Sincerely,

Nicole

I just wanted to say thanks!

Jim

Yet another email...

HI THERE THIS COLE AND TO LET YOU KNOW HE IS DOING SO GOOD OUT ON THE TRAIL IT MAKES ME SO HAPPY, AND MY FRIENDS ARE SO IMPRESSED. OH BUY THE WAY HE LOVE PEPPERMINT TREATS NOW HE WANTS THEM ALL THE TIME BUT HE DOESN'T GET THEM ALL THE TIME. WE HAVE OUT ALL OVER THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND OUT TO GAVILAN HILLS FOR A THREE RIDE, AND HE DID VERY WELL, AND I, AM, VERY IMPRESSED WITH HIM BECAUSE HE LEARNS SO FAST. I ALSO HAVE GRIL THAT EXERCISES HIM TWICE A WEEK AND IS WORKING HIM TO.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH COLE AND DIANNE

One From Reuben...

Hi Paula,

I purchased a Percheron gelding from you about three years ago. I
decided to name him Beauregaurd and he is know affectionately as "Beau".
It's been quite a while and I just wanted you to know that we are doing
great. I ride him as often as possible and have also taken him on a
number of camping trips. He trailers very well and is always very eager
to learn. here is a picture of me, him and my dog out for a ride.

Take care and God Bless,

Reuben

More, More...

Hi Paula,

Just wanted to tell you how happy I am with the mare I bought from you. I've owned her just over 2 months now, and she is coming along beautifully. Everywhere we go, she gets compliments - she's such a cutie pie! Here are the before & after pictures - the first was taken the day I bought her, the second was taken just 6 weeks later. What a difference!

Thank you so much for my little drafty girl!

Robyn

Gotta Love it!

Hi Paula,

Do you remember "Zeke". I wanted to let you know what a great guy he is. He loves to be around people and especially kids. This coming Saturday, he will have been in two parades. He is really an attention getter and worth all the work. The photo attached is a birthday suprise for an 87 year old lady from England. She was unable to leave her house so I brought Zeke to her as she used to be around horses in her youth. Yes, she lives in a mobile home park so you can imagine the suprise of the other residents to see a horse trotting through the neighborhood. I also ride him in a mounted posse and am planning on getting him trained for search and rescue work.
Anyway, hope you don't mind the update. Take care.

Tony

Thought you might like to see what the geldings we got from you in March have been up to. They have both been used for East Indian weddings without a hich. Still need pictures of them on the Cinderlla carriage hopefully by the end of this next week.
Am looking for a team of blacks for hearse use thinking about oct or nov if you find any let us know. prefere shires but need street safe before breed.

Leilani Gibbons-Elledge
Vintage Carriage Company
Old Sacramento Carriage Company
http://www.vintagecarriage.com
http://www.oldsacramentocarriage.com

Good Going!

Here is a photo I took of my dad. He's 70 years young and always up for everything. He hasn't been on the back of a horse for years.

Caroline

Quite a bunch!

Hi Paula, thought I would send you a photo of the group of us, we had alot of fun! Beautiful scenery.

Caroline

Good Job!

Hi Paula. I don't know if you remember, but about a year and a half ago I bought a half percheron gelding from you--the one with the striped legs. Anyhow, this past weekend we went to our first dressage show, a CDS rated show in Rancho Cucamonga. We got a third and a second place in two classes--Introductory Test A and B!

Many people asked about my horse and I told them that I had gotten from you up in Anza. Anyhow, it seems like there is a definite interest in the dressage world!

Liz

Another great friend!

Hi Paula! Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know how George is doing.

It's been a month since my daughter and I brought him home, and have we been busy!
The first Saturday, I took him on a 3 hour trail ride with a large group, and George was a hit. Everyone was asking questions, admiring him, and couldn't believe that I had gotten him just 6 days before. He was such a good boy.
Our next event was a dressage schooling show in May 04. We rode 2-3 times a week to get ready, and we almost backed out, because George's 20 meter circles were more like 30 meter ovals, and his canter was all over the place. In fact, two days before the show, we had a major breakthrough and then we were 100% committed. He scored 60% on Training Level Tests 1 and 2, got 2 second places and were the talk of the show! A lot of people commented on his appearance and attitude. After the show, the judge and the people from the association told me how much they loved George, even though his canter was a little wild. He was gorgeous, fancy and very happy to do his job. All this from a horse that I have only had for 4 weeks. Attached are 2 photos from the show.
I will have more stories to tell as time goes by.
Sincerely, Tammy

Thrilled!

