Testimonials

He is so much more than I could have ever dreamed!! You have been amazing throughout the entire process. So happy I can hardly stand it,  Janna,  Hylke is doing great! He calls out to me when I come to the barn and it totally melts my heart! He's been enjoying the snow here. Esther Liano sent a note tucked into his passport and we've been in contact. She obviously loved him and was concerned about his sensitivity. He has been a sensitive guy , but extremely loving and coming along.Thanks, I love my new boy!

8 months later...............................
We're in training with a Grand Prix trainer. He is an extremely sensitive horse and I'm happy to have a sensitive trainer as well. I am absolutely thrilled with my dream horse. I wouldn't trade him for the world.
He's teaching me dressage. My trainer is amazed with his sensitivity.
He's really bonded with me and it just melts my heart! Hylke is doing great! I LOVE my boy!!!
 
1 year later....
Wanted to give you an update on Hylke. We had a ball at the FHANA World Show! Hylke took 1st place in the 5 year and older gelding in-hand class and then took the overall championship for geldings in hand. He turned into 'Mr. Show Boy' when he entered the arena. He liked it!  Will make a trip out to VA this weekend for Hylke's 1st parade. 
I LOVE MY HORSE!!!

Michele in IN

congrats to hylke on his NUMEROUS world and national championship victories at the 2008 IFSHA  grand nationals in st louis! 

Hi Janna,
Valentino (now Lancelot) arrived safe and sound about a week ago. The transporter said he wished all horses traveled so well. A total gentleman calm and patient he stood silently while we handled the paperwork.
I must tell you that his pictures don't even begin to do him justice. Granted, I thought he was beautiful in the photo's, but really, the way he carries himself, arching his powerful neck and his graceful slow motion prance, his coat glistening in the sun and the stark difference between his jet black coat against the deep white snow was quite breathtaking, you really have to see it in person to believe it.
I would be lying if I said I wasn't more than a bit nervous buying a horse with only photo's, video and your staff's testimony, but after getting to know him for a week and looking back at the pictures he really is everything you said he would be and more.
He seems to be getting used to my cues which under western tack are pretty new to him but my trainer came out yesterday to give an initial assessment. He crosses over nicely with his front leg when lead gently in a circle which is actually the beginning of a spin for western reining. We went to an arena and they brought in this huge CAT loader to move the panels (you know the enormous orange/yellow machines with 5 foot tall wheels!) It didn't even begin to phase him. Ho hum,no biggie. My husbands horse was about to come out of his skin!
Just he and I took a nice little day ride this afternoon through a big field covered in about two feet of snow. He was quite happy to be out and when we got to the dirt road area along the fence I could tell he wanted to go so I let him canter for just a bit, I didn't really want to open him up fully because we are still getting to know each other and the road was not dry but I could tell he had another gear in there.
Thanks again for everything.

I have ridden him a handfull of times now and each time we are communicating better and better. What a difference from the first time I asked him to canter and he just kept trotting faster and faster. He goes straight from a walk to a canter with a kiss and a squeeze now. His manners are phenomenal, I feel so safe around him despite his size and I am getting used to those exagerated upward then forward motions in the canter. By the way he does love his food and treats -oh yes he does!
My six year old is bound and determined to ride him in the Junior Bit and Spur which starts in April and I am nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs about him riding any horse, we usually start the littler ones out on the 20 year old quarter horse, but believe that Lancelot will take good care of him.

Hi Janna,
 We trailered over to the indoor arena and both my 4 year old and my 6 year old rode him around (with the other horses in the arena) without any parental intervention!, this is the first time we dared that, all the other times we would walk beside or hold the reins or lead rope etc. and he was a dream. Went where they wanted, at the speed they wanted. Here's the fun part - I saved it for last. With VERY LITTLE EFFORT I have taught this beautiful boy (on my own, never having taught this before) to bow! I must recruit someone to take a picture and send it to you! By bow I mean stretch out just a tad, bend the left leg and drop to one "knee" and tuck his nose down on the ground next to his knee.
By the way we did take first place in "Walk Trot Pleasure" at our local show last month. We were 15 minutes late for the full "Western Pleasure" class - darn the traffic anyhow. He is so much fun to watch other people ride, I have let several beginners ride him for the sheer pleasure of the smiles on their faces and because I know he is so safe and sweet.

