Hi Irene,
You'll probably remember I was the one who bought Chiccolino
off of you a couple years ago. I have always felt bad that I never gave
you a testimonial. We were just in the process of moving and I was
finishing school and things just seem to slip by. So after two years Chico
as he's known at the barn has been one of the best young horses I have
ever worked with. He has been competing second level this year and has
been getting scores in the high 60's low 70's we just competed in our
provincial championships and regional championships which he was open
champion for both. What's been really nice about training him, he is the
first 6yr old I have ever been able to go on vacation for two weeks come
back and go riding outside and he is just happy to work and never does
anything goofy or scary.
I hope all is going well!
Stephanie
|
Hi Irene, Don
is doing a fantastic job learning the basics. He has such a fantastic
mind and a tremendously willing attitude. We already knew his gaits were
outstanding. It’s like…..if he is a horse…..what were those other
animals I’ve been riding! I am so very happy with my decision to buy
him. He is so much more than I hoped for. Thanks a million
Becky
|
Hello Irene. Today I rode Stepmaster
HW for the first time! No lungeing, just got on. He is 4 of course
but he has a "10" brain. He constantly flicks his ears to
think about each little aid he is given and he really really wants to
please! His barn name is "O". The other barn name choices were
Romeo (because he is so sweet) or Stewart Little but O is his barn name
because the first time I saw him turned out, all I could say was
"OH". When I first saw him lungeing all I could say was OH.
And when I got on him today the first time the same thing came out of my
mouth. Amazing horse with rideability of a 10.
It has been an absolute pleasure buying this horse and
getting to know you. As I told you of previous horror stories, I could
only rely on your good word as to this horse. Everything you said was
true. He is a gentleman, quite a little pleaser and has fantastic
movement. Sitting his trot is easy. I'm 54 so that is a pleasure.
Anyway, thank you so very much for the World Cup in
April 2009, you must come see him! We'll have coffee and cakes and chat.
Linda
|
Finn (Fly
Away HW) and I are having a great time and I’m so in love with
him. I am so lucky to have found and purchased him, thank you!
We have been slowly showing, I’m taking it easy with him. We
recently had a really great show and got a 67% at training. He was
a very good boy! Anyway, I hope business is well for you. I
was just looking and
Hudson
on your website and think he is really cute!
Talk to you soon. Take care,
Yvonne
|
Hi Irene,
I’m sending along a
picture of Don
Stefano from the first time he was lunged by the master trainer,
Major Carlos Mancero. Don arrived about a month ago and is being
brought along slowly. Major remarked today that he seems totally
acclimated to our hot, humid Florida weather. Don is very fit and
developing good musculature.
We are pleased with him in every way. He is such a nice horse to
work with and so beautiful to watch work.
Irene, our entire experience with you, from beginning to end has been
absolutely great! We can not thank you enough. We will keep in
touch as Don progresses in his training and future show career.
Sincerely, Becky
|
Hi Irene,
I just wanted to send you a quick note and give you an update on our
girl. She has been such a pleasure to work with, and we still love
her more every day. I'd been on the fence about taking her with us
to the California circuit over the winter, and now she will definitely
go so we can get her out and going. Hope everything is going well
with you! Thank you again for our wonderful horse!!
Jeff, Shaun, and Daydream_HW
|
Thanks is not a big enough
word to express how I feel for the good job you have done with us.
Sincerely, Becky
|
Hi Irene,
I know you think we have dropped off the earth.....but
we haven't! We purchased Cameron
HW (out of Contendro)
from you 2 years ago....and somewhere in the process, we changed e-mail
servers.....so you had no way to contact me. Anyway.....wanted to give
you an update on Cameron.
He is now six. He did quite well his first
year.....then went through a "growth spurt"... and needed to
"figure out his body, etc". We took him to mostly local shows
and he did win end of year High Score for a series at one farm. We did
not want to push him....wanted to take it at HIS pace instead of ours.
