TESTIMONIALS

North Farm Andalusians are proud to boast a bursting file of heart-warming testimonials, a few of which appear below. North Farm Andalusians are also proud to boast a very long list of clients who are more than happy to correspond with potential new clients to reassure them and discuss their own experiences of purchasing from us. For details, please ask. 30TH May, 2008 Hi Sheila,    We are getting on really well, she is more than I ever expected.Every one here loves her.  I think our bond is growing every day. I feel guilty leaving her in the field and walking away!! I feel really honoured to have such an amazing horse. We had a brilliant lesson yesterday. She picks things up so quickly and remembers them lesson to lesson so it seems we’re making progress really fast. I’m sure I’m the limiting factor in our relationship but she is making me really think about my riding. If she’s not going quite right it’s because I’m not riding her correctly and as there is such a dramatic difference when I get it right it’s helping me to ride better too. I’ve never known a horse as sensitive as her, we learnt last night how to half halt just by me leaning back slightly and she learnt it in just 2 trys. I can really see her thinking about what I’m asking and trying to please. I can’t thank you enough for introducing us. EMMA and “CAIA” Dear Sheila, Just a short note to say that after having seen your advert in Chiltern Thames rider and making contact with you and your horses my life underwent a dramatic change. I made it quite clear to you telephonically that I was not interested in buying a horse but simply wanted to view the breed – unlike like other dealings I have had – you welcomed me to your horses and your yard knowing full well what my intentions were, and I am assuming made no difference between myself and a person set on purchasing a horse. Having then driven 2 hours to come and have a look, I, needless to say, fell in love with the breed, spent 2 months, if not longer making a trip down to you 1 x a week and having a riding lesson with your instructor to give me confidence and allow me to get to know what they were like. I then fell in love with one of your stallions – and that was the beginning of the end – I had the husband and children down there and as you know – walked away the proud companion to the most amazing creature. It was a pleasure dealing with you, your honesty and integrity that you showed with me will be remembered and I have no hesitation in recommending you to various people with whom I have dealings now. Upon registering my horse with the Spanish Horse Society, I went through all the import/registration documents and to quote the feedback “All that Sheila has left for you to do is sign the forms and post them to us”. I have had not problems since the day I bought the horse, vetting was clean, horse great – I could not ask for more – in fact you even arranged the lorry for me – being the novice I was – thank you. Sheila, thank you for giving me Ventero and please stay just the person you are. My fondest regards JAUNE EVELEIGH (And Ventero) I was sceptical to say the least when I arrived at North Farm Andalusians in October 2005. My daughter had been communicating with Sheila for some time via e-mail and she had finally persuaded me to visit. The team at North Farm turned out to be the most genuine people I have ever known. They care about their horses and they care about their clients. We tried two of the horses and took a liking to Kasey; because of the distance we had travelled we stayed over night and came back the next day to hack him out. We were allowed to do what ever we wanted to do with him and all our questions were answered honestly. If we were going to buy Kasey there was no way he could remain a stallion as we only had one other horse at home and that was a mare. All options were discussed and explored, it was decided that he should have the operation at North Farm (after a successful vetting, also arranged by Sheila) and he should stay at livery long enough to get over the operation and back in to work, I knew from the beginning what the charges would be and there were no hidden extras. He stayed on 6 weeks, during which time we visited and were always made welcome, he was not well enough to work, so Iona was allowed to practice the pessoa work on the other horses. The care and attention he received during his recuperation was second to none, we were given loads of progress reports and lots of helpful advice and information by all the staff. Even a month after collecting him, we are still in contact and I believe that they are all genuinely interested in his progress and well-being. We have had one or two teething problems and Sheila is quick to respond with down to earth advice in answer to any queries or pleas for help that we have made. I can thoroughly recommend the North Farm experience to any one, if you are buying, then it is a completely pain free experience and if you are looking for livery, the people, facilities, cost, atmosphere, care and attention and setting are first class. Alison and Iona I fell in love with Ingenuo at the Spanish Breed show, and dared only to dream that I could own such a wonderful horse. His natural ability and movement had been