Sandalls Farm - Home Page

From many letters received from satisfied customers............ and really good success stories too!

Hi Emma, Sorry it has taken so long for me to contact you, but I thought I would drop you a line to keep you updated on Percy's progress. Percy is such a little super star and has boosted my confidence no end. He settled into his new yard very well and has come on leaps and bounds (literally). He spent last year being professionally schooled (me as well!) and we have just started doing the show circuit this year. On his first outing (pictures enclosed) he came first in the Hunter Class and was so well behaved. He didn't even bat an eyelid when the air ambulance had to land on the show ground just yards away from him! I was so chuffed, I couldn't have asked for more from him. He is such a character and just adores cuddles. Thank you so much for finding him for me. You spend so much time looking for the right one and I have to say I spent too long with horses that weren't right for me. I can truly say that I have found the right one in Percy. THANK YOU EMMA Take care, Sarah and Percy. (Sarah Blackburne).
Hi Emma, Jimmy has settled in so well and is the kindest softy you could ever meet. He thinks all the other horses want to be his friend and has only just learnt to put his ears back when they threaten to kick him, which resulted in him getting a small cut on his leg when he tried to get too close to my grumpy pony! For the first couple of months I had him I couldn't do much as we don't have a menage so it was too dark but he is now fit, schooled and competing, doing pony club and will be off to camp next week. All the instructors at pony club have commented on how good his attitude is as he is just so sweet and will give anything a go. I'm working on his balance in canter so that more jumps stay up but my sj instructor says he will probably knock less down once he is more experienced and balanced. Despite this I have done a few 2'9'' sj classes on him and he has never run out (touch wood!) even at spooky fillers. He was also placed in his first hunter trial in april out of about 20 entries. This weekend I took him to our pony club's open show, where we did some showing and working hunter for the first time, which he turns out to be quite good at. We were the only entry in the first showing class so obviously we won, but was still a good experience! He won the novice working hunter and was the reserve hunter champion, so got a sash! Everyone commented on how fantastic he looked and I'm really pleased with his progress. The attached photos are of him at the show and at a recent pony club show jumping rally (sorry all the shows I have been at haven't had a photographer) and I will try to send some more photos in a couple of weeks from camp. Thanks again for such a sweet horse Josie and Jimbo xx
Hello Emma, I hope you are well since we last spoke regarding taking delivery of Seamus back in early March (no more broken ribs I hope). I wanted to drop you a line to let you know you will be contacted by Horse Passport Agency as I have just applied for change of ownership. So as not to confuse you your sale paperwork has Jean Roberts, Park Farm Cottage, Paulerspury, Northants but I have applied for change of ownership under my married name of Dawson. Hence dont be confused when Jean Dawson appears on the passport change request. Seamus is great. He picked up a skin infection (all those little bold bits he has when we came to view him) but easily treated with a anti-fungal shampoo. He has also had his teeth done and put on weight (blue chip goes down a treat!). He has also 'found himself' with a new best friend and is schooling up wonderfully under Amanda who you also met. He has also found he rather likes a canter and we are generally making him work at a faster gear and he has turned into quite a forward going boy and up for everything whilst still being ultra laid back. For a four, rising 5 he is unflappable on hacks - meeting a deflating hot air balloon was nothing to him (perhaps he should have been a police horse). Also with some remedial shoeing we have managed to eliminate the forging and schooling has also helped to balance him. A real great boy and I just know we are going to have years of fun together. Best wishes Jean
Hi Emma, Do you remember this little Guy, Buster?? We bought him from you last September and you brought him up to Home Farm.? He settled in so well and quickly made friends with the others in his field.? He is the most kind, willing, friendly, cheeky and curious horse I have ever known and Kirsty's confidence has grown and grown.? He is still big for her but they will grow together and she is far more confident wrapped around him than she was on the smaller ponies she has ridden in the past. She even did her first dressage test and won her first FIRST and the yard shield so she was chuffed to bits, we all were.? He is still being professionally schooled each week and has come on in leaps and bounds as he is so eager to learn.? It was a gamble as he is the first horse we have ever bought but he has turned out to be fab and really has no vices at all. He has been shod regularly, seen the dentist and been clipped - all no problem.? Not so keen on the fly spray at first but soon got over it. We love this little chap so much and still feel so lucky to have found him. Hope all is well with you and that you have found many others such gorgeous horses. Best wishes Jenny and Kirsty Brown
Hi Emma, Hope you're all good. I just thought that I'd let you know how Tango now known as Pie is getting on. He has settled in really well with the other horses, him and dazz are like brothers always arguing. He's grown up a lot and isn't as jumpy as when we got him, but is a horror to catch in the field sometimes but we're working on that one. We haven't competed much but the O.D.E 's and hunter trials that we have done I am always pleased with the outcome. He loves his cross-country and isn't phased by anything (except his own shadow ). I have so much confidence in him and hopefully he will go far! Thank you! Becky and Pie x P.S The photo is one of his first times x-country.
Here is a rather nosy Holly (Paris) trying to eat the camera! Here's Steady Eddie (Ben) filling out nicely!	This is Panther (blake) out in his field. I have got some xc pics coming soon! All the best, Marion and Hayley x	This is Holly (Paris) at Wix the class is actually 3ft but she makes it look about 2ft needless to say she won! She is doing really well i'm gutted I cant affliate her yet with my shoulder but I will do just as soon as those bloody doctors let me back in the saddle!
Hi Emma, Have been meaning to drop you a line for ages - sorry for delay of a year and a half, but how time flies! We purchased ‘Paul’ Templehill Merlin off you, our second purchase, as Danielle had out-grown her stunning pony ‘Sandalls Arctic Fox’. I think you had only had ‘Merlin’ in the yard for a couple of days before we were turning up on your door-step and making an instant decision, and what a great decision that has turned out to be! Putting 2 young things together and getting it right, is quite a responsibility, but both Dan and Merlin have benefited with regular weekly lessons from Marcelle Tattersall (Eventer, Gemma’s Mum) and by the time they made it to the show ring (we don’t like rushing!) they were both more than ready. To date they have been achieving very consistent affiliated winnings in Seniors - averaging 2 places per show! In November after attending only 7 shows they qualified for the Blue Chip Winter Show jumping Championships. They are currently working towards getting all double clears and have achieved these in British Novice. This weekend came 3rd in a Discovery and then won the 1m Amateur qualifier at Royal Leisure, heading off to Pyecombe this weekend to have a go at the Scope qualifiers. Future goal is to jump Young Riders. Merlin a fantastic teenagers horse, he drives her nuts at times, as at home each day he dreams up something to irritate her! but saves his best behaviour for show days, so he is always instantly forgiven! A big thank you Emma, for making another super match ... if you can find another one like him, make sure you phone me! Lots love Karen and Danielle xxxxxx
Hi Emma, Just thought I would let you know how Teddy is getting on. I have had him a year now and despite our early issues with illness and time off, he has been fantastic. He ended up having nearly 10 weeks off and I was so relieved that he was exactly as you had described him when I had to bring him back into work. We have taken things quite slowly and we haven't started competing properly but we have frequent lessons which he travels to without any problems. We have been cross country training where he jumped everything very willingly and are show jumping round 90 cm tracks at home. He even won a small local dressage competition with a score of 65.5! He can be a little sharp out hacking, but only when he is genuinely startled, so we are working on that. He is an angel to deal with around the yard, so much so that my non- horsey Dad will rug him up and turn him out if I am away! Thank you for finding him! Kate
