Testimonials

Update 2 Years Later...
Hindrik is coming along nicely. He did a schooling show at the barn in Sept. and got a 69.9 & 70.0 @ Training Level- Tests 1 & 2. He really did make a beautiful entrance into his classes with his big, lofty trot. Funny, but I had arrived just prior to his first class that day and Pam said when he saw me & heard my voice he actually let out a big sigh and his whole body relaxed... he really is so very sweet and loving. Btw... congrats on all your IFSHA wins, and your daughter's too! ....

Update...
Hindrik has been doing very well @ Training Level. He started showing at the end of April and had only done one show last November prior to starting this show season in late spring.  He has qualified for the DASC Championships, the CDS Regional Championships (requiring 5 scores from 4 judges of 67% or higher in the open division <--- which he in his first 5 shows)  and.. he also qualified for the USDF Regional Championships! The competition will be VERY tough at USDF and CDS, NO DOUBT, but I'm very proud of him.... he's really been doing great!  I hope to ride him myself next year @ the rated shows. He & I did a schooling show recently though... at Training Level -Test 1 we took 1st place w/ a 69.1% and then in Test 2 (which I had never even done before & had to have a reader) we took 3rd w/ a 67.8%.

Update...
Just wanted to share some recent news w/ you. Hindrik was Training Level Open Champion at the Dressage Association of Southern California (DASC) Annual Championship Show in September. I also recently found out that in the DASC Year End Breed Awards he took Reserve Champion Friesian, and not only that, he is also the DASC Training Level Open Reserve Champion too! All things considered, he's had a pretty good first year out I think!
I've had horses most of my life and even though I am new to dressage, I know a nice moving horse when I see one. I thought Hindrik looked to be a lovely mover and then your advice and input proved to be invaluable in my purchase decision.
All things considered, he's had a pretty good first year out I think!
Linda

WOW! What a horse!I am so excited

-I can barely sleep at night. Thank you so very much for all your patience and the time you gave me in selecting the right horse for me.

Wopke and I will become close friends and I hope with a lot of help-some day we will be accomplished riding partners.

Janna, this process has been a PLEASURE, thank you!

Update...
It has been such a long time since I have seen you.  I am determined to get Wopke to the Extravaganza (FHANA Show) this year; he is doing so well.  We are working on Piaffe and Passage.  He just loves the upper level work.  His half pass is lovely.  Anyway, in order for me to get to the Extravaganza (FHANA Show in Reno) I need to get him exposed to the Show World.  Look forward to stabling with your horses at Monterey Springfest!

Susan

We couldn’t be happier with the disposition and beauty of our Friesians.

We do not mind talking to people about our experience with Friesians and with Black Sterling.

I have a very popular radio and TV show – in many cities.  I would be happy to serve as a reference.
I also plan on putting our Friesians on my website – (www.troubleshooter.com),where we will mention Black Sterling!

Sincerely,
Tom and Holly Martino in Colorado

Hi Janna,

Just wanted you to know that Imke and Wopke are doing great and love their new home. 

I have enjoyed riding Imke….just getting “back in the saddle” after years of not riding.  And Wopke looks to be a lot of fun!  Mostly, I just enjoy grooming and turning the boys out together in the pasture to play. 

They really love each other…and they really make me happy!!  Just wanted you to have an update that they are loved!

Ann in Texas

Janna,
Since the day Succhi arrived on December 18, 2006, we have had so much fun with this special horse. I rode him in a clinic with Jane Savoie in February 2007 and she loved him! I showed him First Level dressage at two shows in Albuquerque this past Spring to get a feel for him in a show environment - a photo is attached. I have also ridden him in two local clinics here in Lubbock, Texas and took him out of town for a horsemanship clinic. Each person who works with him comments on his good mind and loving personality. My trainer currently has her USDF Silver Medal and is working toward her Gold Medal. She believes that Succhi has upper level potential in dressage so we look forward to seeing him develop further in dressage in the years ahead. Also, in another exciting development, his breeder contacted me from Holland and has requested that we present this gelding for his Ster at the upcoming keuring here in Texas on October 2. We have enjoyed focusing on the groundwork with Succhi in order to prepare for the inspection and he looks magnificent.

Paula in TX

Everyone at the stable where he was  LOVED him and he of course was eating it up.  I went over to his turn out and called his name and he came cantering over to me.  Everyone wished their horse would do that to them! 
I rode Jip yesterday and he was FANTASTIC.  He is the most talented horse I have ever ridden. 
Thanks again!

Update......
Jip is amazing.  He is doing all the 3rd level work now.  Nothing is hard for him, he is just a natural at dressage.  I have started the piaffe and passage too!!!!!! 
The trainer that worked with Jip here in CO also trained the approved stallion, Goffert.  He said he thinks Jip is very talented, and said he has a better walk and canter than Goffert!

....Jip has been so great.  I am starting to move him up the levels now that he has settled a bit more in the show arena. I am thinking of putting a few more of my horses up for sale and looking for another horse like Jip!

