ENDORSEMENTS
Here are some of the comments we receive from our Clients.
Judith White (Freddie)
I was browsing on the internet looking for a yard to which to send my 2 year old Arab gelding, Freddie, for training and backing. Reading through Fred and Rowena's website, Equine Management and Training, I just knew that this was the yard I wanted Freddie to go to. Everything I read about I wanted Freddie to do and experience in that kind of environment with caring, knowledgeable people. Freddie has a lovely temperament (like most Arabs); I wanted that left intact and he not be phased by the training process. Although well-handled, like a lot of youngsters Freddie would try it on a bit and I wanted him to be with people who would strike the right balance.
I was invited to the yard not only to meet Fred and Rowena but also have a look around. The yard was calm and peaceful with all types of horses with different needs, not always straightforward ones.
Fred and Rowena are such lovely people and I found them easy to get along with. They are very knowledgeable about all breeds of horse so they knew Arab horses are very intelligent and need sympathetic, kind yet firm handling.
We arranged for Freddie (rising 3) to go over for a few weeks of ground training initially as Fred and Rowena considered that he was not physically strong enough for backing, which advice and honesty I readily accepted.
I went over several time to see Freddie work and to work with him myself. When he came home he was so obedient and much easier to work with. Fred and Rowena provided me with all manner of ground exercises which included working with poles, to help Freddie develop physically and keep him challenged mentally. If I was every worried or wanted to ask anything I was always encouraged to ring them no matter what it was; that gave me a lot of confidence just knowing someone was there that understood Freddie.
The following Spring, when Freddie was rising 4, he returned to Fred and Rowena's to be backed. Freddie took all this in his stride I know because of the thorough ground training he had received and the trust he had built up in Fred and Rowena. The backing process was straightforward and I regularly visited to watch his progress; it was fantastic - filming it all on my camcorder! Then the big day came for me to get on board. It was amazing, I was actually riding my lovely Arab horse at last. I went over a few times to ride him and he just got better and better. Rowena gave me lessons and guided me on how to ride and treat a newly backed youngster.
When Freddie came home I couldn't wait to ride him; he is a lovely, well balanced forward going horse and doing very well for his age. The last bit of advice I received from Fred and Rowena was to end each training session of a good, positive note - which we do.
Fred and Rowena have been great giving me confidence and encouragement every step of the way. So a big "thank you"
Lyn Flannagan (Bobbie) - Director, KorAgri Limited
I had ridden a friend’s ex racehorse and decided that when I was ready to get a horse this was what I wanted. I came across Bobbie quite by accident; she had been trained to race but never made it to the racetrack and had spent the last 4-5 years in a field. I decided it would be best to take her on loan initially. Although I had ridden a lot when I was younger, I was very much self taught and my riding had been intermittent throughout the last 20 years. I wanted to be sure her temperament was as sweet as her owner said it was and it wasn’t long before I fell for her lovely gentle nature. However, being a novice with thoroughbreds and especially one that hadn’t done anything for the last 4 years or more I turned to the ROR website and discovered Fred & Rowena so decided to give them a call for advice.
I called Rowena who immediately made me feel at ease even though I had so many questions. All the advice I received was explained clearly and in a very down to earth way, considering my lack of knowledge with what was effectively a youngster (as Fred & Rowena pointed out to me) their advice was un-bias and very practical and I spent a lot of time on the phone and emailing them. Their continued advice and support was fantastic prior and after I decided to buy Bobbie. We went to visit Fred & Rowena and it came very clear they were the right people to train Bobbie. After having a look around their yard and being introduced to all the horses, all of which looked relaxed and happy with their environment, they answered all our questions and were willing to give us as much time as we needed.
The day came for Bobbie to go and on arrival Fred & Rowena were waiting, as we arrived they welcomed us and straight away focused on Bobbie and settling her in. As I left it felt good to know she was in safe hands and I had no worries at leaving her behind.
