Hickory Lake Ranch - Horse Updates / Testimonials

Updates and Testimonials

Below are quotes taken from emails and letters from some of our previous clients. I know we don't have everyone listed on here so if you have purchased a horse from us and have an update or testimonial that you would like added with your horses picture please let us know. We are happy to add them!

Thank you for looking.....

	(Jan. 2009) Hi Jessica, Ravin is a pure joy to ride! I can’t tell you how good it feels to be back on horseback. And Ravin is something else! That’s more than the usual “on horseback” feeling! ...she was comfortable and happy on each of the rides and sensitive enough to interract with me well, even when I talked to her from on her back – she would incline her face back toward me as if to respond and be part of the conversation. What a charmer! I think the guidelines you have are just about the most professional and well thought out I have ever seen in print to support a new customer with a horse purchase. And I worked with horses and students for years so I have seen more horse purchases than I can count from various places. I liked how the dangers were brought up soon and up front because you care about the human in the deal, the details on the individual horse’s care, and the saddle and bit the horse was used to, and the training continuance details that included thinking of how other riders’ horses could react if you tossed jugs, etc in their presence. All very open and supportive. Well done! I feel like somebody actually cares. Three guesses as to why?! Carol (Athens, GA) Happy New Year Everybody!

	(November 2008) Hermi is doing well, (we call him Jackson, I felt he needed a nice strong steady name) He has grown a bit and is now pushing 15 hands 3 in. I had been riding him a few times a week in the ring working on his gaits and maneuvers. He has been out on the trail a few times and done quite well. I will update you in the spring and send you a better photo. Thanks Jessica, Hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday season.

	(Dec.6, 2008) Silver seems to be settling in well. She was a big hit with the other boarders who met her today. The warmbloods on the other hand did not quite know what to make of her. It was pretty funny to see their reaction to a paint horse of a different color. I went through the paperwork today; thanks for the notes on Silver and the importance of keeping up her training. It was very helpful. If you are staying a couple of days you should have some nice beach weather. Thanks for bringing Silver to me. Have a safe trip home and a wonderful Holidays. Teresa (Tampa, FL)

	Delivered "Ravin" in GA 12/5/08: Peaceful night passed grazing. Joann and I stayed a few hours...and finally took their halters off. I let Ravin have the first few minutes loose in the pasture by herself (she) neighed and danced up into a beautiful trot, floating, extended, energetic, that left us breathless to watch even in the dark. We could see it because of the moonlight on her. It was impressive beyond anything I expected. Joann was on the phone with her husband and she said she almost dropped the phone in her thrill and awe watching the performance just a few yards away from us. .......I was curious enough to walk up and put my hand softly on her chest and asked her to yield and move away from her hay for me, a stranger, and she did with little pressure. I was trying to see not just if, but how little it would take. It took very little. I picked up her front foot, then her hind foot, she let me hold each easily, I stroked her leg a little delaying putting each one down, and was pleased she was gently allowing me to.... I’m going to go to the barn now and spend a little time with grooming and bonding. Thank you again. I can’t say it enough. Carol (Athens, Georgia)

	(Nov. 08) Hi Jessica, JD arrived with Ella at 3:45pm today in great shape.......Thank you so much for such a beautiful horse... she has already found a way into my heart. sue (Michigan)

	In regards to "Ella" (10/24/08): Hello: I just watched your vid.Of this horse....To be honest I've had horses and been around them for over 50 years. I Have NEVER seen a Horse so well trained Ever....I only wish I were looking to buy.. YOU KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.....LBLorth (via Email)

	(October 2008) Hi Jessica, Shortly after you left, Bahloo went running across the pasture with the other girls. She is absolutely stunning when she is moving like that! Not that she isn't gorgeous the rest of the time too. I kept watching her in disbelief that this amazing creature actually belongs to me. I am so excited to get to know her better. Thank you! Thank you! Cathryn (Lexington, KY)