We actually put him out to pasture for about 3 months.....and it was one
of the best things we could have done. We started him back up last fall
and he is very happy in his work. We have been to 3 USDF recognized
shows this year (showing Training Level) and has won numerous classes
with scores in the 70's and is frequently getting 8 on gaits. I keep
show results, etc updated on our website (with pictures)....so I will
give you the link.........On our farm page, the photo of the horse
looking out the window is Cameron. He is a happy boy and we are very
happy with him. We have just sent off to have him registered with the
American Hanoverian Society (for yearend award eligibility)....and have
submitted the name of Cameron OR Cameron
HW.
Just wanted to update you....
Cathy
|
Hi
Irene,
I
have been meaning to write with all my good news.
Dani
is
doing great. He had his first show debut in April right at our
barn. My trainer rode him and he was just perfect, both
in the warm up and his classes. He ended up winning both his
classes easily as well as overall high-point for the show with
a score of 77%. He won a fancy halter and a great pair of MDC
stirrups. The owner of MDC stirrups sponsors the prize of a
pair of these neat stirrups for the "75% club" for rides
of 75% or over at selected USDF shows. Two weeks later
my trainer took him to his first away show and he again won his
classes with scores above 70%. The weather was cold and windy,
and he was still a perfect gentleman...very steady and relaxed.
There was a 2 hour trailer ride to the show grounds. He
trailered beautifully, got off the trailer like he did this every
day, had an uneventful lunge in the round pen in his halter and lead
line, and then my trainer warmed up about 10 min under saddle before
going in to ride a wonderful test. He could not have been
better. He munched hay in the trailer all day while other
horses were showing, and trailered home and back the next day for a
repeat performance. He was happy and relaxed and seems to
really enjoy showing! In
May, I started riding him for my lessons and am having a blast.
The first night I rode him was a Tuesday night at 6:30 after
work. That night it was cold and windy. Up until that
night, he had only been ridden in the day, and always by my trainer.
He was relaxed and wonderful for her, and I hopped on and he was
just as good for me, and so easy and fun. In fact, it was
so easy and fun that I decided to show him 3 days later at a
USDF show at our barn. We got a 67+%, despite my rider
errors. I am totally hooked and in love and have been
loving every ride since. I usually ride 3 days a week, and my
trainer works with him the other days. We are entered for our
next show in 2 weeks....can't wait.
I
knew you would be happy and proud to hear what a great boy he is.
Please pass along the good news to his breeder. I am so
grateful to have such a fun, talented, easy, and well-behaved horse.
I know he is happy too.
|
Hi
Irene,
I am so excited to tell you that Sunny
(Sandjour Hit) had his show debut
yesterday in the 4 year old FEI
Young Horse class among some very stiff competition in
Gainesville
,
Florida
and the Summer Sizzler I. He got an overall score of
70% with an 8.5 on his walk and kudos from Judges
Sue
Madden Mandas and Nancy Harris as to his
future as a Dressage Horse Star. He was shown by
Maya Sniadecky
. Sunny just turned 4 in June and this was his very first out.
He now returns home to me to continue his schooling and prep for the 5
year old test next year. Thank you for sending me such a wonderful
and talented horse. Holly
|
From Nicole’s website:
"Falco" is a 6 year old
Westphalian by
Fürst
Heinrich,
who arrived this past weekend from Germany. He is a stunning 17
hands, and moves like NOTHING I have ever seen before. I am
absolutely thrilled to have him as one of my own competition horses,
and I look forward to getting to know him this summer. I think we
can really expect great things from him as he is as kind and gentle
as he is a thrill to watch move.
Enjoying his first day out in Canada. |
Hi Irene,
Hope you are doing well. I just wanted to update you on "Step
Up". He is doing really well. Currently, he is
in training with Sabine Rijssenbeek, a dutch FEI trainer.
Sabine recently moved to
Arizona
from
Holland
. We are so fortunate to have her talent in our area.
She appreciates Step
Up's wonderful breeding and attitude toward work. He is
progressing rapidly and it is a pleasure to ride and watch him
develop.