Hi emma, Just a quick update on Cracker or 'Absolute Cracker'! Just to let you know we came 6th in our first Hunter Trials yesterday, was so chuffed he gave me an excellent ride round we jumped steps which seemed massive (!) and a coffin and the usual other XC fences. We have been to training several times too, flatwork, grids and XC, he has been excellent in everything we have done so far, we have even given leads to other less willing horses. And he loves to plough through the water elements and thinks nothing of the ditches - how lucky am I! We have developed a really good bond and he will follow me around the field now, it is quite cute. I have loads of videos of him performing but not very many photo's, as soon as we get some I will forward them to you. We are off to riding club camp at Stockland Lovell Manor this Thursday, they have an excellent XC course and as he is turning into a bit of a XC machine I can't wait!!! Hope all is well with you, I keep checking your website (even though I'm not looking for another horse) and you have some really nice horses 4sale at the moment, I would like to own all of them! I love Cracker and I will keep him forever but I wish he was a little bigger..... doesn't matter cause he is fab and can do everything a bigger horse could and more!! Best wishes, Anna and Cracker
Hi Emma, We hope that you are all well and that the horses are finding new owners. Roisin is absolutely smashing - she is now much fitter and stronger therefore on a hack she is quite bright but at the moment not causing any problems. The schooling is coming on very well - in fact exactly six months to the day since she arrived here at Sweffling we competed in our first Dressage Competition last Sunday the 6th April gaining 68% and second place. I still have not come down to earth!! Everybody says what a super horse she is and she and I are now very close - we have really bonded. I would still like to know if it is possible to find out her specific breeding - I know that you said she was by an Irish Draught Stallion in the North - but which one? and would her dam have been by a Thoroughbred because she has quite a classy head. Is there any possibility that you could let me have details of her breeder so that I can get in touch with him/her. We must congratulate you on finding such a lovely horse for us to buy. We've really got used to the blue eye - it makes her quite unique. love to you all, Stephanie Askew
Hello Emma Just a note to say Seamus is doing very well and we are very pleased with him. Here is a photo of Isabelle having a lesson on him this morning. Thank you so much for selling him to us he is perfect. He has settled in very well and is best of friends with our other gelding! Hope your ribs are mending and you are well. Kind regards Ann Fields
Hi Emma Its Becca hear just thought I would let you no how Robin is getting on. The 15.1 Dun Gelding you sold to us in Jersey. I'm sure you haven't forgotten us all the way for little Jersey. After a few trips coming to see you we eventually found Robin and I just wanted 2 say a big thank you for selling us such a great horse. You had you work cut out with us I no as we had a few priorities (small horse, big jump, excellent hack and manner) and after a few months of looking you found Robin. He is all that and more. We have had him for about 6 months now and he's just stared BSJA this year and is coming on well. Over the winter he did lots of dressage and x country and did extremely well. We have just started our show jumping season so he's coming on nicely jumping 1 meter plus quite happily. I have attache some photo's from our first one day event 2 months ago which he was so good at. I hope you are keeping well, and I will keep you informed on how he is doing after a few more BSJA events. Once again many thanks for finding us such a great little horse. Becca Kathy and Robin xx
Hi Emma and Becky, Just a quick message to let you know how Panther and Eddie are getting on. They are both settling in really well. Panther acts like he has been here all his life he is so quiet and laid back. I just love him. Eddie was a bit more nervous but is doing really well. He is going to be a stunning horse when he fills out and he is starting to school really nicely bless him and with no leg on! He has quite a pop - too he just doesn't know what to do with it yet! Holly is still jumping 5 bar gates and letting her self out of her stable on occasion. What a character but quiet as a mouse when you get one her. She will be affiliating soon she is such a little jumping school mistress. All the best Hayley and Marion
Hi Emma, You sold me this wonderful mare in Dec 2006. We had a few ups and downs during 2007 - one of which put me in hospital! Not Rosie's fault I hasten to add, just by lack of riding ability! Thought you might like the attached, taken at our first ever (mine & Rosie's) affiliated one day event - intro. We had a fabulous day - ok the dressage score of 49 wasn't that great but this isn't really our forte (will be working on it!) and neither of us had done a dressage competition before not even unaffiliated! We then had a clear show jumping and clear cross country, though we did pick up 16 secs for being a bit too slow - felt fast enough from where I was sitting!! She has developed into the most fantastic little horse - she loves to jump but is really controlable - she can turn on a sixpence and is a real tryer. She is also lovely to hack and to hunt. She also has the kindest of natures, a real sweet heart. I honestly couldn't wish for a more perfect horse. Thank you so much! Sonia		Rosie
Hi Emma Thanks for sending on Seamus's passport. I thought I'd enclose some pics of what we now call our 'Hinkley horses'. After buying Chekota (known to you as spotty) from you nearly five years ago, you were the obvious choice when I decided to buy another horse. Although the horse I originally rang you up about had been sold you told me you had a horse arriving the next week that you thought may be suitable. We came to see Seamus (Samson) and fell in love with him straight away, and he duly arrived with us just before Christmas. He has grown about an inch since he came to us and I think he will end up at least 16:2hh He is such a polite well mannered horse and takes everything in his stride. He has been doing lots of hacking, which he really enjoys and is happy to pop over jumps in the woods, in fact he even gave one of our other horses a lead when it refused !!! And his school work is improving all the time. I am planning to take him to a clinic at Brinsbury in March and will keep you advised of what we're up to. Thanks once again for finding Seamus for us Anna
Hi Emma, Just thought I would write and attach some photos of William who's registered name is Sir Diamond Kellogg. Well What can I say... In March I would have had him one year and what a year. He has ticked all the boxes and I am so lucky to have found him. We have been having lessons to bring him on and apparently he will make a great dressage horse already! We are going to start working on our jumping from next month and have booked to take him on holiday to North Oxfordshire for four days riding with Bridle Rides. We did a sponsored ride in September and had great fun. He is such a good boy and every day he is learning more and more. He is 17 hands 1 inch now and everyone on the yard says he is still growing. I get compliments on him all the time and he loves his hacking, nothing is a problem - Bomb Proof like you said. I just wanted to thank you again for making looking for a new horse easy and hassle free - as I have known so many people who have come unstuck with the wrong horse for them. I recommend you all the time and I would certainly come back if I am ever in the market for another horse! I hope you like the photos and I will send you more of our experiences together. Thanks again Emma. Emma Stapley, Hertfordshire
Hi Emma, Firstly Happy New Year! Can i also congratulate you on the great article in Horse and Hound magazine. I had no idea you had done all the bits and pieces before becoming a horse dealer! Just thought i would update you on Vinnie. We have gradually been going out to more and more clinics and some dressage competitions, and re-gaining confidence all the time. He is just SUCH a sweetie and So easy to do and such a joy at the same time! The last competition we did was at the Berkshire College of Ag before Christmas and we were leading the class with 68.33% until the 2nd to last person went in on a very nice looking dressage horse so you can imagine how thrilled i was to come 2nd! Since then however i had noticed he would be very very slightly unlevel infront at the start of a ride or lesson and it was so minor you could only tell when he was in trot. After chatting to my instructor i decided to get him seen by our fantastic vet Simon Knapp who discovered that he has some activity in his front right navicular bone but with drugs, treatment, good shoeing and working as normal it should settle down and he will be fine. This was a huge relief and i am glad we caught it early! We are off to a clinic tomorrow and its so nice taking him as i go on my own in the trailer and he is a poppet to load etc. I wish you every success for 2008 and i am sure the feature in Horse and Hound will encourage people to come and see you and the lovely horses you have to offer. I just can't believe its nearly 2 years since i bought Vinnie and i will be forever grateful i found you and you sold me such a nice chap as i wouldn't swap him for anything! All the best Emma, Jo and Vinnie x
Hello Emma, Hope you are doing well! I am writing to fill you in on the info on how brilliant Bobby dazzler (DAZZ for short) is getting on. We have bonded really well and i love him-he is like my best friend! He is sooo fantastic! As soon as we got him we got to work and took him eventing but only jumping small to start and after we had found out what he could really do, lets just say we were very pleased with him!! Just thought I would let you know that in those pics of him jumping the hedge, we measured it after and it come up at about 4ft6"! Dazz does a smashing dressage test and I'm hoping to do well in British eventing. We are also about to get him affiliated! Also, guess what? He has a mane and he looks very handsome I must admit, although I also have to admit to get it we really did have to go through the ugly duckling stages! Hee hee! He is a gorgeous horse and I'm soooo pleased we got him! Thankyou and I will let you know soon about how he is doing in British eventing and when he is affiliated. Love Elise and Dazz!!..x