	(August 08) Sent in via emailin response to "Ravin's" training video I dont have the money to buy this amazing horse , I just wanted to tell you that I saw the video that you made and that is one amazing horse. I have been around horses for 20 years and you deserve alot of credit for what you teach your horses. Good for you!!!! Craig and Mary

	(Aug. 08) I just wanted to write to tell you WELL done on your beautiful mare, Raven! (It takes a lot for me to just spontaneously write someone, but I was so impressed with her video performance I couldn't help myself.) Sure wish I had the money to buy her. I'd be at your doorstep right now. You folks did a fabulous job with her. I'm sure she'll sell super fast! (And don't accept a penny less!) you obviously put a lot of time and work into her. Take care- keep up the great work and good luck on finding Raven a new home! -"Banjo" (aka Virginia) Sent in via email

	(August 2008) Hi Jessica, he (Beau) is safe and happy, pics are of me and 1 of my daughters, I took him trail riding today, no problems. Visitors are in awe of his color and eyes..... I just wanted to tell you how much we love Beau. My daughter rides him bareback....and Paul has taken him on trail rides (which he hasn't done in a very long time). Beau is not only beautiful...he's building up Paul's self confidence! Paul wasn't nervous on him and even had fun.....for him that was an accomplishment. Any way...we put Beau with our 2yo BW paint.....behind hot wire in a good size pasture.....so far so good! Thank you so much for everything...and helping me get Paul on the trails with me. -Debbie (and Paul) (New York State)

	Dear Jessica, I can't tell you how excited Larry and I were to see your trailer coming in the driveway on Monday. We had anxiously awaited Daphnes' arrival all day long and were in love with her the minute she came off the trailer. She is so beautiful---I don't think I have ever seen a mane and tail as lovely as hers and that includes a lot of show horses in our past. Daphne is everything you said and more. I have never owned a horse as calm and quiet and look forward to spending many hours in the saddle with her. She enjoyed her first walk around the farm and did not give a second thought to the deer in the woods or the water flowing in the creek. We are looking forward to our first ride together and the many that will be in our future. Thank you so much for personally delivering this fine mare. It was a pleasure to meet you and your family and we look forward to our life with Daphne and our next family member from Hickory Lake Ranch. Bless you and thank you for all you do. Suzanne (Seale, AL)

	July '08 Hi Jessica, I wanted to give you an update on Blaec. Sunday, I took him out on the trail for the first time out in two and a half weeks and Blaec was as good as gold. He was a little fresh, he felt good for the first time in a while, but totally manageable and as sweet and kind as ever. Today, my trainer rode him in the indoor and Blaec was still sound and had not forgotten a thing. No head tossing or misbehaving in any way shape or form. Blaec could not have behaved any better for us. Jessica, Blaec is the sweetest, most forgiving little horse I have ever met. He is a pure joy to own and care for. He has a great personality and loves to play in water. He kept tipping over his water buckets in the field during the very hot spell a while ago so we bought him a new trough that he can splash around in. He is smart enough to know which one is for drinking from and which one is to play in:). Wes, my trainer is going to continue with the ring work, lower level dressage -walk, trot & canter as I'm hopeful we can show at a local schooling show before the end of October; it's good to have goals:). I also plan to continue with Blaec's desensitization training; walking on tarps, through obstacles, etc. I am having so much fun with this little guy and thought you might like to know he's being well taken care of and is much loved. I visit your site regularly as I love watching the videos of the horses going through the obstacle courses. I love Ravin, the Friesian Cross. if not for Blaec, I would definitely be making serious inquiries about her. Out of curiosity, what do you charge to deliver a horse to Dutchess county? So, that's the update for now. I'm looking forward to a long and happy relationship with Blaec and will do my best to keep him safe, happy and pain free. All the best, Bernadette (New York) PS: I recommend your site to friends whenever I have the opportunity.