Fred & Rowena kept me up to date with her progress and didn’t mind me getting in touch regularly and seemed to have endless patience with my questioning! Prior to Bobbie being backed Fred & Rowena made sure all the relevant checks were done, teeth, back etc. The difference and transformation in Bobbie was amazing, proving Fred & Rowena clearly know what they are doing. Her overall condition improved dramatically and she went from a horse that didn’t want to move forward from the leg to very forward going from a slight leg aid. Fred & Rowena explained the importance of teaching and encouraging her to use her back more, especially as they discovered she had a rotated pelvis, due to a possible accident in previous years.
I went down to visit many times and rode her. I was very nervous the first time but Fred & Rowena’s manner gave me the confidence I needed to ride her; it felt amazing - I had actually ridden her! As the weeks went by she progressed and became very forward going, even going over some poles and a small jump. The whole time Rowena would walk by me and gave constant instruction and encouragement which was excellent and helped me enormously.
Bobbie is now at home and although she is very green and we still have a way to go, I have the knowledge and reassurance that the basics have been done correctly, we are learning together and it’s great to have Fred & Rowena to turn to for advice. They have done a fantastic job, they have not only taught Bobbie so much but me as well. I still can’t quite believe I’m already hacking!
I have only one regret however - that I was unable to convince Fred & Rowena to relocate to Cheshire! Thank you both so much for all that you’ve done, not just in the training of Bobbie and advice on feeding, tack, bits, but also the many different situations I’m likely to come across on my journey with Bobs. I know you are always at the end of a text, email or phone line and it’s good to get advice from someone who knows us both so well.
Sorry to write so much - and this is the edited version.
Tina Pearce (Another Jack) - Independent Social Worker for Child Centric Limited
I bought Jack in 2008 as a just broken 4 year old. At 16.3hh and a well-built young man, he was a lot of horse for me to hold together. Jack had the winter off after I lost my livery and he was also having problems with his back so I decided to rest him for a while. As a result Jack became what I can only describe as "feral". As Spring 2009 approached, I looked at bringing Jack back into work. Whilst I hold my BHSAI and have considerable of experience, my current occupation does not allow for me to have the time to offer Jack what he needed.
I saw Fred and Rowena's web site and sent a message asking for help. Rowena called the same night and I arranged to visit the yard. I was very impressed by the professional yet down to earth attitude that Fred and Rowena have. All of the horses on the yard looked relaxed and happy and after discussing Jack and his situation at length I booked him in for
re-breaking; I felt very confident in leaving "my boy" with them.
Fred and Rowena kept me informed of Jack's progress via e mail and telephone calls. As I live in the same County I alsovisited on a regular basis. Fred and Rowena worked through issues in a systematic and thorough manner (i.e. Jack's back was checked over, his teeth re-checked). The result was Jack came back into work with good physical and mental health.
The work and training provided by Fred and Rowena was excellent and Jack is now a secure and confident 5 year old; he is making fantastic progress at home and has an army of admirers. We hope to be competing in September. Fred and Rowena offer excellent post-training support and I will be keeping in touch with them as they are also a fantastic couple.
I could have written all night but didn't want to hog their web page!!
Lizzie Drury (Murphy's Law) - Senior Nutritionist, Saracen Horse Feeds
Murphy is an ex-racehorse who quite clearly had suffered some bad experiences at some point in his life. The re-schooling that he needed meant that a considerable amount of time and patience was required as well as consistency of training. As I work full time I accepted that I just did not have the time, or indeed proper experience, to be able to put in the most important foundations of his re-schooling education and so I decided that I would send Murphy to Fred and Rowena.
It has been amazing to watch this horse change, not just in his ability to start working correctly but his whole outlook on life. One of the most satisfying things to see is him get over some of his worries, to see the confidence that he has developed in his own ability to do a job and to be good at it!
I now have Murphy back at home and we are continuing our dressage training but without the work and on-going support from Fred and Rowena I would not have been able to go to our first dressage outing and qualify for the Winter Master Dressage Finals!!!
Ex-racehorses are incredibly rewarding and can excel in other disciplines but never under estimate the long, and sometimes frustrating road, it can be to get them going on the right course. Seeking the advice and support from people like Fred and Rowena, who are experienced in what an ex racehorse is all about, is a must for anyone who really wants their horse to be what he really potentially has to offer.