Hi Janna,
I've been switching him to Western and although we don't ride as much as I'd like, he seems to be transitioning well. The photo with my 6 year old was at a local show and we both placed first on Lancelot (valentino) in our western divisions. This week my 11 year old niece from Texas who had never ridden a horse before has been riding him all week and just loving it. I almost forgot. I was not going to ride him in Team Penning (cows you know) assuming it would not suit him. So opening night, when all the cows and all the horses were VERY fresh! a friend offered to let me ride his "experienced team penning" horse. Long story short when the announcer said 'riders ready' two out of the three quarter horses on our team decided to go for a bronc ride. I survived with dignity in tact and dismounted and handed him back his horse with a very polite - no thanks! I re-saddled Lancelot figuring hey I had already paid my fees and nothing could be worse than that! When our turn came up again Lance and I took a stab at team penning, and I am happy to say that he engaged the cow, was a perfect gentleman, and although we broke no land speed record time we were the only one on our team to get our cow down to the pen. Thanks for everything!

Hi Janna,
I wanted to send you this picture of me and Lancelot taken moments before our local parade. OK, we did go a bit overboard on all the glitter hooves, stars and jingle coins - next time we will probably leave the coins off the breast collar and the fluffy stuff off the bridle. Just the same he was a good sport about it and we had a lot of fun. True to Friesian nature he was an angel at the parade. Honestly these are the best horses ever! I will never go back to quarter horses! Thanks again for everything.

7 months later....
Just wanted to let you know that we are having the best time with Lancelot. I know you don't have many "Western" customers so I wanted to let you know that YES Friesians can compete in Western events. We've had Lancelot for a little over 6 months now and despite he and I both being "rookies" in the sport we are having a fantastic time. My husband and I placed 3rd in Pairs Western Pleasure in the Bit and Spur Club Show about two weeks ago which means we move on to the "District" USWRCA competition. Lancelot (Valentino) and I placed 4th in Ladies Western Pleasure in the same show (the ladies like the sport more so the competition was a lot tougher - since Lancelot and I are both rookies I was very pleased to make it that far). I must brag on him a little. When I first got Lancelot he really struggled with his leads and didn't like to take his left lead at all. We've been working on it and during the show Lance did the most beautiful flying lead changes in the reining pattern that we actually got cheers and whistles from the audience. I've attached some pictures from the club show. I just love him (Lancelot) and am trying to convince my husband to consider getting one. Next time I will probably get a pregnant mare that way at some point the entire family can have a friesian. I think this is a case of once you've had a friesian you never go back.
If you have other people calling and asking about how friesians do in Western events here's what I've decided thus far. Lance does the barrel pattern and poles very well, very much correct but I do not believe he will ever have the agility and speed to win. By the same token he does not rear or dance around or act like an idiot when entering the arena for those events like other horses. He does a very fine job on Keyhole, Water Race and Potato Race because he's such a thinker and so obedient. He never blows through the keyhole or freaks out with the water etc. I think I mentioned before that he does better in the team penning (cows) than my quarter horse ever did! Which was a total shock for me. A friesian will engage a cow! So, if a person wants to do the Western events and really enjoy their horse doing it a Friesian is an excellent choice. If they want to "win" at speed events. I think they are not built for it, but you will definitely enjoy it - have a great success working with your horse as a willing and thinking partner who is safe and sane and LOOK GOOD doing it. Also, this horse loves me. I think they really do love people. He has the softest eye and kindest personality and never ever turns his butt to me or pins his ears back or give me any trouble with his feet or trailering or bathing. My little four year old rides him by himself and leads him all around and I never worry about his safety. Granted - if allowed to, Lance will EAT. He loves his food!
Thank you thank you for everything. I always tell everyone what a great reputation you have for selecting and delivering fine quality animals sight unseen.
Nancy in Utah