Update... Mr. Jip was RMDS champion on Sat and USDF reserve champ on Sun. Both at the 2nd level freestyle. That is all I showed him. He was fantastic and now we are moving up to 3rd, 4th and he LOVES it. He is such a blast!

Update... Jip and I did a freestyle at stockshow a few days ago. ....The Denver Brass was playing live. At the end I got my 2 tempi's and his passage improved as the freestyle went on.....I LOVE him so much.

http://youtu.be/dsW7hac8z8o

-Sue, in Colorado

Zorro is doing great in our local quadrille; he’s the youngest but best behaved of the group. Practically bomb proof.

I love him so much!

 I am riding the only Friesian on the Quadrille team. The rest are warmbloods and TBs, and Zorro is always the best behaved! He looks so cute with the white leg wraps and his feathers sticking out below like a fringe.

YOU have the best selection of Friesians :-) He is a joy and a treasure. I'm so thankful for him!

Update...
What a good boy. I am so excited about this horse - he is the most beautiful, talented and nicest horse I've ever owned. I've just fallen head over heels in love with him. And you're right - I think I'm going to have to show him :-) Should be fun, as I think he would blow everyone away. Thanks!

Edie

3 Years Later....Hi Janna!
Just want you to know that I have Rose and Watze in training, and love them both.  I can't believe how well Rose is going for a 5 year old mare who has had two babies.  And after one month of training Watze dressage (he was going Western the entire previous year), I entered him in a dressage show and got a good score and a second place. Cheers for the Friesians!  Hope all is going well with you guys!!!

Caroline (Dressage Trainer)

PS.  That's Watze (and I) in the picture, and my 3 year old son, Isaac.

Janna,

It was a pleasure. I don’t think I could have found anybody as trustworthy as you. Laurant  will be my favorite for many years. I’m sure my wife and children will like him so much that probably you’ll hear from me someday (to purchase another friesian

Update...

Laurant arrived home yesterday afternoon. The whole family was here to greet him and fell in love immediately, specially my youngest daughter Mirand He’s beautiful and has a lovely character.
It was a pleasure doing business with you. It’s not very easy to find a deal of any kind and receive more of what you expected. To tell you the truth I trusted you the moment I read through your internet page. I’m glad I bought Laurant from you. You were always reassuring and trustworthy, and it is very clear you definitely know your business and love what you do. Laurant is already giving us great moments and will continue to give us a lot of joy for many years.  Thank you very much.

With affection

Jorge in Mexico

Everyone loves her. The owner of the barn where Brenda is staying, is riding Brenda and plans to ride her at the next clinic she attends.
You have all been so great.
By the way, the people from Horsein' Around told Sue that Brenda was the nicest friesian they had ever transported from Black Sterling Friesians. That's impressive, as I am sure they have moved some wonderful horses for you. Thank you!!! And please pass along my regards to Barend.

4 months later....
I have been back taking lessons, and
grooming, lunging and riding that terrific girl. You were right! She
will be able to "teach me" dressage. Although I was a bit leary about
the size of a Friesian's trot, I already actually love that gait of
hers, and it has been fun to feel her responsiveness to everything I do. She is
absolutely a dream. Everyone loves her.

I LOVE BRENDA!!!

Barbara in Michigan

Just a quick note to let you know that Johan arrived safe and sound and has settled in very nicely! He is the friendliest horse I have ever met – he follows me around like a puppy dog! I must admit that I was a little intimidated by his size at first, but it only took one grooming session to get over that! I honestly believe this guy would follow me in the house if I would let him! He is absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait for my new saddle package to arrive so I can ride him! I already have a trainer lined up and everyone wants to come over and meet this handsome guy!

Update...
You must be a very busy lady! I check your website everyday and I can’t believe the number of horses you have sold since I got Johan!!!!!!!! I really don’t know how you keep it all straight!
We have ridden Johan a couple of times so far! He did very well especially considering that I am new to a dressage saddle! One of my good friends is the local trainer in town. He absolutely loves Johan. He said he is a good boy and he is very smart. He can’t wait to take Johan to his barn and show him off!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hope all is well with you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update...
How was the show????????? I am sure you and your team did very well !!!!!!!!!!!!! First, I must tell you that when the hauler (Donna Spano) brought Johan to me she made a comment that didn’t really sink in until now. She asked me if this was my first Friesian and when I told her “Yes” she giggled and said “Oh, you’ll be getting another one”!!!!!!!!! At the time I thought she was crazy, but now I understand. My trainer friend and I took Johan to the largest English barn at the beach (90 stalls). Just wanted to see how he would do with new surroundings. He loaded on the trailer with no resistance at all and was totally relaxed! We took Johan everywhere and nothing scared him. Even had him in crossties in the wash rack with little girls riding by on their bicycles. He wasn’t bothered by anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This guy is amazing especially for being a four year old! Obviously, someone has put a lot of time and energy into Johan and luckily I am the one who gets to enjoy his wonderful disposition.