Sabine has a
client who is interested is purchasing a young horse. Sabine
is so pleased with Step
Up that she asked for your contact information. Soon, she
will be looking at your website for potential horses for her client.
Take care,
Kimberly |
We bought Daydream
HW from Irene at the end of February sight unseen. Having
never bought a horse without riding it, let alone never meeting it
at all could have been nerve-racking. This was not the case
dealing with Irene. She was so helpful and prompt with
absolutely everything. Daydream
HW is an absolutely amazing horse! She is everything Irene
promised and more! Having had her now for almost two months,
we are still looking for her flaw. We are so thrilled to have
found her and grateful to Irene for being such a fantastic
person to work with. I've bought a number of horses in
the past, and this was by far the best experience we've ever had
purchasing a horse. When the time comes to look for another
horse, Irene and HW Farm will definitely be the first call we make.
Thanks Irene!
Jeff and Shaun |
I
bought my first horse from Irene at HW Farm in December of 2007. I
was so pleased with my purchase I have since bought another horse from
her, and am in the process of buying a 3rd! Irene has a very good eye
for horses, and she represents them honestly. In fact, the horses I have
bought so far have actually exceeded my expectations. She knows the
horses well and their temperaments; for the first time I feel confident
I do not have to travel to try the horses myself. All 3 of my horses I
have purchased from their video and Irene's word.
Whatever you want to know, you can feel free to ask Irene and know you
are getting the truth. I also feel like the horses she has are
reasonably priced for what you are getting, and the prices include the
flight and quarantine. The horses I have bought through her have the
most amazing minds and personalities - I really adore riding them every
day. I even bought a 3 year old (which I seldom do) but he is so
sensible and has been started so well he is well above anything I have
seen in the US for sale at 4 or 5 years old.
Dealing with HW Farm and Irene is so easy. Communication is
excellent and once you have wired the funds, you pretty much just have
to wait for your new horse to arrive. It is all so simple. I would feel
100% confident recommending Irene to anyone looking to buy a horse;
whether it is a young horse or a schoolmaster. (I have bought both). I
absolutely love the two I have from her, and can not wait for my 3rd
horse to arrive.
|
Hi Irene!
Picasso is my work of art! I happened across his ad while I was
looking for a horse for a friend. When I saw Picasso, my heart
stopped and as I watched his videos, I felt a connection to him all
these miles away. I'm not sure what it was about him that I
resonated with. I watched other horse videos to see if I got that
same 'feeling' and I didn't. I can't explain it, but it was the
beginning of a journey I had not planned to take yet! When I
inquired about him and learned he was due to fly into the US the next
week, but I would not be able to fly across the country for 2-3 weeks to
ride him until he settled into the warm Florida weather, I was afraid
someone would snap him up while I was waiting. So............ I
bought him sight unseen! Everyone in my life, including my
trainer, thought I was nuts! Thank goodness I have a very
supportive husband!
When Picasso got off the semi at the barn, he was calm and interested in
his surroundings. The truck driver handed me the rope , smiled and
congratulated me. There I was, holding this huge magnificent animal and
we just stood and looked at each other. I petted his beautiful
white blaze and he allowed it as though he wanted me to touch him.
He settled right into his stall. The next day, when I went
to see him, he came up to me and laid his head against my chest while I
stroked his head and ears. I was almost moved to tears. I love his
sweet, calm personality. I can tell he was brought up with love
and kindness. He enjoys human attention and has no bad vices.
We let him settle in for the first couple of weeks with some light
lunging. My trainer has now ridden him and likes him under saddle. I was
so nervous for this first ride as it SHOULD have happened BEFORE I
bought him! I was worried she would say we shouldn't have
purchased him! She said he's a keeper! Picasso is beautiful to
watch and has a great work ethic. I will ride him for the first
time tomorrow and I'm very excited!
Irene, you were wonderful to work with. Always attentive, helpful
and cheerful. I know this is a business for you, but I can also
feel you passion for the care and well being of the horses you sell.
