Thank you so much for bringing Starlight and I together! I've bought horses in Germany and the U.S. and I can say that this has been the BEST experience I've ever had buying a horse. You were tremendously straightforward and responsive to work with which made buying him a breeze. My trainer and I agreed today that the "leap of faith" of buying a 3-year-old Grand-Prix prospect over the internet landed me the perfect horse! He has a lovely temperament, is VERY well-behaved under saddle and drop-dead gorgeous. It would have cost me thousands just to go looking for a horse like him. I will DEFINITELY come to HW Farms FIRST the next time I'm looking for a horse and I STRONGLY recommend HW Farms to anyone seriously looking for a dressage partner at any level. Irene - you ROCK!!

This e-mail just arrived from FRANCE!!! So yes, we are internationally successful!

Just a short mail to tell you that Sammy (Special Edition) has done his first show with me. He has win his 2 tests (FEI YOUNG HORSE Preliminary and Final Dressage Test for 5-year old horses) with the great note of 75,4 %!! I m very happy with him, he is a very very very lovely horse. Normally ( If our next two competitions are so good...) we should participate to the international dressage show of Vierzon. Fingers crossed!! I send you 2 pictures of us during the test. Have a good day, chat latter Sandrine

He tries his heart out for me. He is ridden by me, an adult amateur, so he is only shown at training level so far. My trainer, Catherine, is working on second level stuff with him. He is athletic and talented. I think he'll move up the levels fast and take me with him!

Thanks Irene for finding my equine soul mate! I'll keep you informed about our progress over time :)

Best, Kelly

Below, she shows off with that aforementioned 'bus' born spring 2008: Habanero SQF!

Isn't she GORGEOUS?!!!! And she is a DREAM to ride. Huge gaits. WOW, we cover a LOT
of ground (but she is NOT 'rushy'). Spirited, but not looney. Has her own opinion, but is very
proud of herself when she is a good girl. Loves attention, and likes to work.

Did I mention that I LOVE to ride this mare?

DANCE AWAY HW IS FOR SALE, check SALES SITE or follow the link, here is some new info:

Hi Irene,

Here are some pic's from my first outing with Dancer (Dance Away HW). I took him to a clinic in Mississippi, followed by a show. He loaded and hauled to the show without incident. He got off the trailer, and immediately relaxed. I put him in the stall and he was instantly at home. He went to nibbling hay and eating right away. My ride was scheduled about an hour from the time we got there. I only had time to walk him around the huge/busy indoor once, then get some of the mud cleaned off and tack up before my clinic ride. I got right on him with no lunging first, as he just didn't need it. He was totally relaxed, and I let him walk on a long rein for about 10 minutes before starting our ride. The clinician and many other people there commented on how beautiful he is. It made me feel like a princess to be on such an adored horse. He went right to work in his lesson, and the clinician was impressed with his focus, work ethic and desire to please. I couldn't have been more proud of him.

The following day, he came out the same way. Relaxed and ready to work. He warmed up super for his test and I was feeling quite confident. Unfortunately, the judge was a half hour late, and we were the first ride, so I ended up being on him for more than an hour before the judge finally showed up. Despite this, he performed quite well. He was focused and relaxed for the test. He scored 7's on both of his simple changes, which I think are the hardest part of that test, since they are on a diagonal line.

I have to say that I am super excited to know that he travels so well and that he was such a good performer in a busy atmosphere. He didn't spook, or put a hoof wrong, the entire weekend.

I am really looking forward to taking him more places!

Amanda

Hello Irene and Tanja,

Everything is fantastic with Sammy (Special Edition). He is on form and very excited by his new environment. He has already well understood that I was going to be his " new mom "; when my horse Kassander demands carrots by calling me, Sammy (Special Edition) also makes the same.
He is really beautiful. Last weekend, I quite spent time with him in stables to spoil him. I have bought from him a very beautiful net in its size and some affairs for him which missed me.
We had our first particular lesson with Marina on Friday and Saturday. He has worked very well. On Sunday I went in forest with him to walk. On Monday and Tuesday are his days off when he goes to the meadow.
I am very happy and I plan well to send you regularly news and photos.