Thank you so very much for finding such a wonderful horse! I am so lucky to have him!!!!!!!!!!

Had my first dressage lesson with Johan on Saturday! The trainer said I picked a good one and that I am going to have so much fun with him! Yippee!!!!!!!!!!!!

Update..
Johan won 1st place at his 1st recognized show! He was such a good boy!!!

Janice in Virginia

Here's our newest update:I'm still so delighted with my Beike.  She's now given me a gorgeous Goffert filly.  She's beautiful. 
I'm not breeding Beike again this year, and I am SO looking forward to being able to ride her and improve my dressage skills.  She is SUCH a good teacher.  Our newest adventure was performing a Pas De Deux, which I choreographed.   We performed in at an event called "Dancing With Horses" and won the Gold Medal for the Best Performance of the day.  We repeated the performance at the request of the organizers of the New York State FHANA keuring in September.  Beike was everything and MORE than you promised to me.  I am so thankful that you and I connected for my purchase of this wonderful mare.  I now own three great Friesians and have Dutch "Best Friends" (Bieke's previos owners).  It all happened because of YOU!  My sincerest thanks go to you!  THANK YOU.

I'm grinning from ear to ear. :) :) 
we picked up Beike, my new Friesian mare, from the USDA importation facility in Newburgh, New York. She arrived in Newburgh after an uneventful flight on KLM airlines. I even watched her flight's progress on the internet...great fun! Anyways.... they allowed me to groom her and ride her on the grounds. She was wonderful. She stood so still in her stall for grooming and tacking up. AND...when I approached her with the bridle...she even reached down and picked the bit up with her mouth HERSELF!. I had a nice ride and just took it easy with her.  I just wanted to make sure that she wasn't a spook (she wasn't AT ALL) and that she responded to very basic cues. After the short ride, I gave her a nice water rinse, and she stood right there, even for her face to be rinsed off. She made a BIG HIT with the Cornell folks, so I know she's going to get special treatment during her 14 day stay there. :) Can't wait to get her home, and let her teach me all that she knows.

Update...
Our dressage riding is a BLAST. I just LOVE doing those piaffes and passages....and the flying lead changes...OH MY GOSH. She's a WONDERFUL teaching assistant and she really seems to enjoy her job as being the "instructor's horse". Jumping is going well too. Today was one of the best days. She went very nicely and bravely over a couple of new jumps. She's gaining her confidence in me that I'll keep her safe.... I've been on three short trail rides and she did just great. I look forward to doing a little western riding with her ANDDDDDDD.... I want to learn saddle seat. She would be AWESOME at it. I would LOVE to get one of those beautiful "day coats". Teal.... yup...that would look really cool.

Update...
What a gal my Beike is! Today was the first time that I tried the picket jump with her, and she just sailed over it, again and again. She also did her lead changes so nicely after the jump. She is so easy to rate for the jumps, it's an absolute BLAST. It's all that great dressage training. She can go from long stride to short stride and back to long, INSTANTLY on request. Today, also, was the first time that I let the "gang at the barn" ride her. WHAT A SCHOOLMASTER. The gals (six of them), all took turns "taking a test ride" on my girl, and she was wonderfully behaved. "SO THAT'S WHAT A SHOULDER-IN IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE!", said one of the gals, "WHEN CAN I SIGN UP FOR LESSONS ON HER?"

Well...she's EVERYTHING that I could ever ask for in a horse for myself...for my personal fun and enjoyment, and for my lesson program. Dressage horse, trail riding, carriage driving, lesson horse, jumper... and best friend..... she does it all!
THANKS AGAIN JANNA... for helping to make my dreams come true!

Update...
I bought Beike through you in 2005. Beike was pregnant when she was imported in 2005, to Fabe, and we got a very nice colt, who is now a five year old Star Stallion. After "Tim" was born, we bred Beike back to Goffert, and got a nice filly, who we named Whisper. She is a beautiful mover, and will do well in dressage. My friend Pam Schneider bought Amos from you, and she recently purchased another gelding "Wiebren" that is at fourth level now, and came through your "stable" as well. Beike fan 't Zand, at age 19 is schooling at Prix St. George training this year. She took TWO fourth level championships in dressage and also a championship in carriage driving. She is so special to me..... I wanted to send you a note of encouragement and thanks for all that you have done for my "Friesian world". You helped to make my dream come true, and I have so many good friends now because of it.
Hugs from your friend in NY ~
Gale Wolfe

Dear Janna,
I just wanted to update you on Sir Galahad. He arrived safe and sound. I was not prepared for how incredibly beautiful he is. Not only is he beautiful, he is so sweet.

He is so much fun to ride and very forgiving of my novice abilities. My trainer is also riding him and having as much fun as I am.

I can't tell you how many people told me I was CRAZY to buy a horse sight unseen from someone I didn't know. Well, I'm glad I did!

Thank you for matching me up to such a wonderful horse. My next Friesian will also be a Black Sterling.

Best Regards,
Wanda in N.C.