From Corina's previous mommy in Holland:
Corina is leaving on Saturday. Everything is taken care of. I have all her papers together. Now I’m really counting the days but I’m ready for it. It is going to be very strange to not have her around. I really want to thank you for letting me hold on to her for such a long time!!!!!!!! You’re really great!!!! You made it possible for me to say goodbye to her and to prepare myself for it. It is still going to be hard, but you really made it a whole lot easier for me. I can’t thank you enough!!!!!!! So……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you……thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! O… did I already thank you for being so patient with me? So, everything is taken care of and soon Debbie [corina's new mommy] will be able to see why I love her so much! She really is the best!!!!!!!!! She is nice and calm and such a pleasure to train with. I’m really going to miss her. I would love to visit her sometime when I’m able to.I wish I could go with her, maybe I can hide myself under her blanket?You really made it easier for me! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dyan in Holland, who showed Corina up to M level before she was imported

I might get a different horse since Lynn Tapp [cem quarantine owner] says that she loves Corina and she is going to send me her Friesian in place of Corina! Lynn says that Corina gives hugs and kisses and stands without a problem for all her checks etc. I have been emailing Dyan [Corina's former owner] and she has sent me alot of photos of Corina and her babies. In addition to a wonderful horse I have found a new friend through buying Corina.

Corina arrived here today and is just lovely and sweet as can be. We had champagne to celebrate her arrival. I cannot wait to get to know her. Everyone that has met her through her travel to Houston have said what a wonderful, sweet horse she is. The driver from Equine Express said that she was the sweetest Friesian he has ever seen. I am so please and the wait was worth every moment. In addition I have gained a new friend with Dyan and have invited her over to spend time with Corina and perhaps show her after her foal is born. Thank you again.

She is just wonderful and very special. Thank you also for introducing me to Dyan - it is great to get to know someone [Corina's former owner in Holland] and learn about Corina from her. Corina is doing well - She is a very sweet girl. 

Corina and I are doing well.  I am planning to attend the Friesian event in October and hopefully I will get to meet you.
Corina has been a wonderful addition to my family and the barn folks love her dearly also.
12 months later........
I have a lovely 4 month old filly (out of Corina) that I will treasure forever. Thank you for bringing Corina into my life, I love her dearly.
Debbie in TX

Janna,
Thank you so much for the time you spent with us. It was very nice meeting you. My son, Austen, was so excited when he saw Hanno on your website with the "Merry Christmas" note you write below his picture tonight. I think it sunk in just then!! He is looking through his 101 Dressage Exercise book to pick out what he can work on when Hanno arrives. Hanno will have a very loving home with Austen. Thank you for your assistance getting Hanno to us. Thank you for helping to make this Christmas extra special and an unforgettable one!
You have been such a pleasure to do business with. I hope we will meet again.

Update...
Hanno is doing great. He and Austen have become fast friends. Hanno truly enjoys playing with him. Austen is having a great time riding him and they are doing well together. We've taken Hanno out on trails and he crossed the creek after a little coaxing. He was steady as they come! Hanno will be in a show in a couple weeks and we are all looking forward to it. I meant to mention to you that we now have 3 of your BSF's at our barn (Hanno, Xanadu and Fiore). It's nice to have them together as they seem to enjoy seeing one another. We can't thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to add Hanno to our family. We love him!!!

Update 2 years later...
We LOVE Hanno!  He is such a character. We have 3 Friesians at the barn now and would  love to have more. I keep looking at your babies...one day!…we are loving Hanno and having a great time with him.
Kim

Thank you so much for your hospitality last week. I am still on a Friesian high! I am SO excited about Cobus and we have a Cobus welcoming party planned with all my horse friends!
You are an amazing woman…I am sure I am not the first to tell you that! I am trying to sell some of my friends on starting a barn here in Tennessee and we are trying to figure out how we can pool resources for a pregnant mare to get us started and of course it can only be a BSF horse! At the very least, maybe we can get enough money together for a trip out for a few nights in the BSF villa…what a PLACE!
Thanks for working with me on the saddle. I would also like to buy one of your weatherproof blankets so plan to send one of those along as well. We plan to start showing Cobus in May in a driving class. Your trainer is awesome, by the way. She was so professional the whole time I was there and she was careful to try and direct me properly.