Thanks for all Best regards Sandrine and Sammy (Special Edition)

I love my new horse!! After a frustrating 2 years of looking for the perfect horse, I came across Real Love (I am calling him Ralli) on your website. He looked quite nice, but I have learned that videos can sometimes give misleading representations. After talking to you at length about the types of horses you select for sale, I felt reassured about the quality. I called many of your former buyers and was further reassured by glowing endorsements from everyone. Even though I still had some hesitation about buying a horse unseen, I realized I had no luck finding anything suitable over the past two years. I have had Real Love now for 3 weeks and he is even better than I dared hope. He is quiet, sensible, and very well mannered, both on the ground and under saddle-especially for a four year old. His temperament is excellent and commented on by my trainer and everyone who sees him. And, his gaits are, again, even better that I expected. I could not be happier with my decision and when I am again looking for a horse, I will call you first!

Thanks again, Suzan

Good Luck and Congratulations! Carmen

Christmas arrived early at Hickory Hill! My feet have not yet touched the ground. When Quickstep HW and SPS High Princess came off the transport it took my breath away. I must say purchasing two horses sight unseen also took my husbands breath away. I had to assure him that the quality of horses you represent are known to be top in the country. He is now a believer! I was sold on Quickstep HW after seeing his video and talking with you. What a great young prospect. After watching the five year old Selten HW win the Young Horse Championship I knew I had to have his mother. SPS High Princess is absolutely stunning. Selten HW is a carbon copy of his mother. Her gaits and presence are spectacular. She certainly has kept her figure through all those pregnancies. The arrangement of Mr. Book for transport and Dr. Hudson for vetting was greatly appreciated. Mr. Book kept in touch throughout the trip. The horses were not stressed and looked happy upon arrival. The whole process from sales agreement, to bank transfer, to vet contact, to shipping was done so efficiently. I cannot believe my two purchases are already standing in my barn. You made this process pleasant and easy. I thank you. Irene, you are known as one of the greatest contributors to setting the standard of quality through breeding and importing young prospects we need in the United States. Our future is now and it looks bright.

Thanks for everything. Judi

Thanks for your congratulations about the Championships! Hudson gave his all, he could not have been more cooperative. I have some pictures coming from Mary Phelps and will e-mail one to you as soon as I receive them. Hudson was a joy to ride and he handled all of the pressure and atmosphere like a professional. He has learned so much about horse show life in a few short weeks. Hard to believe that he just arrived 12 weeks ago from Germany. We are looking forward to the 6 year old test next year! Big congratulations to you for Selten HW!!! I saw Judi at the Finals and they are very excited about Quickstep HW!

Have a wonderful day! Nancy

Thank you! Sincerely, Hewan

Picasso HW is doing very well. He is in 'half training' with my trainer, and I ride him 3 times a week. We are progressing well! I have decided not to show him until next season as I want to hit the show circuit with a bang! I have been showing my little Haflinger this year. My Haflinger and I got high
point of the day at a local show! Picasso is training at second level or so. He is very sweet, willing and talented! I was going to have my trainer show him, but that would require I have him live with her and have him in full training. I LOVE having him at home and I trailer him in 3 times a week for training and my lesson. I am so very happy with him. He is perfect for me. He is very bonded to me and really trusts me. I guess what I am trying to say is that he is very special and I am thrilled with him.

Thank you, thank you! Wendi

Hudson just continues to show what a wonderful horse he is. He has qualified for the 5 year old division of the Young Horse championships in August. He only had 2 shows to get qualified since he arrived just 8 weeks ago but he did it. His scores have improved each time out. Last weekend he had an 8.14, his best so far. He is such a team player and is getting seasoned very quickly. Of course he has a big fan club already. The best comment so far from a spectator is, " I am dehydrated from drooling over this horse!"

I look forward to his continued improvement in the next few weeks and feel that he will hit his full stride just in time for the championships. His stable mate, Royal Waltz, will also be competing in the 6 year old division. Please let his former owner and rider know that he is making quite an impression and has a wonderful home here in the States.