Hi Paula, just an update on Clarissa. She is a wonderful horse and we are completely thrilled to have her. She is filling out nicely and is quick to pick up of cues. We couldn't be more pleased and we thank you very much!
Most Sincerely,
Tammy

Adorable!

Hi Paula,
How is everything going? Dora Mae is wonderful, the best horse I could have asked for. She is so willing. I have taken her out on trail twice already, there is nothing that she wont try. We went through a stream with flying colors, she went under a waterfall, and she was perfect with cars going by on the way back home. What a difference from my previous horse! She is learning about carrots and automatic waterers. She is so cute, especially when she just starts playing with the water valve on the automatic waterer and doesnt drink but curls her lips and bobs her head. It really is adorable. I will send pics soon, she is shedding out her coat and looks great with the long mane and tail!

Thanks again,
Vanessa and Dora Mae

So, let me get to the real point here!! Elle Mae is my trot horse (she walks, trots, and canters in both directions for vaulting), but she is only 14.2 and too small for a team canter horse. Will you let me know if you have something suitable for a canter horse? I prefer a draftX gelding (Elle is not as forgiving as a gelding), 15.3 hands or larger, very good disposition, on the lazy side. Many clubs use european warmbloods, but I prefer the drafts, and cannot afford the WB's in any case! Let me know what
you have! Holly

Happy Mule Owner!

Paula,

I just wanted to let you know how incrediable my new mule is. I have taken her out on at least 8 long and challenging trail rides at Miramar Stables and she is perfect!!! She goes through water, over bridges, through dark tunnels, does NOT mind any of the Marine jets, helicopters or tanks, and gets alongs well with all horses. She stands perfectly still when I mouunt and dismount. She lets me pick her hooves and holds her hooves up as long as I need to clean them. She is really becoming super affectionate too and LOVES her ears massaged and rubbed. She NEVER spooks and can climb the steepest and most challenging hills. She even loves children! Next Friday, I am taking her on a 65 mile endurance weekend ride in Cuyamaca. I know she will do great! The only thing she does not really enjoy is electiric clippers, but she has already improved and let's me clip her muzzle. We named her "Silver Bella" and she is the sweetest mule ever with a superior work ethic. I couldn't be happier! Phillip Ropp did a great job with her. Oh, her new friend is Tucker, aka Odin, the Black Percheron from Hay Dude. He is doing super too!
Thanks Again! Kerry

Kerry Writes Again!

Hi Paula,

Bella the mule competed in her first NATRC Endurance Ride last weekend in Cuyamaca Mts(36 miles). She was so great!!! While all the Arabs were jigging and bucking down the steep terrian, Bella was as calm and safe and level headed as can be. She performed perfectly on all the trail obstacles and the judges gave her very high marks, such as 9 out of 10 for backing/reinback up a steep cliff in a straight line. She is so smart because I I only taught her the rein back the week prior. Anyway, she is the best mule and most loving mule! She is also a spoiled mule-today I measured her and ordered her some custom-made mule tack. Thanks again, Kerry

And Again From Kerry..

Hi Paula,

Bella the mule competed in her first NATRC Endurance Ride last weekend in Cuyamaca Mts(36 miles). She was so great!!! While all the Arabs were jigging and bucking down the steep terrian, Bella was as calm and safe and level headed as can be. She performed perfectly on all the trail obstacles and the judges gave her very high marks, such as 9 out of 10 for backing/reinback up a steep cliff in a straight line. She is so smart because I I only taught her the rein back the week prior. Anyway, she is the best mule and most loving mule! She is also a spoiled mule-today I measured her and ordered her some custom-made mule tack. Thanks again, Kerry

Once Again,

Hi Paula,

Bella my mule is amazing!!! She is the greatest mule ever! We are riding together every day. She has been to the beach swimming in the waves, climbing mountain trails in Cuyamaca, Sierra Nevadas and roaming the hill of Santa Barbara. What an awesome trail mule! Anyway, I WANT to get her a driving harness/draft harness. DO you have any in stock that would fit her? Let me know! Kerry

Happy Owner Of Two!