Nothing wrong with that! I wish there were more people like
you in the horse world. We have been burned by people injecting
horses who are lame before we came to see the horse, and those who just
plain lie about things. I appreciate your honesty. I wouldn't
hesitate to purchase another horse from you in the future (though I may
never need another!)
Wendi
|
Hi Irene,
We are just getting back from seeing Daydream
HW. She is even more gorgeous in person and SO sweet! Jeff and I
were both getting hugs. :) We are so excited about her and it is going
to be a long 10 days until she finally gets home! We are having her
exercised for 30 minutes a day every other day, so that she gets out and
hopefully doesn't lose too much muscle. We turned her out today in one
of their grassy paddocks and she had a ball doing canter laps and then
of course grazing. She followed Jeff around the paddock too, which he
loved and made him even more completely fall for her! :)
We both already adore her!!
We can't wait to go and see our girl tomorrow again. We are totally
hooked! :) I
can't tell you how thankful we are to have found such an amazing horse.
She's very special!
Thanks! Shaun
|
Picasso HW
arrived at Meadowgate tonight at about 10 pm stepping calmly off of the
huge semi rig. He's a lovely guy, personable but not too pushy and in
your face, wasn't spooked at all even though it was dark and he was in a
new place. He settled into his quarantine stall away from the other
horses with no fuss, drank, had a few bites of timothy, pooped, peed...
And of course, he's even more beautiful than he looked in the
video...
I really appreciate you being so attentive to Wendi during this whole
process.
Warm regards, Michele
|
Oh my
goodness....I rode the new boy (Prince
Charming) today. I had SO MUCH fun!!!!! I did some passage, piaffe
and some 4 time changes!!!! Considering I haven't ridden him before I
was pretty excited about it. I think he is going to be perfect for me -
he is sensitive but not too sensitive that he just does stuff on his
own. I can't wait to have a lesson on him. I am going to try and get
some video of him, which I will upload and let you know. He has such a
great personality so far.... He is fascinated by being outside and
watches all the other horses all day. I am not sure how much turnout
time he has ever had - he is very well behaved outside but like I said
is enthralled by watching the other horses. He has the strangest
ears..... it is like they are on sideways...lol. You can't tell when he
has them forward. I think it adds to his charm. I am pretty sure he is
going to be great at the horse shows. He is pretty mellow without being
"flat" if you know what I mean. As soon as I rode him I phoned
my husband gushing about how much fun it was. He was really happy for
me. The young girls who were watching me ride were hooting and clapping
every time we did a "trick"....lol. So far you have been 2 for
2 Irene. Well done!
|
Hi Irene,
All is well. Donna
Doria is doing great. She is with
my trainer right now and has been for a couple of months. Our barn
is almost finished so she'll be coming home in the next 2 mos. She
is still absolutely gorgeous; her gaits are incredible. Not that
they were ever bad but now she just swings BIG time! She just
looks very relaxed and happy with her work. I'll send pics
when I can. I'll also update you as her training progresses.
I will not push her; she is a bit sensitive and I think that if we
take our time with the basics and we gain her trust under saddle, she
will be phenomenal.
Take care, Jennifer
|
Well, I bought a horse
from HW Farms a few years ago. I have nothing but wonderful things to
say about Irene, and her associate, Michelle. They are the most ethical
and honest people I've encountered in the horse business. I can highly
recommend them to anyone looking for a top quality horse.
Beth
|
Hi Irene,
We are really enjoying
ourselves here in Deleon Springs. Suessa (Rivita)
is great. She is so rideable and sweet. Great training by Ulla. We love
her.
Nancy
|
I
bought a horse (Sandjour)
through Irene a year ago. He was everything I asked for and more. I
never anticipated importing a horse and certainly not sight unseen. I
ended up with a perfectly mannered coming 3 year old, who is beautiful
in every way and who clearly meets the criteria that I asked for pre
purchase. Not only that but Irene keeps in touch and continues to be
helpful whenever needed. With training issues, suggestions, support or
whatever. I couldn't be more supportive of her.