Hi Emma, I thought I would send you an update on Cracker. All is going well, he is responding very well to all the fuss and attention he gets from me and my Mum! He even affectionately nibbled my bottom, whilst I put his rug on this morning! We still have trouble attempting to picking out his feet, I got cow kicked yesterday, but I hope we can work on that! I bought him some mud guard but he is having none of it! Before he came I was worried about how my TB mare would be with him (she is a bit of a witch!!) I was worried she might kick him! She didn't, instead it has been my placid gelding (Aladdin) who has pushed poor Cracker about, Cracker takes it well and just runs for cover. My Mum and I are beside ourselves for him, but we are confident in time all will settle. On Saturday, we went for a really long ride, we went everywhere: on the main roads, meeting buses and lorries, we also came across a number of off road motor bikes which flew past us, we went past building sites, and children playing football and he gave no reaction to anything! In fact, he was a bit of a plod! When we got back, my 14 year old brother, who gave up riding for a small motor bike some years ago fancied having a go! He got a bit confident with himself, and we think he must have given Cracker a 'pony club kick', because the next thing Cracker was off, across the field at great speed, he jumped the 3ft electric fence into the field which contained Aladdin (his arch enemy!) and galloped around for a bit, at least till Tom managed to jump off....... I have never laughed so much in my life! Jumping that fence was impressive, it only looks like a a bit of string, he flew at it without any hesitation, I'm confident he could jump anything! Today, we did some schooling in the field, we moved the other horses into the nearby paddock, and they ran up and down trying to upset him, but he was, as ever, faultless. He was responsive and a real pleasure to ride. Please see photo's attached. Tomorrow, we are off in the trailer to see the vet, for a quick check up and to get his jabs. He was very good when we wormed him too. I hope you like the photo's, I decided to keep the plates, they look cute on him, and please pay not attention to the fact that there isn't a straight line from my elbow to his bit!! Best wishes, Anna & Cracker
About George Hi Emma How are you? Hope the cold and mud isn’t getting too bad for you!!! It’s just been awful, but George (as he is now called) is an absolute diamond. He is fantastic and a right cheeky character who loves to be scratched all over and puts up with me trying to cuddle and kiss him. He is a brilliant safe hack and I went out on my own in the awful weather the other weekend and he was fine. He also led out another horse and nervous rider around our farm and we have started to pop over little logs and just generally have fun out hacking. He is getting fitter but struggled to keep up with my friends horse who galloped off without us but didn’t bat an eyelid and we just plodded along at our speed. He is getting better in the school and is getting the hang of some of the lateral movements and is understanding leg on doesn’t mean zoom off!! I attempted to clip him and all was fine over his body but I had a nightmare with his legs even with a full tube of sedalin and a twitch I couldn’t get near his back legs!!! I know you clipped him out completely but I have no idea why he has now taken a dislike to it. I have been working on desensitizing him to the clippers and managed to do some of his front legs but have decided to just get him sedated after Christmas and get the whole lot off without any stress!!! Its just a small thing for us to work on! I have booked us into our first dressage tests at the beginning of February and we are also booked into the Lynn Russell clinic at Frogpool Manor on March 1 next year. I am going to get his first height certificate done in January so I really hope he measures in. The farrier is doing a wonderful job on his feet, he has been shod twice and I am seeing an improvement already. I had my back lady check him out before we started work and all is OK, his new saddle is arriving at the end of January. He is a spoilt rotten pony. He is very nosy in the stable and didn’t like his hay at the back of the stable so moved it to the front, but he is too lazy to pull it out of the haynet so he now has it in a big bucket on the floor, although its horse hage as he isn’t over keen on hay!!!! As I say a spoilt pony! He will have a home for life with me as I just can’t fault him (a total beginner rider got on him at the weekend and he just took it all in his stride!!) Here is a picture of us with our friends on our first Christmas ride of the year!!! Claire Halladay
About Ernie Hi Emma I can't believe that we bought Ernie just over a year ago, how time fly's when you're having fun! I will never forget the day that we came over and fell for Ernie. It was the classic girlie moment, Sophie and I both looked over the stable door, and there he was with that adorable cheeky friendly face, it was love at first sight! We tried a couple of other lovely horses that you had for sale which were all suitable for a mother and daughter share, but we were both itching to try Ernest, and then the moment came. Sophie was adamant that she was to try Ernie first, so I happily agreed! I gave her the motherly word of encouragement "just imagine that you are on your loan pony Rupert" Big mistake! as she gave a big pony club kick and a tap with her whip for good measure, off went Ernie into a very forward canter. Six laps later and unable to stop Ernie, Sophie fell off, or should I say bailed out into a soft sandy corner! Fourteen months on we laugh about that day and it's always a good talking point to new horsey friends. Ernie is the most wonderful horse that Sophie and I could have ever asked for, a 100% in every way. Thank you so much Emma for allowing us to buy him, your help that day was great and you matched us to the best horse ever. We are all learning so much together and enjoying every minute that we spend together. We would not change him for the world. Thanks again Emma, and bye from Linda, Sophie & Ernie xxxxxxxxxx

About J-Lo, now Diaz! Hi Emma, Its Leanne who bought J-Lo from you a whole year ago!! Gone so quickly!! I did change her name to Diaz! Diaz settled in beautifully when I first got her, I was so pleased with her. Since buying her we have done lots of bits and pieces, my best one has been Crabbet Park Hunter Trails in May! She was fantastic, and jumped everything and had a great pace. Being only 4 at the time she was one of the youngest there-but that didn't stop her! I've enjoyed her so much and will do for a long time I'm sure. She is the worlds biggest lap dog and is so affectionate, its lovely! All I need now is a better photographer!! I was very pleased with all the help I got from you Emma and if I ever wanted another I will definately be coming to you! Everyone I know who is buying ahorse- they'll be coming your way!! Thank you so much! Leanne and Diaz!xxx
About Barney (Whisper) Hi Emma Hope you are all well at Sandalls. Just wanted to let you know that Barney (Whisper) has settled in so well and is utterly adorable. He's been nothing but lovely and has turned out to be an amazing hack. He seems really happy and has taken a shine to my mare, not that she is too bothered with him though! Planning to hack until spring, then it's back to school. Hoping to do some clear round jumping next summer and start on working hunter classes as I think he'll be really good at it! He's an absolute angel, particularly for a 4 year old and I have high hopes for himWill be in touch when we win our first rosette...! Pics are from his second day at my yard, will have to get some up to date ones as he's changed so much already. Best wishes to you all. Anna
About Granite Hi Emma, Just to let you know Granite has been a good boy and I have been working him most days, but not done any jumping yet. He is settling in well but has got quite attached to a mare so going to move him to another field as she keeps teasing him over the fence! He is so good on the roads, its nice to have a horse that is sensible to take out with other horses unlike my last one. Have also had his teeth done now. Anyway will keep you posted. From Loraine and Granite x
About Pussy Galore, now Lady Scattercash Hi Emma, I have changed her name to Lady Scattercash. I just thought you would like to know how lady is doing. She has been great and is perfect for what I want to do. She has been to a rally and was a little spooky but what you can expect form a 4 year old. I have had lessons every week and I have been doing very advanced dressage (apparently). We are also jumping in the lessons too. She is an absolute angel out hacking (Touch Wood) and she hacks out with the cart. She has been clipped but not a hunter only a tiny one, you could literally leave her in the middle of the yard and clip her. She was sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good!!! Thank you soooooo much for selling her to me she is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are hoping to take her to rallies, show jumping competitions and some dressage competitions but walk and trot at the moment. We will do a couple of walk and trot then go up. Love Katie and Lady xx