Have a wonderful day! Nancy

Rising Sun (Rivita) and I won the Usdf silver medal!!!

Nancy

Thanks for asking about Hudson! He has adjusted very well and I took him to his first show this past weekend. He was entered in the FEI test for 5 yr olds and placed 2nd in the Preliminary and 1st in the Final with a 7.5. They loved his gaits. He is a bit of a tourist, the world is so new for him, he wants to see everything all at once. He was very well behaved, lovely character, easy to handle, he just needs more competition experience. He will go to one more show in 3 weeks and if he qualifies, to the Young Horse Championships in August.

He has a fan club already for his elegant way of going and lovely temperament. I am enjoying watching him learn about the world. Will keep you posted on his progress!

Hope all is well with you, Nancy

Unfortunately, I can't buy at this time but keep me on your mailing list. I just wanted you to know that I don't see many fun looking horses on these websites but yours looks like he is.

Sincerely, Catherine

I would encourage anyone to contact you when looking for a horse, and hope to do business with you in the future.

Amy

Just wanted you to know that Solitaire HW went to his fist show (recognized) in Tennessee recently. He received two 75 percents and won both of his classes at training level. The weather was terribly stormy and right after one of the classes, they stopped the show because of lightening. He was a wonderful boy receiving 8's on gaits and getting comments like "three very good gaits for dressage". He also received the high point Westphalian horse award. And he is only four just now. Thanks again for selling me such a talented and sane young horse. Take care. Lisa

Thank-you
Nicole

Can you tell I just LOVE her?!! :)  
Hope all is well down there with you and your family and ponies! 
Kris

Stepmaster HW aka Baby O was super fantastic with Steffen Peters.  Steffen rode him and loved him – with a sweet smile he said “he’s quite nice”.  I rode him afterward and I just continue to be amazed by this absolutely unbelievable horse.  He’s so much more than I ever thought he would be!  Thanks again. Linda

Stepmaster HW with Steffen Peters

Thank you so much for making this possible!

From the moment "First Friend" (we now call him Frankie) arrived, I was smitten. When we arrived to pick him up at the airport quarantine, we heard from the staff how impressed they were with him - tall dark, and handsome. Then when they brought him out, my trainer, Peggy Klump's, first comment was "he's absolutely stunning". He looked around a bit and then got right into the trailer. He took it all in stride. Since then, Frankie has been an absolute joy to be around. He is incredibly sweet and easy to work with and has made many new friends - both humans and horses! He has obviously been treated well throughout his life, and I credit his previous owners with raising a wonderfully loving boy.

Frankie also has terrific gaits, a very even temperment, and is learning very quicky. I am really looking forward to riding him this summer. I'll definitely keep you posted on his progress.

Irene, thank you so much again for making this purchase possible!

Take care, Jennifer

I was excited to see Royal HW on the internet, especially since he had just been imported a week prior to my seeing his ad and U.S. vets had seen his x-rays and approved. He was in Florida and so was my trainer, so I asked her to go and take a look at him for me. My trainer liked him, Irene and her husband were kind enough to drive him to the east coast of Fla. so my vet could pre-purchase him, and I bought him sight unseen!

A short time later I flew to Fla. to see Royal HW. He is adorable and so sweet. He is only three but he is so sane. He has yet to put a foot out of place and is very easy to work around.

I had a very good experience with Irene. The horse was 'as advertised' and the purchase went extremely smoothly. I especially liked the fact that she has U.S. vets look at the x-rays of the horses she imports. That way, one does not have to waste their time like I did, shopping in Europe, only to find the horse will not pass the pre-purchase exam.