Hi Paula,

both the horses are doing great, just wanted to know if Ferbie (William) Had his West Nile shot at your place? Also wanted to let you know we did a wild west event this weekend and they both did fantastic. They both tolerated a Gatlin gun, shotguns, pistols, shootouts. They were awesome, couldn't of ask for more. I have a friend that is looking for a large black carriage Gelding...would even take grey...wants a lot of flash, needs to be safe..would prefer 18 hds and up. Do you know of anything? Please let me know about the shot...Thanks
Keli

Happy With Happy!

Just a quick note to tell you that "Happy" is doing great and is so happy! He is quickly learning all his gaits and has even jumped a few X's in the arena of his own accord! He has been just amazing on the trail which has been great fun. He is extremely carrot motivated and gets lots of them!! We are really pleased with our three year old big gray elephant of a horse and cannot believe his great mind and intelligence, it is so much fun being his parents, thank you!
Hope all is going well with your knee's and you are getting better.

Thanks Again,
Robin and Arnie

Glad to hear it!

We SURVIVED a group ride on Friday...thanks for selling us NICE HORSES .
Ron and Sandy

Great Show!

WE had our first show together. She was really good. We got 3rd and 5th in halter and country pleasure. I attached a photo for you.

Thanks for everything

Off to School...

I thought you might enjoy seeing one of your Amish
horses a few years later. I bought this little guy (I
named him Kirby) from you maybe 3 years ago. He's
14.1, about 11 years old, half Haflinger and half
Standardbred. Does that make him a Quarterlinger?

I've used him in my school since them and he's a
favorite of kids and adults alike. In this photo he's
being ridden by Clair (age 5) in her fifth lesson.

Best Regards,

Jill

Need we say more?

Just thought you might enjoy the picture.

Have a nice day!

OMG!

Hi Paula,
I just had to write and let you know how everything went once we got home, we have had a comical 24 hrs Waylon stood stiff in his corral for at least 45 minutes yesterday snorting at the llama and goats, once he got those alien beings figured out he then tried to figure out just what in the heck stall mats are it took a little coaxing (sweet feed) but I was able to finally get him to put one hoof on them, then two, then three, then OMG all four he is an absolute sweetheart the family just loves him, he has a couple issue's with certain things on the property but once he gets it, it's all good. I think we are going to take our maiden ride tomorrow assuming I can find a head stall to fit the bit the bars are so long all my head stalls are to long as well but I have an idea and we should be trail bound in the AM. I will try and keep you posted thanks again to you, c.j. and Jeremy for all you have done.
Carrie