About Molly, Hi Emma, Just thought I would sent you a short message to let you know that Molly is doing well and I wouldn't swap her for the world. Her flatwork is improving no end due to some old bag keep yelling at me, but she did tell me last time that she is improving every time she sees her so I must be getting something right!! Showjumping, now that's a bit of a joke, goes at 100 mile an hour, at the hunt show she got me eliminated, as she saw some jumps, not the ones she should have jumped though, locked on and took off, even with me pulling out her back teeth I couldn't stop her so we jumped several extra, clear though. XC what an angel, did the Mini at East Byssche clear last weekend, then went to Ardingly for the novice yesterday and jumped clear. Thank you, Sally and Molly
Hi Emma, Just an update on Rosie with a couple of pics this time. Shes doing very well and coming along nicely. She excelled at our riding camp and even had to be a lead on a few occasions!! There is alot to do on the schooling front as she is so green but she is a very fast learner and seems extremely willing to please. We have been cross country schooling numerous times now and have just completed our first hunter trial. She was exceptional. A little sticky when going away from her mates but then got into the swing of things and was away!!! She has a super nature and has turned a few heads!!Will keep in touch with her progress, Thanks very much. Love Claire and Rosie xx
About "Beez Kneez" Hiya Emma, its Hannah who bought Beez Kneez a whole year ago!!!!!!!! That has gone quick. Beez is doing really well. He's holding his head in and jumping amazingly. I'm going to Hickstead with him I got in the pony club jumping team and me and him FLY!!! He's soo lovely I love him soo much everyone when I go into the ring to jump I always get a cheer. Its amazing how many poeople you know from the horsey world!!! I have won a few jumping classes and im doing really well. i have got pony camp as well soon!! Can't wait and the 1st day pony camp starts is the day I got beez a whole year ago. 1st August! I'm busy every weekend going somewhere. This week i have got jumping practice 20 miles away sunday I have a show and the following wedsday and the following sunday aswell!! we went through a fase where he wouldnt go in the trailer but we always got the better of him. I have been cross county and milstead ride! He has got a massive field shelter! I have jumped 4ft and I'm on the internet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IoLwmvHsK4 he done it easy but it was the top hole! I will write back soon - thank you so much!!!!! Hannah and Beezy!xx

About "Willoughby" - formerly "Charles" Hi Emma, long time no speak! Hear you have been in the wars a bit since we last saw you – hope you are well on the way to recovery now. Thought you’d like to be kept in touch with Charles [now Willoughby or Wills as we seem to call him]. The pictures are from Borde Hill sponsored ride two weekends ago – 12 miles! He was super and we were all shattered l can tell you at the end. He left yours 3 months ago now and spent 6 weeks having ‘intensive care’ with Adrian Evans at Chailey Stud, who worked with him, and then with him & Ellie. The first day or two Adrian did wonder what on earth l’d brought, but very quickly saw in him what l liked and now says that at worst he’ll be a nice amature horse and at best a super one! – Naturally we are aiming for the best! He had a couple of weeks off after that while we went on hols, and when we came back he had forgotten that he didn’t like his ears touched, but now he has remembered again! He is fine for us to catch now [out without a halter and everything] but is still cautious of people he doesn’t know. He is now at a super yard in Streat, nr Burgess Hill, which is run by a horse whisperer – l’ve told her to try whispering in his ear if she can get close enough! He’s very chilled and easy going, super to hack, loves carrots, getting to like polo’s, and recently started resting his chin on my shoulder while we wait for Ellie to get her act together! Haven’t jumped too big yet [although Adrian said he’d probably go 1m 20 if we wanted, which l don’t] – don’t want to rush the relationship building between him and Ellie, and we’ve found that every day you need to do something different, particually if you’ve jumped the day before because it is jolly exciting and then he forgets how to walk and trot! But that is fine because life never gets boring that way – l even did some bending gymkana games in one of my sessions with him during a schooling session – Not so sure he’ll make a games pony though at the moment, but l’ll keep you informed! He did give me a few concerns once or twice during the last couple of months, but even so, we are completely smitten and love him to bits, and it is so rewarding seeing his confidence grow in us. We plan some walk and trot dressage to start [because my god he moves well – when he walks at his normal pace l’m usually running along behind because he strides out so well], some clear round sj and maybe pairs xc or more sponsored rides during next couple of months. Anyway, take care & will keep you informed. Kindest regards Liz & Ellie Coleridge
About "Drummer" I went to Sandalls Farm looking for the impossible – a horse that my husband could eventually hack and that I’d enjoy riding. As I’m 5ft 6ins and he’s 6ft 2ins and we have widely different levels of experience, I knew I was setting Emma a real challenge. But being Emma, she managed it and we came home with Drummer – a four-year-old, 15hh traditional cob who thinks he’s a warmblood. He has the nicest temperament with people and other horses, goes past tractors and combine harvesters without batting an eyelid (then spooks at a big leaf to make sure you’re awake) and has an amazing walk and trot. The canter will be pretty good, too, one day! If you’re honest about your ability, realistic about what you want and can accept that horses take time to settle into new homes and to get used to new owners, you’ll find Sandalls Farm a great place to look for your perfect four-legged partner. And they’re such a great team it’s worth going for the conversation, though you won’t get a hard sell. Emma told us exactly what the horses we saw were like, warts and all. Drummer is exactly what she said and exactly what we wanted. Carolyn Henderson
About "Magpie" Hi Emma, I hope all is well. Everything is going brilliantly here, Magpie has really settled in, he is best friends with Barney and follows him everywhere even when we are on rides. If he sees something hes not sure of he runs around and tucks himself behind Barney, its very funny. We are moving to a new yard on Saturday which will be great as Magpie will have some new friends. It is also in handy hacking distance which is useful as we haven't tackled the lorry yet. I wanted to gain his trust first and I think it will be easier to practice at the new yard. I hacked over to clear round jumping today with Mum. Magpie loved it. He got so excited that we were jumping as we haven't had the chance until now. I thought he might try and cling to Barney but he went into the warm up and was off. I think he quite forgot Barney was even there. He got a clear round (obviously!) It was only small but I was really chuffed as there were a lot of other horses there and he was so chilled and he got his first rosette which Mum is very proud of. He has got his first trip Autumn Hunting on Friday (if I can catch him in the dark!) I will let you know how it goes. Talk to you soon, Sian
About "Eddie" Just a quick note to let you know how Eddie is doing. We have sorted the allergy. We think it was hard food. He is all clear of lumps and looking beautiful. He is everything you said he would be. He really looks after my daughter and I. He has lost weight and is getting fit. He loves going out on our bridle ways and being able to open out. He is an absolute dream in every way and we love him to bits. I even sit my two babies up on him! He has built my confidence! What is nice is as we are gaining more confidence and schooling work coming on he has sharpened up a little. He is just a dream! Tracey Morren
About "Brin" Hi Emma, Hope that you are well. Just to let you know that all is going really well with Alex and Brin (Snowy). They went to Pony Club Camp a couple of weeks ago and Brin took everything in his stride. In the whole week he didn't stop once and everyone found it hard to believe that he was such a young horse. They ended up winning the "Best Friends" cup which Alex was very pleased about. Last weekend he took him out and he jumped two good double clears and they both had a lovely day. Thought you might like to see some pics and please give our best to Pip. Kind regards Maggie
About "Ginger" Hello Emma A progress report for you on Ginger... He's now doing British eventing and BSJA. He's done all the pony club teams this year, going very well. He always jumps double clear, competing 3'3"/3'6" which is pretty good considering all the problems he's had!! He's just totally recovered from a foot abcess that had him off for 2 months!! He definitely has to be the most high maintenance horse ever!! But we love him, he's got so much to come and we are very excited about it!! Laura (The cross country picture was at his first ODE last year)
About "Eden" Hello Emma just thought I'd drop you a line and tell you how fantastic Eden is. After his epic journey home (it took us about 5 1/2 hours) he settled in really quicky. He's put on loads of weight and i'm sure he's grown. We have been doing mostly prelim dressage. He always gets over 60% in his tests so I'm really pleased with him. Hopefully we are going to aim for the prelim championships next year. We started doing a bit of jumping which he loves. He likes jumping the logs in the wood and clears them by miles especially if they are on the way home !!!! He is really good hacking and is so laid back he is practically horizontal! He has given me loads of confidence and I love him to bits. Thanks for selling me such a fantastic horse keep up the good work! Andrea Ellis and Eden xxxxxx
