Testimonials

Bauke made the California/Texas trip with no trouble--he came off the transport looking like he'd just been bathed, compared to the sweaty, tense Thoroughbreds he was shipped with. We've taken him on a four mile ride through the park, complete with rollerbladers, bikers, baby strollers, etc. NOTHING fazes this guy--when something catches his eye, he MARCHES over to take a closer look (could be food, you know). It's like he's watching TV, interested in but not INFLUENCED by the goings-on...

In comparison, he is feather-light to the aids--doesn't take a lot of leg to move out, and halts on a dime. I've never found this combination of boldness and obedience in any other breed.

I told you on the phone that we would be the pickiest people you'd ever deal with, and boy, did you deliver. If I'd sent you a recipe for a safe, competitive dressage horse, it certainly wouldn't have included all this "ICING"!

-Teresa in Texas

Hi Janna,
Both Harmke and the foal are definitely my dream horses.
Harmke is the biggest love. Of course, I could be prejudiced, but she has one of the most beautiful necks I have ever seen, especially for not being worked in an arena regularly. I remember in your writeup about Harmke saying that her Sire was known for his swan neck. Well, Harmke inherited it, but I don't know where she got her tremendous calm and loving personality from. I have spent forth years getting tossed off of my babies I have been training and she is exactly what I want at my present age.
The other day, a woman at our local tack shop said, would you believe some people are buying Friesians just to use on trail and I said, "Um, hmm, that's what I'm doing with mine."
When her baby was born about 3 hours before we discovered her, we found a 2 1/2 week Premature foal standing and sucking for all she was worth. I keep calling her a he because she is so incredibly strong and solid looking. My husband says that she (Harmke's Black Tulip) is the most beautiful foal we have ever had. When she runs, she stands and looks like she is winding up and then she dashes for all she is worth. She looks like the Wind. Harmke just stands and keeps eating calmly but she has been a wonderful mother. I find people stopping to see them all the time, even taking their pictures.

Update...
I adore Harmke.  She is the sweetest horse imaginable. She loves being outside and loves people, I think, more than  she loves other horses. 

Joyce

Hi Janna and Barend,

Just wanted to drop you a line and let you know that Basso is doing great. I just love him. I had my second lesson on him yesterday and he is just so awesome to work with. He seems to love it here and has made friends with all my other horses and ponies except for one who doesn't get along with anyone very much. I should have gotten a Friesian years ago instead of trying to work with such hot headed warm bloods.

Thanks for bringing over such beautiful "level-headed horses". He is just so wonderful to work with!
Thanks again,

Kathy

Janna-

Healthy and gorgeous!

I'm selling all of my alpacas. Replacing them with Friesians! ;)

Ravello loves alpacas! He's doing GREAT, by the way. What a sweetheart.

Update...

What a good boy he is. Janna, you were right- you can hitch him by yourself! Such a sweetheart!

He is doing great. Happy and adjusted to life in the Bluegrass!

 I love the way Ravello's ears point together. He is just so cute! You were right, by the way. He has relaxed quite a bit since he's gotten to know me. He was so laid back to begin with, that I didn't realize that he had his guard up for the first few days he was here.

-Susan in KY

We started with an intriguing and interesting web site that introduced us to Black Sterling Friesians. Then we had several discussions with Jana that further helped us.

With all that, we selected some beautiful Friesian mares.

Jana also suggested some great horse transporters.

And, we love our mares!

Stu & Sue

S&S Friesian Farms in Florence, AZ

Just a note to let you guys know Wieger is doing great!  He is happy as a clam here... He whinnies every time he sees me and comes running... He follows me around ( unless I have a halter...lol) I have been working with him in the round pen and he changes lead, responds to 3 gaits (most of the time!) and tries real hard to please... He has become my best bud... (He has only bitten me once!) I put an end that right pronto... Now he always tries to show me he knows I am the boss and comes to nuzzle...  

