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"Nyssa" is a beautiful Friesian/Tb cross we had in for training for a bit over 60 days. She is Super talented and was soooo much fun to ride and just be around. She makes you feel like you are living in a majestic horse calender!
~MMJ |
"Hi Mary,
I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful work you did with Nyssa. You totally transformed her personality while you had her in training. She is so loving and trusting now. She follows me around like a dog and always wants to be scratched. She is doing really well under saddle and we already have her going in a dressage saddle wtc. I am so impressed that a horse with such a rough past from abuse could make such a quick turnaround. We thought it might be a long haul when we bought her given her trust issues, but you helped her through those very effectively. She can't wait to go to work each day. She actually gallops up to us in the field whenever she sees us. Keep a watch out for some amazing dressage pictures and results in the near future. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your great work with her. If the need ever arises in the future for training on another horse, I would definitely use you again. Hope to keep in touch.
P.S. She is also very polite at feeding time (at least to people -- not so much with horses :-)) I think she thinks she is a person and that other horses are "beneath" her."
~Susan
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Monica and Native RePete aka "Pete" |
Monica and I have had the pleasure of knowing Mary for quite a few
years. She has been a blessing to us in every way. She is very
talented in her ability to match riders with horses in order to bring
out the best in both. Monica has been riding with Mary at her farm for
a few years now so immediately Mary knew that Monica and "Pete" would
be a great team. She was right, "Pete" is our perfect match. Mary saw
that in him and knew he would be a wonderful addition to our family.
He is everything we were told he was and more. We appreciate Mary for
seeing the potential he and Monica have as a team and for introducing
us to such a wonderful horse. ~
Sherri Lunsford
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Mr. Harley is a Beautiful TWH gelding that HCHF found for a client and friend, Jane Sykes Bowden, years ago. Jane loved Harley and enjoyed many trails with him. When Jane decided she needed to place Harley in a new home HCHF gladly brought Harley to the farm. Harley was placed in a new home with Mr. Carl Chandler in Southern Pines, NC.
Below is a quote from Mr. Chandler, regarding Harley...
"Hi Mary:
Harley continues to do well. We went on our first trail ride Wednesday and he was just fine. Went through small creek, had deer cross trail, downed evergreen on trail, trucks, workers and three dogs barking at him did not bother Harley. I love him, my trainer Sam loves him, my equestrian friends love him, even my wife who is not a horse person loves him. My son who is in college at LSU in Baton Rouge who has only seen pictures can not wait to get home to see and ride him. Thanks, Thanks for Mr. Harley. ~ Carl Chandler"
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Click here to check out Hartsfield Plantation Riding Academy where Cash is currently in training. (Visit their "whats up" page to see Cash as well as "Rain", another horse placed by HCHF that resides at Hartsfield Plantation!) |
February 2009
"Mary: Wanted to send you an update on Cash. Ashley has been working him through the winter under Amanda's instruction. Cash is exactly as talented as you foresaw and is making the transition from field trialing to show work quickly. He's got a great mind and pleasant disposition… and that honkin' Cash back end! He and Ashley make a good match – one that you know I had been looking for quite a while. He has proven to be a good companion and teacher for Ashley. You know that there is little that can describe the feeling of connecting with an animal as big and noble as a horse. Yet, when that connection occurs you can see it. Ashley and Cash will spin some heads at shows this season and we will keep you posted! The attached photo is from Youth Day at the 2008 State Fair. This was Cash's first indoor show and only the second time he had been shown at all. Take a look at that smile! A final word to you, my friend. Thank you for seeing in two complete strangers (as we drove onto your farm that day after only some phone calls and e-mail exchanges) folks that would make a good match with this horse you loved. I know coming from Mr. Wilder whom I hear nothing but wonderful things about, that you were very interested in finding the right home for this horse. Thanks also for having the wisdom to connect us with Amanda at Hartsfield Plantation. Ashley and I have learned so much more about the breed – especially the physiology of gaiting – that makes our time there so worthwhile. The group of folks at the barn is wonderful and meets us with open arms and loads of good laughs. You and Amanda are a true credit to this breed and to the horse industry.
Hope to see you at a show soon! Best wishes to you and yours! "
~Jean Klein
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Tux N Tales aka "Buddy"
Black & White Tobiano Gypsy Vanner
Buddy was a wonderful camp horse at M & B Horse Camp, run by Sybil (Mary's Mom) & Billy Murray (Mary's late Step-Dad), for many years......Buddy was placed in a loving, perfect home with a wonderful lady named Jo in Florida....