About "Rosie" I'm really sorry it's taken me so long to write to you but I'd just like to say thank you for all you did with the "rosie" situation!! She has settled in like a dream and seems to be enjoying herself. We have already been xc schooling where she excelled through the water and down steps and over a coffin. The lessons have begun and at present she definitely believes these are rather boring and seemingly a waste of time!! I think she'd rather be hunting!! We are away this weekend at Poplar Park with the riding club so will be jumping for 3 days. I think she is going to enjoy herself at this!! I'll let you know how we get on!! You've certainly got some cracking horses and I'll be back to you if I get any more!! Thanks once again and I'll be in contact. Claire x
More about "Rockey" 17/09/07 Just a little update . Wwent to our first 2 phase competition today and came 5th in the pairs (2ft6) class with my friend (it was her first show) and then got another double clear in the 3ft class (picture attached) he was fautless and we came 3rd. Summer hols ; Gracelands about a month ago - 5th in 3ft hunter trial brouten grange - 8th out of 66 clear rounds camp (absalute superstar!), whitfield farm last weekend 3ft6 - 2nd placed at last 6 times out starting our first dressage tests soon and then going on to do BE with the pony nobody thought could be an eventer. Thankyou for selling me such a fantastic pony , he will spend the rest of his long life with me as we cannot bear to part with him! Lauren and rockey (chamois bought november 2006 ) p.s we have also done horseball - he is amazing at it (pictured) Hey Emma, You're probably getting fed up with all these updates but oh well! I thought i would send you this url.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L35dFuRriCI just to show you how well rockey is going at the moment. We are going to camp for the week on Sunday and will have to compete our first dressage test which will be interesting. He has put on alot of weight and now looks very happy and healthy. Also in August we are trying out to be in the pony club showjumping teams which will be good. We have just started competing in 1mtr5 and then 1mtr10 tracks and all is going very well! This pony is a one in a million!! Thankyou !! Lauren and Rockey xxx
About "Beez Kneez" - "Beezy" Hiya Emma its Hannah who bought Beez Kneez a whole year ago!!!!!!!! That has gone quick. Beez is doing really well. He's holding his head in and jumping amazingly. I'm going to Hickstead with him - I got in the pony club jumping team and me and him FLY!!! He's soo lovely I love him soo much everyone whenI go into the ring to jumpIlways get a cheer. Its amazing how many people you know from the horsey world!!! I have won a few jumping classes and I'm doing really well. I have got pony camp as well soon!! Can't wait and the 1st day pony camp starts is the day I got beez a whole year ago. 1st August! I'm busy every weekend going somewhere. This week I have got jumping practice 20 miles away, Sunday I have a show and the following Wednesday and the following Sunday as well!! We went through a phase where he wouldn't go in the trailer but we always got the better of him. I have been cross county and milstead ride! He has got a massive field shelter! I have jumped 4ft and I'm on the internet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IoLwmvHsK4 he done it easy but it was the top hole! I will write back soon thankyou so much!!!!! :D :D :D Hannah and Beezy!xx
About "Maxim" Hello Emma I thought you would like to know how Mack Donald, now called Maxim, is doing. He has had a skin infection which has settled well with antibiotics, which gave him two weeks off, I think he thought he had arrived in a holiday camp! He loves being turned out and eats everything we give him. He has put on more weight, and now I am riding again is very well behaved and loved by everyone in the yard. He is thriving on all the fuss and comes when I call him, he has become very affectionate and looks for me if I am out of sight! He is very forward going now he is a bit fitter, so I'll keep you posted and bring a picture when he has some muscle to show off! Best wishes Nicola
About "Rocky" - an update - see "Rocky" below. Hi Emma.. I am writing to update you on chamois's.. (now rockey) progress. I have included some photos of his recent events. Since christmas we have attended our first funride at offchurch xc course where we jumped everything inc the bhs event course. The fences were between 3ft6 - 4ft which did not faze him. He did everything asked of him. We went to our first out-door show of the year and had one pole in the 2ft9 and a clear in the 3ft. We have also been to lots of indoor showjumping competitions and have qualified for the indoor championships at Solihull. We went swimming on a few occasions. He loves it and goes in up to his neck getting me soaked! We are now attending regular showjumping trainings and have numerous rallys coming up including a racing rally which should be a laugh!! We are planning to go affiliated and I was just wondering if he had been registered previously and how much money he has won? And also.. just wanted to know how you clipped him because he is terrified of our clippers!!! He is going brilliantly at the moment and he is improving on every outing but he has just picked up a nasty habit of rearing when he gets excited but he has almost stopped it now! Thank you again for selling me such a fab pony! Lauren and Rockey xxx
About "Brin" Hi Emma Just to let you know how we are doing with Brin (Snowy). He has continued to settle down and stopped walking away from the saddle after a couple of weeks. He is now tying up on the yard, had his teeth done - he was very good - and continuing to be very good in the school. Alex has been hacking him out in company and Polly has hacked him out once alone - he has been very good, better in fact than the horses who are supposed to be showing him the ropes!! He has completely changed colour and is a nice pale gold, and now the grass is through he is looking great. Our yard owners cant believe that he is so sensible for such a young horse! Alex is absolutely delighted with him and he is getting much friendlier and confident around people. Thanks for the extra month's warranty Emma, and thanks for selling him to us. Will let you know how we go in future. Hope that you are keeping well, send our best to Pip and let her know that her know that he's doing very well. Kind regards, Maggie
About "Vinnie" Hope all is continuing to go well for you at Sandalls. I can't believe I have had Vinnie a year already-just where does the time go?! Thought I should update you on our progress to date. Over the past few months we have continued to attend both flat and sj clinics with our local riding clubs, some of which have been held indoors, some outdoors come rain shine or wind we have been there. He has continued to be a little star and I am so pleased with him. The other week we attended a sj clinic where we had to jump some horrible fillers inc one with two huge pink pigs on them! I think they are those jump for joy jumps-some of the fillers make your eyes go funny if you look at them for long enough. Vinnie did not let me down and even when he was unsure I just kept my leg on and he popped every single one and did not stop at anything. Sometimes we go in the trailer on our own,sometimes in my mums lorry with others and he is so easy to take. We did a local riding clubs Liaison Trophy last sat and again he was very good. We only did the roads and tracks bit but he enjoyed it. I am taking him to Yateley sj in a couple of weeks and have also entered our first dressage competition in May. We will let you know how we get on. Thank you once again Emma as I absolutely adore him and just glad I found you to be able to buy him in the first place! Love, Jo and Vinnie x
About "Diego" Just thought I'd let you know that we haven't had any other issues since the kicking hiccup! I had a few days off over Easter so poor Diego has been worked to exhaustion! Took him ditch jumping over the weekend and he loved it - cleared them by about 4ft and didn't even think about stopping! I've been having lessons with a local event rider and she is very enthusiastic about him - thinks he is fab. I'm planning to take him on his first outing in 3 weeks - one day event schooling day - where we will get to ride a dressage test, showjump and go round the cross country course - think he will love it (although I might need some stronger brakes cross country!!) He is a speedy little fella, fifth gear is pretty impressive. One of his new friends is an ex-racer and we're giving them a run for their money out in the fields! Am going to see if I can hire some gallops at some point and see how fast he can go when I don't need to worry about pulilng up... I gave him a bath at the weekend (he really did suffer from me not being at work!) and he was really well behaved. He is now positively gleaming. I'll try and send you some pics at some point so you can see. He has filled out really well and I'm working on muscling him up. Should be a proper little eventer soon! Hope you are all well and that Clip Clop Traders is continuing its good work! Liz x
About "Indy" Dear Emma, Just wanted to update you on the lovely horse you sold us a few weeks ago. You called him “Flash Harry”. We call him Diamond Indulgence or “Indy”. He is everything you said he would be and more. He is well handled on the ground and doesn’t appear to have a vice under saddle – or none we have found yet anyway! We are taking things slowly but he is going very well so far. We are really, really pleased with him so just wanted to thank you. Once we start competing him we will be sure to give you another update! Yours with thanks The Jarrett family from Sittingbourne, Kent.