Claudia Waters (Parkways Don Sandro) - Comm. Safety, Huntingdon DC
My trainer put me in touch with Fred and Rowena after I decided that I was going to be unable to back my 3 year old on my own. It wasn’t that he was naughty; it was the fact that I did not have anyone experienced that was able to help me on a daily basis. After speaking to Fred and Rowena, I felt that I had made the right decision and I was very excited about seeing how he progressed. Throughout the period that my horse was with Fred and Rowena, they kept me fully informed of the progress that he made and welcomed me going to watch them training him. I appreciated the transparent service and consistent communication that they provided and feel that they did an excellent job backing my young horse. He has only been under saddle since the beginning of the year but I am pleased to say that I have a confident, happy horse who is a pleasure to ride, I feel this is due to the fact that he had a pleasant experience whilst being backed by Fred and Rowena. Thank you to you both and I look forward to telling you all about our outings this summer!
Laura Cain (Dylan)
- Cove Administrator, National Construction College East
I was having problems with my horse Dylan & had him up for sale. I changed my mind though as he is such a dream on the ground so thought about re schooling him, but I needed help as I had lost my confidence in riding him. I did not know where to look, but while I was on the internet, I came across Equine Management and Training. I emailed Fred & Rowena asking for help & they responded quickly suggesting I should come & see them so we could talk about Dylan. Richard (my non horsey husband came with me) & we were there for a good few hours talking & decided that I should send Dylan to E.M.T.
A few weeks later when Dylan arrived, they were both so nice & welcoming; I had no qualms about leaving him with them.
I was kept updated all the time about Dylan’s progress & what was happening to him. He needed two visits from Georgina Sim as he had bad physical problems, which held him back for a few weeks. Then over the following weeks my horse changed so much, physically & mentally.
I visited Dylan a few times while he was with Fred & Rowena. I watched as Fred did ground work with him & then Rowena riding him. It was amazing to watch my horse change before my eyes. Even Richard could see a change in Dylan. It was then my turn to ride, which was a daunting thought. “How can I ride my horse like Rowena?!”, but both Fred & Rowena helped me overcome that thought of dread of riding my horse. Rowena was with me talking to me all the time from the ground, walking with me telling me where I should have my hands, giving me advice on my riding position, what aids I should be giving Dylan, until it all came together. It didn’t stop there as I was given advice & tips on what books to read and what bit Dylan needed (Myler Shortshank Comfort Combi); I even started having lunge lessons to improve my riding position.
When it came to the day Dylan was to come home, I rode Prelim 10 dressage test; I needed to improve on a few minor things, but nothing too drastic. It was the best day of my life. Together Dylan & I were fantastic! A team once again.
This is all down to Fred & Rowena, they have made my horse a pleasure to ride again & helped me no end. They are always there to help & offer advised whether it be by email or phone. It was the best thing I have ever done finding & sending my horse to Fred & Rowena. THANK YOU
Karen Storer (Delta) - Insurance Administrator Huggins/National Windscreens Peterborough
I discovered Fred and Rowena on the internet and made an appointment to go and see them to discuss the backing of my 3 yr TB/ WB gelding Delta. I found them both warm, friendly and very professional.
Delta had not been long lined or lunged but was well handled; his progress was incredible and I was kept well informed by text, phone and email. I went to see him regularly and Fred and Rowena showed me how to long line and lunge a lively 3yr old safely and correctly.
When the time came to sit on him Rowena’s quiet, calm approach was amazing and Delta continued to progress in a happy confident manner. I went over for lesson’s and Rowena taught me how to be positive in my ability; she gave me encouragement and reassurance which I needed plenty of sitting on a young horse!
I could not have made a better choice than Fred and Rowena and the proof of that choice is in my lovely horse who is now gently hacking out after having a rest over the winter. Delta is a spirited horse with plenty of cheeky attitude which needs channelling in the right direction and without Fred and Rowena’s guidance I can honestly say I may not have coped with him.
I stay in touch with Fred and Rowena because they are always there to help and advise me if I have any queries or worries I shall also have lessons with them.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a again a very big thank you to them both for every thing they have done for me and Delta.
To read what our Associates and Practitioners have to say, please click here.