Holly
|
I bought a wonderful mare (Dahlia
HW) from Irene 2 years ago - Irene was super to deal with. She was
very prompt in communication and treats customers as customers -
something I found lacking when horse shopping. So many sellers are not
quick to respond to inquiries, or act like they are doing you a favor.
Shortly before I bought my horse from Irene, I was looking at a
2-year-old and the owner refused to send me any canter video! And she
wondered why she could not sell her horse!
I will say that when I bought my mare I was not
looking to import, but I had very specific requirements of bloodlines
and size, and after looking for months here I had not been able to find
what I wanted. When I was looking, a horse of this caliber would have
cost more here in the states.
I would and have recommended HWFarm
and Irene - good luck on your horse search!
|
I
just got back from out of town and met Prince
for the first time. He is absolutely gorgeous!!!!! I am just settling in
so I will email you later in the week.
Cheers Nicole
|
My name is
Erin
and I bought a 4 year old Hanoverian named Amerika
from HW Farm 4 years ago and had a WONDERFUL experience with them! They
represented Amerika absolutely honestly in
all regards and he has been a horse of a lifetime. His temperament truly
could not be more perfect, always wants to be in harmony and get along
with his rider. My friend/trainer, Amanda, bought her horse Faulkner
from Irene and another friend of mine has purchased two Florestan
offspring from Irene and all of us are just thrilled with the service
and honesty of HW Farms and the horses they represent. You will not be
disappointed.
|
Message regarding High
Quality HW:
Irene
, Hello, what an impressive animal. It is a treat to see such breeding.
Sincerely, Anne
|
Dear Irene
It was an absolute pleasure working with you... Your knowledge
and professionalism made the whole experience so positive and easy.
After numerous trips to Europe in search of a horse, I am so fortunate
to have found such an impeccably bred, outstanding stallion, right here
in the USA! Thanks to your excellent breeding program, I finally have a
gorgeous, black, world class horse who has it all... movement,
character, conformation, ride-ability, and bloodlines. Guenter (Seidel)
and I are very excited to start with Selten
HW, when he arrives this summer, in California. Thanks so much for
the opportunity to have this one in a million horse!
Sincerely, Elizabeth
|
Hi Irene,
Mozart
is getting along fine with the other horses and is very cute and
lovable. The weather here has been awful, when it isn't frozen it
rains and floods the ring. I have been trailering him to a friends
indoor a couple of days a
week but that isn't enough. I am going to be able to take
him to an indoor the month of March and April so I'm sure that will
help. He is unbelievable trailering he does have
that "been there done that " attitude.
I hope spring comes fast :-)
See ya
Rita
|
|
Hello Irene!
Here comes a report from
Sweden and Walk of
Fame. She is more than fantastic! I love this little mare, so sweet.
She is amazing to ride and
a very quick learner, she is everything I want from a dressage horse!!!!
Best regards, Liselotte
and Karl
|
Hi! Things are GREAT! We are definitely
learning to sit a BIG TROT with lots of ease and grace...attached is a
recent clinic that I attended and they were so impressed with Roman, his
appearance, his demeanor and thought he/we "looked" exactly as
a dressage pair should look....and can you believe it, our photo made
the front page of their Newsletter!!! He's won his classes in 4th
level 4th Test in Houston with Blue Ribbons...obviously with my trainer
aboard, so way trained better than myself and I'm learning everyday on
him! I can't thank you enough and would highly recommend any
amateur to purchase through you as your knowledge and expertise in
helping me pick out Roman was wonderful...not to mention he was of the
highest quality!
Thanks so much!
Bobbie
|
"I
recently purchased a 3 year old gelding (On
Top HW) from HorseSales LLC. I bought him from the video on the
website and had not ridden him; which is something I never do! Between
the video I had seen, and Irene answering all of my questions openly and
honestly, I decided to take a chance. My horse arrived on December 22,
2007 and he is everything Irene said he was and more! Temperament is
very important to me and I found him to be exactly as Irene described.