About "Rockie" Hi Emma, This is Millie Billins who bought Rockie from you in March 2006 just to keep you up to date on his increasing success! It has nearly been a whole year since we bought him and we are so pleased with him. I have been to various shows in the summer, one of the pictures attached, shows us at his first show in Mountain and Moorland where we came fourth out of 10, which was great for his first showing class! We went to the pony club four day rally, which he was an angel even though we were in a group with much bigger horses and older riders. At first I didn't get into senior camp because there weren't enough places. I was ok with that because it was just our first year, but then about three days before we got a phone call saying a member had dropped out due to injury and they had given us the place! Again he was so good and only refused one jump in the whole week! He was so honest and obliging, but when I look back I remember that he often felt very stiff and uncomfortable and would strike off on the wrong canter lead, after a while he even started bucking, which was very strange because we didn't think it was in his nature. So we called an equine osteopath who checked him thoroughly to see if there were any problems and it turned out that he had a slight problem with his back end and hocks, in which he would screw his legs into the ground as he walked, so she gave us an exercise plan which worked wonders and we even got him a new saddle because our previous one was synthetic. It just shows that he is such an honest pony! I can't believe that he still tried even though he was uncomfortable all summer. Now he is back to normal and we are looking forward to a busy new year! He has also recently been clipped which he was a bit nervous to start but then started sleeping! He loves jumping in the field at home because it's a big open space and he loves going for a good gallop! I hope I have written enough sarcastic! :) and good luck for the new year! Millie x
About "Rosie" Hi Emma, Just a note to let you know (if you didn't already!!) That Rosie is fantastic. I cannot fault her at all - we have been show jumping 2ft & 2ft 6in clear rounds. She loves cross country and is very brave, even done some 3ft fences. We have been hunting and she is well mannered but still fun. She hacks out alone, with the dog and with others impeccably. I am really enjoying her. Looking forward to a summer of fun next year! Happy New Year Sonia
About "Rockey" Its Lauren Widman here. I bought chamois off you a couple of weeks ago. When we first got him home he was very nervous but now, even though i have only had him 2 weeks, i do not need a headcollar as he follows me everywhere. All the girls at my yard, including my instructor love him to bits!! We went to our first show on tuesday and we had a clear round in the 2ft9 and only 4 faults in the 3ft3 were his curb chain snapped so it was not his fault. We are looking forward to our next show on the 29th December were all my friends from pony club will meet him. His flatwork is getting better, he has a beautiful topline as i have been lungeing him in the chambon which he does really nicely. We hack out every weekend which he loves. I usually hack with my friend but she has had an operation and we have been hacking on our own and he is an angel. I could not of asked for a better horse. He is just so caring and neighs at me whenever he sees me. He is just fantastic and i could not of asked for a better horse. He is my best friend and i cannot wait for school to finish so i can spend my holiday with him. We have 2 shows coming up in the holiday which will be good. I will let you no how we do. I will send you the picture of him at solihull and also a video. He is a star. Thank you so much for selling him to me, he is so special to me. love from lauren and rockie xxx p.s I hope custard goes to a nice home as he was lovley too!! xxx
About Thomas I have been waiting to email you for ages but just not had the time because of the dog and Thomas. Well I just wanted to say to you thank you so much! Thomas has settled in so well and my confidence and his has soared up. Now he's at Frogpool he's gone from a green bean to an all round superstar. Tom our trainer has got us into dressage mode and Thomas can round up, leg yield and everything (he's taken to it very nicely) and Thomas is getting more muscular - he's like Arnold Schwarzenegger but with hair! I'm going to get a hunter clip for him as well. Oh and he's started to come out in spots like an appaloosa - it looks nice though. My confidence has gone up so much that I have even started to jump again and Thomas loves it. Next holiday I get I'm going to start the Parelli thing that I was talking about and me and Thomas have bonded so much. Anyway, he's getting spoilt rotten with all his new toys and rugs - oh and he's finally used to his new boots. Because his stable is the one everyone walks passed, he never gets bored and always gets the attention. Actually quite a few people have made loads of offers on him. I have been thinking and I want to join a pony club so I can get graded and then compete. Anyway, just wanted to say thank you so much for selling us such a super horse! Loads of love, Amelia Mark Carolyn and Thomas xx
About Vinnie Hi Emma, Hope all is going well for you and that you are continuing to sell super horses like the one you sold to me! I thought I would drop you a line to let you know how Vinnie is getting on. Firstly can I say thank you for convincing me that not all youngsters are tarred with the brush that my previous one was! As you know he was a serious bolter and would bolt before you could even get your bum in the saddle! Being a large horse and having this happen nearly every time I got on seriously dented my confidence. The only horse I was happy to ride was my old mare. Then along came Vinnie! When I tried him I really liked him but was worried because he was only 5yrs old. You reassured me that much of it is down to temperament and so after seeing him again, bought him. Since then we have not looked back. He is everything you said he was and is so sweet! He never puts his ears back and when I took him to riding club camp in August everyone laughed because he kept going back to bed at any opportunity! Like any young horse he will have the odd buck especially when we go to clinics, but he is a star and I would not be without him. I clipped him for the first time yesterday and he was brilliant even when I did his head! We have not been to any competitions yet but regularly attend clinics and he is going xc schooling tomorrow. He is a joy to hack which is just as well because the traffic in Berkshire is increasing and he is totally bombproof (as described by you in his ad)! Thankyou Emma for selling him to me and as soon as we are competing I will let you know how we get on. Good luck with Sandalls Farm and I am sure you will continue to make lots of horse owners very happy-I certainly am! I will also continue to spread the word about you as I am lucky to have had contact with such an honest person and there are not many of those left in this world! Jo Holder and Vinnie x
About Harry Dear Emma, Just thought I would drop you a line to tell you how Harry and I are getting on. Harry has settled in really well in his new home - everybody loves him so much he really is quite the star. He loves all the attention he is getting and just wants to love everybody. As far as I'm concerned he is my perfect horse, gentle ,kind, loving, but most of all forgiving. I really cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help and advice and making the experience of buying a Harry a really special one. I am telling all my friends about you and how great you were to me. As far as I'm concerned it could not have worked out better. So a big thank you from a very happy... Lisa and Harry.
About Lloyd Dear Emma, Hope you are well. I am just writing to tell you how Lloyd has settled in over the past few weeks. He travelled perfectly in the trailer on his journey back and we put him straight in the paddock so he could chill out for the day. We then introduced our other horses to him and they have all bonded really well. Lloyd has been fantastic - as good as gold to hack out and his schooling is really coming on well. We have been clearing 1m fences at home and last weekend I took him out for the first time to cross country schooling and he jumped everything, went through the water, over ditches and up and down the steps. We had a fantastic day! We have got a lot more planned for the rest of this season including a cross country ride and some indoor show jumping. Everyone at home has commented on his wonderful nature and impeccable manners - he really is a star. Thank you so much - after 6 years of looking I have finally found the perfect horse! I will send you some photos once we've been to some more events! Thanks so much once again. Best wishes, Kim.
About Billy Bunter, Hi! Hope you are ok!!! Just to say we had a good journey home, and after 30 mins in his stable to have a quick drink and 3 rolls in new shavings !!! Billy went off to the paddock – he didn’t know what to do first, eat, roll, run or buck so he had a go at doing it all at once. After 15 mins running around and turning a nice flat lush green paddock into a field resembling a building site he decided the grass looked good and ate for the next hour, then plodded around to the stable and was tucked up for the night. On Sunday morning somebody beat me to the yard and walked right past him when feeding in the breakfasts as he was still laying down asleep. After a 2 hour leg stretch in the paddock we walked out around the local park (40 mins) with one of the old boys on the yard – Billy was a star, one spook when a horse and a very large lady wearing a bright yellow tabard the size of a tent appeared from no where at full gallop. Today Billy had another morning in the paddock and this afternoon Paul joined us for a Hack on our big lad William. Again a good hack, lost his confidence when we left the yard and thought going backwards would be better but with a lead from William we went off around a 30 acre corn field with no issues at all, even stopped and had a munch on the grass half way around. Everybody loves Billy and cant believe he is sooooo quiet and well behaved and that we are hacking out already !! My old instructor has rung tonight saying she has heard I have a lovely new horse and when can she come and see him as her other client on our yard is already in love with Billy. Thanks to you all – many people on the yard have asked where Billy has come from and I am proud to say from you!!!! Will send you some pictures when we go and do something exciting rather than just hacking. Keep in contact and say hi to the girls!!!! Tracey and Billy Bunter
About Smurph Hi there Emma, Just a quick email to let you know that we are really pleased with Smurph (Murphy) so far! He has settled in well and is coming on nicely – so far we have taken him to do a dressage test (where he behaved impeccably and came 3rd with an 8 for his trot), for lots of lessons, hacked him over lots of woods and common land, and today we took him cross country schooling, where he was a star and didn’t hesitate at ditches, banks, water etc… We are just trying to develop his flatwork, before we take him indoor show jumping, and then will hopefully start BSJA in the new year. When we came to look at him, we fell in love with him and were convinced he was the one when you let us gallop him through a muddy field of cobs, and he thought it would be fun to jump over all the thistles! He is everything you said he was – sensible, talented and definitely has that wow factor!! If there was anything we would criticise it would be the following… 1) he is the filthiest animal on the planet and we have to bath him literally every day!! And 2) He was bought for my husband and so far he hasn’t had a look in!!! I’m afraid I have completely taken over, as I think he is a very special horse!!! I have attached some photos for you to view, but you can follow his and some of our other horses progress on ww.buggieandfriends.webeden.co.uk Best regards, Jenny and Tom PS Tom says that next time we purchase a horse – make sure that he is the only one who tries it! Jenny Naylor-Davis

About Blue Dear Emma, I thought I would just drop you a short note to let you know that Blue got back to South Wales on Saturday without any problems and has settled in really well. He really is quite amazing and I could not have wished for a better mannered horse. He gets on really well with the others and has made a great friend with our 12.2hh grey called Peewee that my son rides, and with whom he shares a field. They are like little and large but have become very close in this short period of time. It is very funny to see them in the field at the haylage pile as Blue almost uses Peewees back as a table top from which he eats his haylage! We took Blue to the beach on Sunday where he went really well. He looked at some things that had been washed up by the tide but wasn't difficult, and with a little leg he went on very well, leading and following. Hopefully the beach should help to get him fit, but for his first trip out he did really well. I shall let you know how Blue gets on in the school, with jumping etc and will keep you posted out of interest. Many thanks for letting me spend the day with you to ride Blue and to try him out. There aren't many places that would be prepared to do that, and I am most grateful. Thanks also for your very honest assessment of him. I think he is great and has lots of promise and will make a very fine horse given the opportunity. I will spread the word about Sandalls Farm around so expect and few more visitors from Wales. It was well worth making the trip! I have been told that I am like a three year old again with a new toy!! I think that is a bit of an understatement. Many thanks once again for all your help, and for letting me have Blue. Regards, Stephen Harper.