See Spot Stand

My first initial challenge with Spot was getting him to pick up and let me hold all four feet before my farrier would even come out to look at him. The front feet – no problem after about a week. The back feet he would pull away from me with a quick kick (in my direction). He got weirder about his back feet the more I asked for them. I resorted to tying a long cotton lead to his pastern and pulling backward until he was tired of kicking. Once he settled down and let me pull his foot back and just hold it there, I was able to ask him to let me hold it forward with the rope. After about 2 days of this I could pick up his back feet with my hands and hold them to pick them out and “bang” on them a bit. I was thrilled it only took a couple of days once I used the rope (wish someone had told me this trick sooner). He had a couple of issues with my farrier which were quickly resolved with a firm “STAND” and a little pressure on his nose. He’s a very smart cookie. I am actually a little bummed I won’t be getting to work with him longer. Being as green as he was about people in general I learned a lot from working with him. Anyway, once the feet were not an issue anymore, we learned to lead properly, stand in the crossties to be clipped (ears being a little more challenging than the rest), trailering was never an issue – he jumps right in like he’s going for ice cream! We played join up games in the round pen for about a week and learned to lunge on a line in the big arena. I had his teeth floated, his tumor/wart thing removed and introduced him to the bit and bridle. Once he was lunging with his bridle I added a surcingle (small rodeo display, then back to business). Side reins were next, then ground driving. I was working with him in the round pen one day and had my friend hold him to see what he would think of me lying over his back. No big deal. I sat astride bareback and my friend led him around. Again – no big deal. The next day I introduce the western saddle (one more small rodeo display). Once he settled into work I would stand up in the saddle with only one foot in the stirrup and get down, stand up, get down... This made him nervous, but he stood. The next day I began this lesson again and he decided he didn’t like it and on my second mount and stand he helped me off prematurely. LOL. Nothing real exciting – I landed on my feet and got a little sterner with him and did it again. Finally after a few days of being no big deal I sat down and again had my friend at his head while we walked around. I was at the point I could groom him, tack up, go the the arena, mount and walk around and dismount with no excitement. We are moving this month and I have 2 big babies that I didn’t want to “put on hold “ through the move, so I sent them to another friend of mine that helps me with my horses when I get too many or need help. To tell you the truth, my big mare is really a lot nicer – great mover, beautiful conformation, etc., but Spot is unusual and my friend fell in love with him. I was absolutely not ready to sell him, but I have learned that sometimes the best time to sell a horse is when someone wants them. She is continuing on with his training and is planning on using him in her “spiritual healing” classes, teach him to drive single and use him as her general riding horse (a little dressage, trail riding, etc.). She has a very successful training and instruction business and really never has time for a horse of her own. I didn’t believe her at first when she asked me how much would I take for him right now with no further training on his part. I really thought she was kidding. She said she couldn’t explain it – she just “had to have him”. So, I sold him to her for $5000. It was a decent turn around on my part and he went to a great home with an experienced horsewoman, but I doubt my decision now. I miss him. He was one of those “one-of-a-kind” horses that don’t come along very often. My friend Jyl (whom I sold him to) and I both were worried though that someone would buy him before he was well broke just for his coloring and size and ruin him. In her hands, he will not be sold again unless it is to the right person and for the right price. She claims this is her “forever horse”. I hope so.

Your friend,
Jenny

More on Tink!

Smiling... Good Morning... Paula,

YES!! You are GOOD!!... and I can't believe I purchased a horse off the internet without even seeing her... it's all about TRUST!!... You are a great horsewoman.. and I will recommend you whenever possible.

okok.. sooo I went to bed at 9pm.. woke at 11...could not fall back to sleep until 2pm.. I'm just like a kid at Christmas... silly... I'm 45.. and all I can think of is riding and bathing her..

On a side note: I've been looking for a new place to move to as things are soo expensive here in SB County... wellllllll .. El Cap has 3 small attached houses that the new owner has renovated... hmmm... I'm giggling.. HOW COOL.. would it be to live on a ranch again with Tink!... I could ride ALL THE TIME!!!... morning.. noon.. night..

Ohhh.. also.. the ranch was unloading TONS.. of white fencing and night lighting... Tink.. will be at a FLUFF barn.. now.. I'm told the new owner wants the ranch to be the BEST...in SB!!!
haha...

Well... I need to get to work... it's 6:30am... I'm going to get off early and have fun with Tink!!

Again... I could not be happier... well.. I take that back... I'll just keep my mantra..

"How can it get any better than this"!!!.... and it always seems to...

Thank you very much.. Paula ..
Ann & Tina (daughter)
ps.... She's soooooo darnnnn.. CUTE!!!!!!

Jenna's mom here, we just wanted to let you know how well Molly is doing and how much she is loved. She is the sweetest mare I've ever known. She does like to investigate things and makes us laugh at the barn when she gets herself into things. I took her camping with my horse and she did awesome ( I also discovered that she likes Oreo cookies, well, them and any other food she can find!) Anyway, she is so perfect for my daughter and Jenna is really enjoying her. Can't believe that the first horse I bought my daughter is only five years old, but Molly uses her head and I totally trust her with my daughter. She learns very quickly. Thanks again!!
Holly and Jenna :)
Let us know if you don't get the attached picture of them together.