carefully developed by Sheila and her team, whilst up most in their minds was always to make sure that he was a happy, well rounded horse that enjoyed his work. I could not get Ingenuo out of my mind and my mum and I decided to visit Sheila and her team at their yard. Everyone made us feel very welcome, answered all the questions and really made sure we got the most from our time. I was allowed to try Ingenuo out in all different circumstances, and felt that I was given the best opportunity to make the right decision for me, which was of course to buy him! What I have found so refreshing is the always honest, positive approach by Sheila and her team, and the ability to make what can be a very stressful and complicated process, both relaxed and easy. I would recommend that anyone looking to own this wonderful breed should contact Sheila, visit her very happy horses and see for themselves the wonderful service she provides. I would also recommend that you listen to your heart, and don’t let people who do not understand the breed influence your decision. Open your mind to these wonderful creatures, because they are the best teachers, and take the advice from Sheila and her team. Thank you Sheila and everyone at North Farm SARA North Farm Andalusians Eolo When, after twenty-five years of not riding or owning a horse, I took the plunge and bought some neighbouring land and started looking for my dream equine I soon realised that I had really set my heart on owning an Andalusian. I found Sheila’s website by accident and was instantly hooked. I spent hours looking at her beautiful horses and plucking up the courage to contact her. How could I, a mere middle-aged, ‘rusty’, insecure, mortal, ever do justice to such creatures as these? I need not have worried. Sheila replied immediately to my tentative email and assured me that I was no different to lots of people who contacted her. She took all my concerns on board and suggested I might like to visit. There was no pressure but she did send pictures of a horse she thought might suit me. The pictures and Sheila’s kindness inspired me to take a day off work, grab my twenty-year-old daughter for moral support and make the four-hour journey to Wiltshire. We were both made instantly welcome, plied with tea and coffee and introduced to Eolo. He was everything I had dreamed of, a stunning dapple-grey who had been washed and brushed to within an inch of his life for my arrival! I think it was love at first sight. Knowing I was nervous, Louise rode him first whilst I watched and then it was my turn. I think Eolo knew how I was feeling because, as Sheila commented, he went into ‘ look after the rider’ mode! All the time I was riding him Sheila and Louise made helpful suggestions and made me feel increasingly confident. Afterwards, I was allowed to groom him and ask Sheila any questions. Nothing was too much trouble. I left to spend the weekend making up my mind. Aside from the fact that he would have to be gelded, as my next door neighbour breeds Highland ponies and I didn’t think she would appreciate a Highland/Andalusian cross, I had no stables ready, a minor detail! However, Sheila made me confident that all difficulties could be overcome, including travelling down as often as possible to visit, have lessons and get to know Eolo. In fact, she has made the whole process so simple, from vetting and castrating (the aftercare Eolo received was amazing) to paperwork, livery and lessons that my daughter, Ellie, and I really look forward to our visits and we are now looking to buy a second horse from Sheila to keep Eolo company and for Ellie to learn to ride. Rebecca I fell in love with Andalusian horses a year ago when I bought my first part bred gelding. Unfortunately I also fell into some of the traps that can go with buying any horse, but particularly importing from Spain. My beautiful boy was very difficult to be around, not only that but he was diagnosed as having bone spavin at 3 years old! I was devastated but decided to go for treatment and he did come sound but not for long, and not well enough to do the dressage I bought him for. So in May of this year I decided I would have to start again. I still held onto my dream of having my dressage Andalusian, but was much more wary of buying again. I contacted Sheila at North Farm Andalusians by email and straight away was impressed with the speed of her replies (no waiting for weeks to hear back), and her sympathetic and supportive attitude. Sheila put me in touch with one of the breeders she works with in Spain who had a horse she thought might suit me. So off I popped to Spain (as you do) for 24hrs to see this horse. I had a brilliant time was made very welcome and was very well looked after. I was shown all round the ranch and saw all the horses there. There were 3 particular horses for me to choose from although I decided in the end to go for the one Sheila first told me about. Presumido has been here for almost a week now and I cannot begin to describe how brilliant he is. Its like there were two extremes with my previous horse being the worst and ‘Mido’ as he is now called being the best. He simply is so kind and gentle, well mannered and well started, I couldn’t be more pleased. I cannot recommend Sheila and North Farm