Wish I had seen the ad sooner! Pat

Hi, Irene,

just delivered Jan Ebeling to the airport!  Wow - what a fantastic weekend - exhausting but a really good exhausting.  I just couldn't wait to tell you Jan's comments about Baby O (Stepmaster HW)!  I asked Jan to ride him to "get the feel of him".  Of course, Jan agreed.  It was unbelievable to see Baby O with Jan on him.  So amazing.  When Jan was done he said "what a fantastic young horse"  "great gaits, fantastic looking and a super brain! I really really like him!"  Then of course he had to know all he details of his breeding and of course you!  The second day, Jan rode him again and it was even more amazing.  He worked on basics, forward going, trot and canter and then cantered into the corner and popped the most amazing flying change!  Totally balanced, clean, through and just like he'd done them a thousand times!  Jan said "what a smart horse".

 Of course, I was beyond thrilled and Jan said the best thing to me "with your level of riding and this amazing horse, this is a perfect match! You are going to do really really well with this guy"

 So I'm thanking you once again and I am euphoric.  The horse is just simply perfect and amazing

Also, we are bringing Jan Ebeling in for clinics and he checked him out and thought he was outstanding. Lots of the people at the show kept looking at Step and then would casually ask if I had a new horse! DA!! They were all very impressed. Steffen Peters is coming in for a clinic with Dawna, my trainer and my 2 horses. Actually Steffen likes to come to Las Vegas so he flies in in the morning does 5 rides and goes to enjoy LV and comes to the barn in the am and does 5 more and flies home that afternoon. So he scoped out Step and was very excited about him, he watched him being lunged and all. So it was a success in that he is just so level headed a real pleasure to be around.

Take care and talk to you soon, Linda

thank you so much for being at our first show. Sunny was a star. He got the highest score of the day, 71%, and 65% in his second test. Two blue ribbons our first time out and before a very well respected Judge in Joan Humphrey. I so appreciate you and Vivienne being there for me. You have been so supportive of our progress.

Your help is inmeasurable (if that is a word). Holly

Hi, Irene ,
Hannah is absolutely lovely and a joy to ride.  Mare performance test was indoor but Amanda graciously rode her for me in the outdoor where she is even more gorgeous in the full sunlight.  It was a pleasure to meet one of your super stars in person.

Hannahlea HW - Champion Mare AHS Inspections - Woodridge Farm October 8 scoring 8.5 Rideability on her Mare Performance Test.  Hannahlea is available for purchase. "It's a joy to ride this mare"

Check out http://Dressage.com --- center column :)  Updated your ad page, too.
Ky

Hope you are doing well! Riccie is fabulous, he is currently ranked fourth in the nation in the Amateur Owner 18-35 hunter division. This year he has qualified for all of the big national horse shows, Devon, PA National, Washington, and the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament! He is such a good boy and has been Champion or Reserve at most of my horse shows this year. I still cant believe he is only 6 years old, most of the horses he is competing against are a bit older and have been competing at this level for a couple of years. For his first year at this level he could not be doing any better, he has such a great brain and takes great care of me! I will send some pics soon! Also, I love Hannahlea HW, she is so nice!!

Talk with you soon! Joelle

I just wanted to let you know that I got a wonderful surprise yesterday. I found out that Faulkner was Third Level Open Champion of the Kentucky show that he attended a couple of weeks ago. It was his first time to show in a year, and his first time at this Level. I just wanted to take this time to thank-you once again for finding me such an amazing horse who is well on his way to being the FEI horse of my dreams!

THANK-YOU!!!!!

Amanda

Thanks! Alix

Congrats again,
Jill

Hi, Irene, congratulations on Selten HW - wow what a horse!  You should be very proud.

 Thought I'd let you know that my vet was here last Friday and went over Stepmaster HW.  He was thoroughly impressed by the horse.  Really liked him alot.  We trotted him, flexed him and I haven't seen my vet with a smile on is face on a flexion in a while!  In fast, usually the opposite.  But anyway, he and his business partner also saw him are thinking you have some good investment horses - so you may have picked up another client.

 I had hind shoes put on Stepmaster's front and hind feet.  His hind feet were chipping out and we were afraid that we would be in position where it would become more difficult to put shoes on, so we went ahead and put shoes on his hind feet and the farrier did quite a good job.  The shoer said "that is the nicest four year old I've seen in a very long while!"  So all is well, his feed program is in place with our vet and he is happy and looking good.  Congratulations again on Selten.