-George in Utah

Spumanti is doing really great.  He had his shoes removed and the farrier remarked how hard and healthy his feet are.  People are actually coming in from neighboring towns just  to visit with the big guy.  Really.  He is such a flirt. Loves them  up and they just can't believe him.  I should really start charging.   One woman said he has perfect conformation.  Also Dr. Grant Miller (vet doing his pre-purchase)  sent a  card after I faxed him regarding Spumanti . It is a beautiful card.   That was the nicest thing ever.  We will send pic as soon as I have a little more sleep and my hair is freshly dyed!!  It is that ego thing.  Oh this is so great, my friend brought out her mountain horse Charley and Spumanti and Charley hit it off right at the start.

I pray for everyone's health and happiness, people and equines.  Have a good  one.  

Sharon in Tenn

Hi Janna,

i just wanted to let you know how happy I am with Lucca ( Baron) ! I changed his name because it is a family name and it rhymes with Jouke, so he won't be too confused.

He is absolutely wonderful! I can't believe I almost let Jannice (previous trainer) talk me out of getting him.

I am riding with a trainer named Paula Paglia, she is great. I know I am going to have so much fun with my handsome boy. I'll send pictures soon.

I love him more each day. 

Wendi in Ariz

Hey Janna,
She's here and wonderful and VERY pregnant. She takes everything in stride and is settling in beautifully. She is absolutely gorgeous with personality to boot. Spent the entire day getting to know her and loving on her. I will write more later my family is feeling a little neglected.....let the guilt trips begin. :-) Not really they are very supportive and spent most of the day with me.
Thanks again Janna for one beautiful mare!!!!

Update.....
Belle is unbelivable...she is a wonderful mother AND she still loves me..it's almost like she's glad to see me so she can munch grass and not worry about the baby and her mare fence mates...:-) her mom hormones kicked in and I actually got to see her pin her ears and stomp at some curious mares today....I loved it...so of course I stepped in like I was her big savior and ran them all off....she seemed to appreciate it, lets me handle the baby with no problems etc...I'm having the time of my life....and I am SO in love, with both, especially Belle.
Thanks once again Janna,

1 year later................................
The horses are doing great. We moved about a year ago where we can have them home with us. They seem happier and definitely healthier. Annie is almost as tall as her mother and she is as sweet and loving as they come.She is quite spoiled. I'm having stall plaques made for them...Belle's say's Belle "Queen of Everything" and Annie's has her name and "Princess of Quite Alot" at least that's what they think. It's hard to believe the princess will be two in March. Time flies.
Shannon in Texas

Hi Janna,
Amos arrived this morning safe and sound. He's a beauty! He's all groomed and happily eating hay. Everyone in the barn came by to admire him today.  Everyone is impressed with how calm and gentle he is!!  I spent lots of time with him tonight ....
Update...
I’ve had 3 really good rides on him this week which felt great. He’s going well – happy and willing to move forward.  So I’m pleased –  he’s coming into his own and that I’m starting to enjoy the “real Amos”.
5 months later...
I took Amos to a small informal “schooling” show today.  He was great.  We did well on our tests and he was such a pleasure.  He was calm and happy in new surroundings.
Update...
It’s been quite awhile since we’ve been in touch so I wanted to let you know that Amos is doing very well.  I’ve been riding him 3-5 times a week.  He’s doing VERY well.  He’s built up a lot of muscle – looks good – and feels good.  I’ve had 3 lessons with my European dressage trainer (ex FEI judge) on Amos since August and so far we’ve done very well.  He’s a little lazy – but once he knows I mean business he moves very well. He’s also a favorite in the barn.  He loves people and everyone loves him.
Update...
It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch so I thought I’d give you an update on Amos.  Amos is doing great!  We’ve been working hard and this weekend rode in a recognized dressage show in the area – we did First Level Tests 1 and 2 and scored just above 62 in both tests.  I was pleased since it was our first real show.  We’ve been working with an experienced Dutch instructor (ex FEI judge) and also went to a clinic with Vitor Silva (Portuguese classical dressage instructor) and both of them like Amos and feel we’re progressing nicely.  And, of course, Amos continues to be such a peach!  What a great disposition!  He stays “cool calm and collected” in strange places – it’s a joy to take him to shows and clinics. 
Best,
Pam in NY

Rinke is great. He is everything I expected and more. Rock solid on trails. Total gentleman on the ground. I recently purchased a new trailer and on my test drive I loaded him all by myself no problem. He is such a sweetheart and his little brother loves him. Gosse follows right along side him. I never thought I could take Gosse out of the barn but guess what? He goes out with his brother all the time. It is truly amazing. Clare will be showing Gosse this season and Rinke will be going along for support. They have truly bonded. My trainer and all the assistants are amazed at the two great Friesians I own.  Thanks again.