Dealing with Irene and getting the horse to the US was a pleasant and
easy task. Irene took care of everything for me and kept in contact
every step of the way.
I highly recommend buying a horse through HorseSales LLC and Irene.
Their honesty and professionalism is unparalleled. We are thrilled with
our new horse and expect great things of him in the future."
|
Hi,
Irene
!
Goody
is doing great, and quickly becoming one of my favorites!
Thank you for all your help!
Take care,
Petra
|
Hi
Irene,
A
quick update. Sorry it took so long. High
Quality HW is doing very well. He is getting more balanced in
his work. His canter is fabulous to ride. I am keeping the
work simple – transitions, serpentines and the like. He is big
and powerful, but mostly mellow. He loves people and their
attention and really likes to be ‘cuddled.’ Well can you
believe it is New Year’s eve? Happy Holidays, Mary
|
Hello
Irene –
Yes, Sansira
arrived. I apologize for not emailing you sooner, it’s been on
my list and I should’ve done it right away. It’s just that
I’m so busy running over to the stable several times a day! She
arrived on Saturday and Dwayne said she hauled well. Every time he
unloaded horses, he would open her box up until by the time she got here
she was in a big box stall. She could even lay down. They
said she was plump when she left Rigbie. She was probably in
perfect weight when she got here. I left her alone in her stall at
first and she drank lots and ate well that first night. She’s in
a private paddock beside some adoring boys whom she shamelessly flirts
with all day. I think she was pretty tired when she first got here,
because a girlfriend and I were leaning on her stall, talking about
horses and how lovely Sansira was, and Sansira laid down and went fast
to snoring sleep right at our feet. Very cute. Thursday we started
lunging. She is VERY forward and sensitive which I like. She
is flighty in the new surroundings but it comes with the hotter
temperament and I prefer that. I’ve ridden her a couple times
and am so pleased with her sensitivity and how hard she tries to please.
Every time I work with her she makes progress and she makes me laugh she
seems so proud of herself when she does something well and I gush over
her. She’s got so much personality and is such a kid. I
think she knew there was somebody at the end of all the planes trains
and automobiles waiting to love her because we are starting to bond so
quickly. I think her barn name will be Sara. It is an
elegant name for an elegant lady and that is her all over.
Thank-you
for everything Irene. Sansira
was worth the wait and I still have to pinch myself every once in a
while. I can’t believe I get to own and ride such a beautiful
horse.
Carolynne
|
Hey Irene!
Yes, I'm keeping Roman...he's
just wonderful and I'm learning to ride him well. Roman has
such big movements! Oh by the way...Catherine my trainer showed Roman
at Level 4, 3rd test and took the championship at the Houston Dressage
show in
Katy
,
Texas
in November! In fact, we've showed him 3 times now here in the
states and she's taken the "blue-ribbon" each and every time!
His lead-changes are awesome!
I'm telling every one I
know that you have a keen eye for great horses!
Thanks, Bobbie
|
Dear
Irene
~ "If only more people like you were every present in the
horsey world of sales".............you have my admiration and
naturally along with that comes my prayers for your business to
always prosper. Thank you for the opportunity
to have this contact over Magic
Man. Your the first renowned facility that I honestly feel can
be totally trusted in every way.
Yolanda
|
"Step Up"
is now called Drakkar (Drake) by his new family. His
brain in more valuable than 24 carat gold and his movement is icing
on the cake. Even at the early age of four, one can see and
feel the brilliance of his canter. He is a pleasure to own and
ride. Each day that I take him out of his box, he is eager and
willing to learn new lessons. Strong wind and rain don't
even deter his desire to please his rider. This horse makes no
excuses for not wanting to work; he thinks it's fun. His
sensitivity and intelligence make him the perfect partner. We
plan on Drake being a part of our family for the rest of his
life. Thank you for importing such an amazing gift.
Kimberly
|