Say it isn't so!

Hi Paula and gang,

My mom was telling me that the ranch is on the market, say it isn't so! We were thinking of adding another member to our family but can not decide weather to get another one of me (mule) or a draft for my dad, because cranky old "sassy" has basically turned in her saddle for greener pasture's and has made it clear she wants to retire, in case you are wondering this is "Waylon" I have to confess that I was a little bit of a Jack-Ass (ha-ha) when I 1st arrived, only when I wanted things to go my way that is,and my mom would not hear of it. I have a real hard mouth and can't seem to get over it no matter what she tries, but we are coming along I am just a youngster you know.Mom has been doing a lot of ground work with me (boring) and has been working with the Jerry Tindall methods WHATEVER!!!!!! but has seemed to help with my flexon (on the ground) in the saddle is a different story. So are you taking the business with you? or are you hanging up your spurs? We are not ready for our new addition yet, mom Say's it won't be until the fall most likely, so I hope you are still offering up some great mounts in the future because my dad is a bit of a tenderfoot and needs a gentle giant (mule or horse) I think he is still a little mad at me you know for dumping him........oh well he will get over it, I am attaching a photo of myself as you can see those darned goats have chewed my tail off, but I do have to admit that I stick my butt to them on purpose I am kind of lazy and this way I don't have to scratch my own itch, that's my new saddle that my mom had custom made for me, I was a little cranky with the saddle she was using it pinched a whole lot (OUCH!!!) I think that is why I dumped dad, anyhow I am going to get going it is a beautiful day today and mom is on vacation so we are going for a ride, take care and god bless.

Waylon
and mom carrie

Bubba! Say no more...

Paula,

I just wanted to drop you an email about Frost, you know him as "bubba". We bought him for my husband and he is working out great. Everyone loves him. He gets along with every person or horse he comes in contact with. What a gentle sole he is. My farrier had nothing but nice things to say.

We are still in the get to know you stage so we haven't done any trail on him but I'm confident that he will be just as sweet and level headed on trail as he is in the arena. I have never come across a 3 year old that is so level headed. I'm convinced he is a 3 year old in a 10 year old body.

We appreciate all the time your girls put into helping us the day we bought him. I would recommend your ranch to anyone...and have.

I have attached a picture for you.

Kim

One for the Webmaster too!

Hi,

I literally stumbled on your website by searching for sale drafts. Being a long-time lover of draft horses and having my own Percheron gelding and my own Belgian mare, I can totally appreciate them for riding. My Percheron made the best trail horse on the planet.

If I lived anywhere remotely close to CA, I'd visit today! I just wanted to say thanks for putting together such a great website and for offering such nice looking steeds.

In the future I'll be looking to purchase and adore another Percheron. I find the breed completely irresistable.

Thanks!

Andrea
Ambler, PA

We love our horses!

Paula,
We've had our girls for a few months now and we love them. Bella, the big grey mare, has turned out to be everyone's favorite, including my nine year old son. The day I test rode her was her first day under saddle. Remember how nervous everyone was? She is like a seasoned veteran already. Calm, gentle and oh so Bella (beautiful)! Heads turn every time we ride. The chunky black mare, now called Sereana, is also fantastic. My friends can't stop smiling when they ride her. A great feeling of size and power. They are happy and healthy and our vet said we got them for a steal. He is jealous! I am so glad we found your website and I'm telling everyone about you and your wonderful horses. Thanks again. Sherry

A short history: My 13 year old daughter, Maggie was diagnosed with Epilepsy several years ago. It was during that time that I came across Sonny at the Riding Academy (I won't go in to his previous owners). I was lucky enough (with the help of Sarah and Rusty) to become his new owner. Maggie has been riding him ever since. I credit Sonny with bringing her out of her shell; she is a different child now- very happy and full of life- not afraid of anything!

Sometimes people don't realize just how important the choices they make are. I wanted you to know. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

Lisa