  Chris

He is in excellent condition and we can't believe how quickly he settled in! It was like he knew this was his new home! He is absolutely wonderful. I spent all day yesterday riding him around our ranch and I can't believe how great he was! I introduced him to so many new things and he took it all in stride. You should have seen him walk through snow for the first time! By the afternoon, we had him jumping the irrigation ditches! He was very calm and mannerly all day. And he is so gorgeous; just stunning. I'm amazed at how calm he is for a young horse. Thanks so much for all of you help, Janna!

Kari in Montana

I just have to thank you so much! He is absolutely the kind of horse I was looking for. Janna, you have a great ability to match the horse to the rider. When I told you I needed a horse that was suitable for a beginner, you went right to work selecting suitable horses, you were right on by suggesting Aragon. He is just perfect for me. He is very affectionate, does what he is asked willingly and learns quickly, has a great trot, and is such a pleasure to be around. He is one of those horses with a big heart and great mind!!! I had a surprise on my first trip to my arena, word of mouth spread and I had an audience of 15 people to see Aragon. They couldn't believe he is only 3 with his willing temperament. Then of course they marveled at his great looks. After watching me ride, I received several requests for your phone number. Again, thanks for all your help and knowledge. Your assistance finding me the right horse was invaluable! Aragon and I will be partners for life.

With Gratitude,
Janice in Washington

HI, JANNA    TAMMY AND I  WERE JUST WANTING TO TELL YOU TUXEDO IS DOING VERY WELL, AND HE IS BEAUTIFUL!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP.  

Update...
TUXEDO IS DOING VERY WELL.
TUXEDO THINKS HE IS A DOG BECAUSE IF HE COULD CLIMB INTO HER LAP HE WOULD. VERY MELLOW, AND LOVEE. WE APPRECIATE EVERTYTHING YOU HAVE HELPED US WITH.

I WON'T LIE AND TELL YOU I WAS REALLY INTO BUYING A HORSE OFF LINE, BUT TAMMY SAID SHE REALLY LIKED YOU AND SHE TRUSTED YOU.
IT ALL WENT VERY WELL AND YOU GUYS MADE THIS A VERY GOOD FIRST EXPERIENCE FOR US.
 
THANK YOU!

 GREG AND TAMMY IN W VIRG

Janna.... I can not say enough good things about Gucci!

You were so right on with "Gucci" (Edou), What an Awesome animal!!!! He drives like a true gentleman, I haven't mustered the courage to get on his back yet (the whole wheelchair thing makes it tough) But it wont be long i can tell. Gucci is so friendly and has such a sweet nature everyone who sees him has to do a double take and ask me "where did you get him from, that horse is drop dead gorgeous, what kind of horse is that", and well you know me, i have to brag about you and how u hand picked him for me.blah blah blah ..... Job Well DONE Janna!!!! I can't thank you enough!
I really am crazy over both my friesians from you...

Update...
i took grandchamp driving gucci in a local show here a couple months ago and I also used him in a carriage ride with santa for a physical rehab and retirement facility. He is such a good horse!!!!!!!
Update...
Isn't he Handsome, I did my friends prom last night with Gucci....

Update...
Gucci is doing great, I took grand champion in some amateur classes locally.. With out even an upward glance, folks knew they were beat before we even started..... Surprisingly he stopped and stood (not his favorite thing to do) on cue.
Thanks for a large part of my collection(Melia, Aranka annd Gucci), I wouldn't trade them for the world, they bring me peace ...

Update 2 years later...
Every single time i go out back to the barn i am so lost in these 3 animals and what they bring me, i think of you endlessly.

Whether you know it or not, they have completely changed my entire lifestyle and somehow make all i've lost, "ok"    ......    thanks man!

-Rob, DVM in NJ