	Amery arrived safe and sound at 8:30 pm central time tonight (Tues.July 29th, 2008). Amery is everything I could have dreamed of, and more, and I haven't even ridden her yet! When she arrived I took her for a walk all around the farm. I took her into the spookiest places that my gelding would rear up at and she thought nothing of it. She just wanted to do what I asked of her. She really wanted to eat grass, but was very polite about it, and just the fact that she wanted to eat grass in the spooky places was very cool! After that I cross-tied her so I could brush her. She was very polite and never pawed impatiently or tried to nip me when I brushed her sensitive spots. She truly appreciated everything I did for her, from turning the fan on, to brushing her, to putting fly spray on her. She yawned and I know that usually when horses yawn there is something wrong. I thought to myself "she's thirsty." Sure enough, when I was done grooming her and put her in her stall she drank down the two buckets! I promtly refilled them. That's the type of bond that I'm talking about that I never had with my previous horse. We are on the same page and are good friends already! It's everything I wanted. I'll let you know how our first ride goes. Thanks a million, she is worth every penny I paid for her. Erin (Flower Mound, TX)

	Hi Jessica! Happy New Year!! Hope all is well over there in Ohio! I wanted to let you know that I RODE SMOKEY this weekend!!! Smokey handled it all like a pro! I did better than I had expected, considering I haven't done this in around 30 years... All went well - Smokey was very good to me.... :) He's a little trooper - and I really, really love him! I will send pictures if I can just remember to get someone to take some!! Hope you guys had a good holiday! Happy New Year, and Thank You... Carol & Smokey (Coxsackie, NY)

	Hi Jessica, I hope you and your family have had/are having a terrific Christmas. We adore Angel. She is perfect. I think Joe loves her more than anyone. He really has it for her bad - I am embarrassed for him. She is sort of aloof towards him which drives him nuts. It is wonderful having them together. Anyway, thank you for Angel. I hope you have a happy and healthy 2008. Andy (Cincinnati, OH)

	I wanted to take a few minutes to send you an email of thanks for the wonderful experience in buying a horse from you. Normally the thought of purchasing sight-unseen would cause me some concern, but you made the overall experience smooth, informative, and easy. Perhaps most importantly, however, Scout is an absolutely wonderful horse and exactly as described. He has adapted very well, my twin girls have already ridden on him on the lead rope and he has been nothing but sweet in his demeanor.... Everything from the long drive you guys had to make, through the night time delivery, to your honesty about his small injury made the experience better than I could've hoped. And in this day and age people never seem to hestitate to complain when something is wrong, so I wanted to make sure I took the time to say that everything here went right. If you ever need a customer recommendation or reference I am more than happy to sing your praises, but if nothing else, just know that Scout is a wonderful and welcome addition to our little farm and we have you to thank for that. Kudos on a turly outstanding operation you run, Sincerely, John P. (Hinsdale, NY)

	Jewel and I went for our first ride today in the woods since you brought her to the barn. She did GREAT! The wind was howling and blowing pretty good, there was LOTS of water, or should I say small ponds for us to walk/swim through. LOL Then from the Amish logging the woods, there were many trees for us to walk over of varying sizes, and I also was able to work with her on things such as walking around a wood pile covered with a tarp that was blowing in the wind a little, walking on top of a snow pile from where the dad plowed the driveway a little yesterday morning and maneuvering through piles of gravel, wood, etc. I enjoyed it sooooooo much! I think she already has my number as she knows she is going to be rewarded when she does well. In fact, my dad was teasing me about the bag of goodies that I carry around in my coat pocket for her. Please know that she has a great home where she is truly treasured. :o) Regina (Owensville, OH)

	Here are a couple pics of Alias. He really is an amazing horse. When I get done riding I can “hand” him my helmet and he will hold it until I want it back. He has been ridden by several people and he is just a great horse. He is quickly becoming the favorite. Anne :) (Morrow, OH)