Update...
He is a sweetie! We are having fun with Cobus…we have done most everything to him at this point and he is such a gentleman. We are all in love with him. He is doing great…he is so sweet. Can’t wait to buy another one!

Update...
We are just back from Cobus' first show ever and Janey and i wanted to e-mail you right away...he was entered in three classes. he took the blue ribbon in antique carriage driving and also a blue in pleasure driving. Unfortunately, I was the only one available to show him in halter and he was reserve Champion in that...i just had surgery on my foot and he only placed second because of my faults, not his! this was a show in Cleveland, Tennessee, full of saddlebreds. he was, of course, the only Friesian, and people were flocking to see him and pet him. he loved every minute of it!!! the best part about this was that he really REALLY seemed to love the show ring. we were not sure how he would be since i don't believe he was ever shown in Holland but there were no problems at all...he was spectacular! The announcer called him a "magnificent treasure for Tennessee" and read a little history piece about Friesians that Janey put together. He was THE main attraction at the show. We thought you would be glad to hear since you were a part of this as well. Hope all is well with you.

7 months later........
I saw you on the FHANA website winning in western...gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous...both you and the horse! We are having a ball with Cobus and I am attaching some pictures from some of his shows. He absolutely LOVES the show ring! Janey and I are totally besotted with him...he has learned to give us kisses (yes, open mouth and with tongue!) for treats...what a character he is. At some point in the future I will have you look for a partner for Cobus, for me. .....maybe I can have you shopping for me soon. This horse has really stolen my heart and I would like nothing than to have a whole barnful! ...I know I will keep seeing you on FHANA!

2 years later...
He is just great.  We have scheduled him to go for ster at the keuring this month...we are excited!  We are about the only thing going with Friesians in our area, although we competed with Vickie Gillenwater in Morristown with her Friesian Roan last month and we won two blue ribbons!  ... we have won all of our other blue ribbons against saddlebreds.   I just love him so much.... send me a western tack package.  We are getting lots of inquiries about Friesians thanks to Cobus and we take him to all the local breed shows.   

Update...
Wanted to let you know the good news...Cobus was Grand Champion Gelding and made Ster at the Harriman, Tennessee, keuring on 9/23!!!    Jan Hendriks, the judge, pulled out his own camera and took his own pictures of Cobus with his ribbons! He is so special to me and I am so glad I picked him when I came to visit.  Would love to come back again sometime and stay in the villa this time as a treat.

Deb and Cobus in Tenn

Hello Janna,
Well Fiore arrived and well... let me just say , OUTSTANDING. He is beautiful. I lunged him this morning and took him through all his gaits. Flawless and he sure is pretty to watch move.
Thanks so much for your help . Especially with changing from Berend to Fiore. I'm sure Berend would have been a great horse but my wife is in love with Fiore and his size for her is perfect.
Hopefully Berend will be available for me in the future. If not Im sure you will have another horse that will suit my needs.
I already told my wife that it's my turn next and I know where I'm going when I get my horse, Black Sterling Friesians. Again thanks so much and we will send pics and keep you updated on Fiore's progress.
Sincerely ,
The Long's

Janna-
Thank you soooooo much for a pleasant buying experience. I love Tamka!! She is definitely in your pocket all the time. We got her home and she immediately bonded with the little Shetland pony we have at the house so they make an odd pair to say the least. I gave her a bath and she did great. She didn't really like the water at first but settled right down. Tamka saw a cat for the first time (at least up close I think)because she looked at him with the funniest face and then proceeded to follow him around the paddock for about 30 Min's. The cat then jumped on the top rail of the fence and she felt it necessary to push him off. She definitely has spunk but has been a pleasure to play with. I have had several people stop and make comments about her from the road. She is definitely turning heads in my area.

Thank you again for such a pleasant experience!!

I will definitely be looking to you for another Friesian in the future.
Thanks

Megan Lee