Andalusians, highly enough after my bad experience I can honestly say they have restored my faith in human nature. Sheila has not only been amazingly helpful but has also very kindly put me in touch with someone else in Scotland who has an Andalusian so through her I have made a good friend too. I would strongly recommend anyone who is looking to buy one of these wonderful horses to try Sheila and am sure they wont be disappointed. Gill. Just over a year ago, while indulging in my favourite pass time of window shopping for Andalusian horses, I came across a web site. The company was called North Farm Andalusian’s and of the very many sites in the UK and abroad, this one in particular caught my eye. This site offered extensive information, not only on the horses for sale, but generally about the care and specific knowledge of the breed in general, obviously obtained over a considerable amount of time and openly shared with any visitor. The site was so inviting I found myself sending an email to Sheila in which I explained that I had learnt to ride in Spain, not specifically on Andalusians but while there I had become smitten by the breeds’ exceptional temperament and personality. I went on to explain that my dream was to one day own my own. Sheila very kindly replied immediately and an email conversation ensued. At the time, I was certainly not in any position to afford my own horse but that didn’t deter Sheila, she was happy to involve me in discussion about riding clothes and their new yard and there were always invitations to come and visit or take part in training events. Then one day, quite by chance, I took another lunch-time look at the “for Sale” page and there was a new picture….I read the details, I always do that to see what Sheila and her team have to say about their latest family members and here they had a 9 year old, part bred, grey Andalusian gelding and for once I had to know more. On an exceptionally cold and rainy day, I dragged my family 2 and a half hours across the country and met Arias for the first time. Lauren and Sheila spent ages introducing us to all the horses on the yard and made even my un-horsy other half feel welcome and interested. Lauren rode Arias first so I could see him move then it was my turn. I rode like a sack of potatoes, paralysed by the most amazing desire to impress. I couldn’t risk Sheila turning me away as inadequate. Despite my poor showing, Arias was an absolute saint, he lived up to all the information Sheila and Lauren had given me, I had to have him. Today I am the proud owner of the most fabulous horse who has an exceptional personality and is loved by all who meet him. He is absolutely perfect for me, I had been very honest with Sheila as to my experience level and also with the fact my confidence had taken a knocking a couple of years back and here I am now, happily cantering around our local woods and even teaching Arias to jump. Sheila and her team have continued to help and support me through every step of the purchase and beyond. They are professional and caring in equal measure and I can’t recommend them highly enough. Thank you to all at North Farm Andalusians. June 2007 Honesty, Understanding and Trust, are essential elements when working with horses…. This seems to be the ethos adopted by Sheila and the staff at North Farm Andalusians whether you are equine or human! Twice this year I have called upon Sheila to help me, firstly when I bought back my mare’s first born a huge striking colt. Through no fault of his own had to be sold and as I didn’t want him to be used as a a plain old riding horse I took him back. Not that I was in any position to help him, all I knew was he was bred to compete. I called Sheila and explained my predicament she ‘understood’ my concerns for my colt, I bred him, it was down to me to do the best for him. Sheila gave me her ‘honest’ opinion and options of how she could help. With this onboard I ‘trusted’ her, and she found my colt a super home. He will have a full life in competition and I cannot be more pleased. The second occasion was when I decided that I would like my broodmare aged 7 years broken to ride. I felt she had really done enough for me producing two beautiful foals, and having such a gentle nature I thought she might take to being ridden. Again I called Sheila explaining what I would like. This mare is not straight forward as she sustained a massive injury to her jaw while very young leaving her with a severe sheer mouth. Putting a bit in her would not be easy. Sheila discussed the options again and the mare was broken using a Dr Cooks bitless bridle. The mare went so well that she was ready to return home after three weeks. Unbelievable with any other yard one could expect to be ‘taken for a ride’ as they can often drag out the proceedings squeezing every last penny out of you. I am just so happy to have found North Farm Andalusians, everyone I have met there has such a kind, caring, knowledgeable approach to their work and there is an immediate feeling of respect for horses, clients and each other. The follow through and aftercare is amazing, genuine concern and thoughtfulness. Time is given to getting things right….and the results show. Thank you Sheila and all your Staff. Kindest regards Marianne