About Oliver Hi Emma, Oliver has won his first rosettes today - 4th in hand/turnout, 3rd ridden horse, 6th in prelim dressage (not a bad result considering we scored two zeros for failing to canter - although we did do a buck which did not appear in the list of required movements!) AND we jumped a lovely clear round - even though the fences were small. He was the only horse in the show to enter all four classes and I was so pleased with his jumping, he really went forward. He was good when I was plaiting him as well. He is such a star and I was so pleased with him considering I really bought him as a hack. He has helped so much after the loss of my old horse - I love him to bits. Someone said to me at the end of the show - Oliver has a home for life hasn't he - and he knows it! Best wishes, Helen
About Nemo Hi Emma I'm just writing to tell you about Nemo (Ricky when we brought him from you about 2 months ago). He is getting on really well and has got over his nerves very well. Anyone can walk up to him and stroke him and he is a bit cautious but is learning to trust. He has grown quite a lot as well. He is the safest hack on our yard and everyone loves him to pieces. We competed at our first show last week and he was very good jumping round loads of spooky fillers in the school and out in an open field. He also went to my instruster Amy Porters for a weeks schooling when i went on holiday and none of the grooms or people on the yard wanted to give him back! Thank you so much for selling me the horse of my dreams. We all love Nemo so much and he has settled into life well. I have also entered a competition on him to become a magazines supported rider so will let you know how that goes. I always look at your site and have recommended you to everyone I know. Everything you said about Nemo's correct and it was so nice to buy a horse and have no (bad) suprises when you get it back to the yard. Once again thank you so much, I hope you like the pictures attatched. Chloe West
About Molly Hey Emma, This is Chloe, the girl you sold Molly (bay 16.1 schoolmistress) to a few months ago. I am writing to tell you how well she is getting on. Everyone at the yard adores her and she settled in straight away. During the time I have had her she hasn't run out or stopped at a jump yet, and last week I cleared a 4ft upright at pony club (which is great for me because im still trying to gain my confidence back in riding after a serious fall). We have started going to local shows to participate in SJ and in our first outing we came back with a first place rosette, but right now me and a friend are practising for all the hunter trials in September and we hope to qualify in open pairs for the SEIB BHS Cross country championships 06, and as my friend has done so for 2 years running it should be no challenge for her. Molly seems to have no problem jumping affiliated 3ft3 xc courses My mum and I were very pleased we bought such a lovely horse. We will most definitely come back to you if we feel the need for a second horse! Yours sincerely, Chloe Kempson
About "Goliath" aka "G" Dear Emma, I am writing to give you an update and some piccies of Goliath, known as ‘G’ to his friends, bought from you in March 2006. He is truly wonderful and loved to pieces! He is all that you sold him as and much, much more and I could not have hoped he would have settled in to his new home as well as he did – you weren’t wrong when you said he didn’t stop eating though!!! He has now put on a lot of condition and has grown a bum, but I’m still waiting for his neck to catch up with the rest of his body! We have had a lot of fun together, having had a dressage lesson with Paul Hayler (who commented on his lovely trainable attitude), a showing clinic with Mr S Summers (who believes he will hold his own in the heavyweight hunters as well as the workers and coloured classes) and yesterday got our first rosette for dressage with a score of 62.9% (an increase of 10% on our last attempt!!). Things really are going well and he has done a fantastic job of restoring the confidence my last horse destroyed! He is truly a wonderful horse and really is a gentle giant. Thank you Emma for finding such a wonderful horse!! Kind Regards Cali and ‘G’
About "Goldy" Hi Emma, Since purchasing Goldy from you I have had hours of pleasure, he is an absolute treasure. Though he is only five and still has a lot to learn, he has been calm, kind and willing. He is great in traffic, lovely to hack out, alone or in company, and is a dream to handle. He is as happy working on his own as he is with others, and often gives leads to horses that are a lot older than him. I am enjoying schooling him, and I think I am learning as much from him as he is from me! He is so warm and friendly, every one who meets him loves him, horses and humans. The attached photos are of us at our first dressage competition, where he behaved beautifully, and was just out of the rosettes. I am absolutely thrilled with him. You are patient, pleasant and a superb matchmaker, horse to rider. We visited your yard on a number of occasions, saw lovely horses, but decided they were not for me. Not only did you remain calm, helpful and welcoming, but with time, found my dream horse. Thank you so much Emma -, long may you continue making people's dreams come true! Best wishes, Pauline and Goldy.
