fort. This was Ringo's first ride with "strange" horses --- he'd only ridden with ours. He was GREAT! Everyone was truly astonished that a 3y/o horse could be so good. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. Jeanine and Jon C. in NM |