About "Blondie" Hi Emma, I thought it was time to let you know how Blondie, now known as Cassia is getting along. I bought her from you in February. She settled in well at the yard and loves her three companions. She is easy to do in the yard and lovely to ride. I am not a confident rider and feel she has helped my confidence no end.Not a bad bone in her body. We are in the new forest and hack out alot. She found the loose forest ponies rather strange to start with but took it all in her stride along with the killer crab flies! We came first and third in our first show, then placed in dressage tests as well. Thankyou for selling her to us and being so honest and helpful when I was looking for a horse. I have enclosed a photo, warming up for dressage. Thank you, Nicola Caton		"Blondie" now "Cassia"
About "Rocky" Dear Emma I bought Rocky (sold to me as "Liam") from you in March and I am just writing to say how pleased I am with him. He settled in almost immediately at his new livery stables and got on well with the other horses; he was never aggressive or nasty to the other horses. I had several private lessons and he was improving every day, proving to be a quick learner. He was a bit nervous hacking on his own at first but now he is a different pony. He was an excellent lead to my mum on her new horse (even though he was meant to be the confidence giver to Rocky, it turned out to be the other way round!) when we were hacking them to their new yard at my house. He was first to go in his stable and was at home straight away. Also he is very independent and unfortunately he had to be on his own for a few days because we had to give my mums horse back because he was unsuitable. But Rocky still stayed his relaxed self, he has never got upset when he is left on his own. Then when Jenna brought her new horse, Biskit (also bought from you, as you know!) to keep at my yard, they made friends really easily and are now happy with each other. I have taken him to my Riding and Road Safety test, on which I passed and Jenna and I have rented a sand school with a course of jumps and he didn't refuse any, even the scary fillers! I am also taking him to the Rotherfield Woodlands Show to do some jumping and we are doing some pony club in the summer holidays. I think he is a pony in a million who is always trying to please and I will never regret buying him from you. Thank You. Yours sincerely Millie Billins (June 2006)
About Bob Hi Emma, We have been meaning to send you an email about how Bob is doing for ages!!! We all love that gorgous pony! Thank you so much! love from Danielle & Karen xxx I bought “Bob” from Emma in October 2004 – he does now have a posh new name “Sandalls Arctic Fox”! He had come over from Ireland with the basics – clean bill of health – excellent in traffic and had an introduction to fences both coloured and natural. I rang Emma to see if she had anything suitable for my 12 year old daughter – this was to be a first pony – although we were looking for a pony with something about it as I felt Danielle was ready for this. Emma had a stunning 14.1h Grey Gelding who she called “Bob” – a name that seemed to crop up frequently with Emma – my work mate Angela had also purchased a larger version called “Bob” who has turned out to be a real jumper with many successes under his belt! In the office we now refer to them as “Big” and “Little” Bob respectively. I took my oldest daughter and Angela, with Dan and I to see “Little Bob”, we all peered over the stable door and were instantly smitten, he actually didn’t even need to come out of the stable! This was the first pony we had gone to see - how boring! No fun shopping for ponies!! Emma’s groom rode him, eldest daughter rode him, youngest daughter rode him, youngest daughter wouldn’t get off – deal done! We have bought him to show jump but have felt it important to gain him a varied competition life. Competed as follows: First show, unaffiliated show jumping - came 3rd First Dressage show - came 2nd First Showing show – won 2 classes under 2 different judges. Currently has been placed at every show we take him to, often coming away with 4 placings in a single day. Placings include: Working Hunter Pony, Hunter Pony, Best Ridden, Handsomest Gelding (won 2 of those!) and Junior BSJA winnings. We have been advised to affiliate him for WHP but our hearts lie with show-jumping, but great to know he is nice enough! Dan also took him to Pony Club Camp, where they both had a fantastic time and led the Musical Ride on the last day! Would I buy from Emma again? She’ll be getting a call when Dan goes onto horses! Karen Johns, May 2006
About "Biskit" An update, May 2007 I just thought I would update you on how biskit is getting on. In february we clipped him andhas you said he was fantastic. We have been cross country numerous times since last talking and he has been outstanding jumping ditches, water and corners. I recently took him show jumping at Duckhurst farm where he got a 2nd place a 4th place and a 3rd place. He has been an angel to hack and his fantastic attitude persuades me to keep pushing him. Today I went to unaffiliated jumping at Golden Cross where I came 1st in my class therefore qualifying for Brendon Pyecombe championships and the jumping championship of Great Britain. I will definitely be going to the one in Pyecombe but as the other is in Wales I'm not so sure. I just wanted to let you know how wonderful he has been. I am planning on registering him with the BSJA this year so he can show his potential. Thank you again for selling him to me, he is yet to let me down. From Jenna Harvey Dear Emma, Just a quick note to tell you how please I am with Biskit who I bought after only trying out two other horses. I knew he was the one for me, his gentle calm temperament and his lovely paces and bold jump made him the perfect choice for my first horse. I was so impressed by the way he settled in, although the other horses were obviously more dominant, he went around minding his own business and has gradually increased his place in the pecking order. His willingness to learn and his great attempts at eating my hair made me fall in love with him straight away. So far we have been up to many things. I took him XC schooling and he was very good, then shortly after that, we hired a massive school filled with a course of show jumps which he cleared with ease including a 3ft spread combination. Then another XC day at which he was evry bold yet not strong. We have hacked out alone and in company proving him to be 100% in traffic and very genuine and honest. Also we went to the Oakwood Park show where he came 4th in cob class and 3rd in coloured, both of which I was very pleased with. Soon I am to start private lessons on him to increase his perfection. I am so pleased with him and thank you so much for selling him. I hope to see you again soon. Yours sincerely, Jenna Harvey

About "Blackjack" Dear Emma, It’s Jonny who bought Black Jack off you in February 2006. I am writing to say how well he’s getting on. So far, on our steps to success, I have already taken him to his first pc rally which was great. We did dressage and show jumping. Because it was a yard nearby, I rode him there and he was great .The teacher we were being taught by was late and he stood perfectly still and waited like the good little chap he is. I have got my c+ coming up in the summer on him which I will be taking at camp. I had a lesson on him today and we were working on his canter on circles. I also re-hogged him today as he was so good to be clipped. He has made friends with my sister’s horse Finn but I don’t know why because he’s mean to him sometimes. Everyone at my yard loves him because of his great nature. When I go to get him in from the field I yell Black Jack and he whinnies and slowly ambles up the field. Thank you very much for selling him to me. Jonny
About " Lord Arthur" Update on 30/01/07 Opps entered Open Combined Training in Error over week end, against all the dressage bods. Finished 10th out of 23 in the pure dressage. Then went on to do the 90cm jumping and was 2nd. Just as well he didn't win as it would have cocked up a load of other competitions for 2007 here is a photo onthe day. Please see photo of Lord Arthur (RT to his friends). What a great pony with a fantastic temperament who is alway trying to please. When he knows exactly what we want him to do he obliges every time. Loads and unloads from the trailer or lorry without a fuss, excellent in the stable with the farrier, clipping trimming etc., even with the dentist he was a star. RT is teaching Laura how to ride, she was quite nervous at first and despite two falls (neither of which were RT's fault), she got back on and is now riding so confidently and has established a great bond with him and is now confidently doing lateral work in walk and trot. We have taken him show jumping and have had two 1st places, two 2nd places and a 5th, in just two outings. I cant wait to take him hunting and we are looking forward to doing pleasure rides in the summer, along with all the other showing classes befitting a Conemara chap. Everyone who sees RT says what a great looking pony he is and he is much admired by those who are breeding Cone's and one lady said she had not seen one so handsome. RT loves fuss and attention and certainly looked after Laura the other night when she was feeling faint when cantering. He just stopped and walked quietly to the gate whilst she was literally hanging on round his neck. He really is a super pony with bags of character, one in a million, the star of our yard. Kind regards, Laura & Christine O'Connor Lord Arthur winning working hunter pony 12/04/08.
About "Queenie" I was looking for an honest showjumper that would take me into senior BSJA, and I wanted a youngster that I could bring on! I knew that it would take me a while to find what I wanted. I went on the Internet in my college library most afternoons to browse at websites and found sandallsfarm.com! I looked through and saw a lovely 5yo coloured mare. I really liked her build as she wasn't stocky, just right! But I'm not too keen on mares as I've had a few mares in the past that were very highly strung and hormonal. I sent Emma an E-mail and we both arranged a good date for My Mum and I to look, which was earlier this year! Emma said for me to try two mares Cavalier Kate and Queen as they could both be what I was looking for. The day came and we travelled from Cambridge to East Sussex a long journey but I had a feeling it would be worth it! Emma gave us a nice welcome and she showed us the two mares. She tacked up Queen first as I was more interested in her. I found Queen huge at the beginning but got used to her, and after a while Emma put a few fences up. She went lovely! I rode the other mare straight after and found that I didn't click with her at all. Emma said that I would get on with Queen, as she was a horse that would forgive you if you made a mistake, which is what I needed in a first horse. My Mum and I talked at the yard about the mares and both agreed that Queen would be perfect for me. We bought her and she arrived later that month! Queenie is the most honest, kind natured mare you could ever meet. She has been to Addington and won the discovery class. Shes also been to Keysoe, Norton Heath, Lordsbridge, Herts County and Ashwell shows. She has made her mark on all of those shows. So thank you Emma for selling me such a genuine and kind natured mare and I wouldn't think twice about going back to Emma again as she knows a good horse when sees one! (Pictured - Queenie jumping 5 year old classes and newcomers. Purchased from Emma in February 2005.) *Stephanie Ayres*
About "Magic" Hi Emma, It’s Trish and Jasmin, Magic’s owners. Just to let you know that Magic is settling in great, and has made a new friend. We’ve started to do pony club events… and we’re having lessons weekly. Magic seems to be coping and enjoying all the attention and schooling, so that’s really great for us! Jasmin is enjoying Magic as much as Magic is enjoying her. We’ve enclosed a picture of him at our local arena. Regards, *Trish Loakes*
About "Ellie" We bought "Never Forgotten" from you in February ( ‘Ellie’) and I just want to say how delighted I am with her. She has really become one of the family. Her jumping has come on fantastically and she is beginning to work well on an outline. We have been placed at every show we have been to!! I have started doing 2’6 classes with her (which she is finding a bit easy), so we are going to progress to 2’9 and 3 ft. Thank you so much for all your help in finding Ellie! *Kathryn Munday*</