...the photo to the left is Buddy and a friend of Jo's in Florida...look.....they are in a castle...how cool is that!!!!!!!!!.................Testimonial from Jo & Buddy coming soon......................... |
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Connie aboard Missie and Brittany aboard Red at a horse show...Brittany and Red won first, and Connie and Missie won second!!! |
Below is a statement from a wonderful Walking Horse family that I work with. My step-Daddy, Billy Murray, who was a farrier, told the Hall family to call me for training when he was at their house doing their horse's feet. This was just before he passed away. I have always had a special place in my heart for them, not only because they are a great family, but also because my step-Daddy sent them to me just before he passed. Below is a statement from Connie Hall. ~mmj
"We REALLY appreciate all you do to help us. We would be really lost if you didn't help us. I had no idea when Mr. Billy was telling me about his step daughter that things would turn out like they have. He was right. I am so glad I had the opportunity to listen to all of his horse stories. You have brought Brittany and I such a long way. You have a way with Brittany. She really looks up to you. I am old enough to be your mom and you look out for me like my mom. funny... You have a way of teaching that doesn't make me feel stupid. I was a little apprehensive about showing. I really wanted to but I felt like my time was over. This was for Brittany not me. If it wasn't for you giving me the confidence I needed, I would have never started riding like I am. I certainly would never have entered the ring on a horse. Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you."
~Connie Hall |
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(Mary & "Made Out Lika' Bandit") |
""Made Out Lika' Bandit" was a very special horse here at HCHF. He is sired by the great Alen's Belfast Bandit owned by Dr.s Wendy & Bryant Morton of GGF. "Bandeto", as we called him, came to HCHF as a very green, un-broke, coming 4 year old. Mike and Mary fell in love with him from the start. It was amazing to witness his talents unfold as he grew into an awesome, solid gaited mount! We
thoroughly
enjoyed every bit of "Bandeto's" training and progress. He was a joy to teach and a joy to just be around..................I must admit there was a tear in my eye when this guy left, but I know he is in
competent, loving & caring hands with his new Admirer!
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~mmj
...from Ann Lane, his new Admirer/Owner...
"Bandit (I call him "Whim" now) and I are learning the new trails and having so much fun! He is very well mannered and many people have commented on how well he was started. I don't have any pictures yet, but will send some as soon as I get my digital camera up and running. Whim got new shoes and a brand-new winter blanket this past week. He thinks he's something else!! :-)"~Ann Lane
"Whim is doing fantastic. He is the love of my life. You wouldn't believe how big he is getting ~ taller and filling out. Whim loves to go out for our trail rides, and when I'm too busy with grad school, the owner's daughter rides him. She's 16 and competes in dressage, so I trust her completely. She loves Whim to death. I will send pics soon.." ~Ann Lane (updated March 28, 2009) |
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Betsy Phillips owner of Dusty, Chief and Anya
"Mary was an inspiration from the moment I spoke to her on the phone arranging for my first lesson. I was 49 and planning my "retirement" activities. I always loved horses and was "around" them growing up in hunt country, but was cautioned to always be afraid of a horse. I thought if I could conquer that fear, than my dreams of riding could be realized. I had my first lesson, after aquiring all the gear, helmet, boots,and riding pants. Mary instilled confidence in me from the start, and encouraged me even after a throw from a spooked horse to continue. Mary, after careful scrutiny, was able to determine my riding goals, and sized me up physically to match my husband and myself with the perfect horse companions. She found Chief and Dusty, and had us ride them to make sure they were the "perfect fit". They have served us well and have found a wonderful home with us. Mary gave me all the skills to care for them properly. Mary also found us "Anya" a pure Norwegian Fjord! We love our two walkers and Anya, the Fjord, just to pieces! We even have Anya bred to Ironwood Blitzen for a '09 foal...we just can hardly wait! Mary's on going encouragement, and guidance in new experiences has been a continued blessing. Thanks so much! "
~ Betsy Phillips Pilot Mt., NC
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"Sheza Scotch Leaguer" aka Lizzy aka Beauty is a
AQHA Mare that is absolutely a dream to ride. She is
sweet sweet sweet. She was owned by the daughter of a
good friend of mine whom won many ribbons aboard
her in western pleasure and hunter u/s. She was sold
to a very deserving home in New York, I do believe her
new owner loves her as much as we do!
~mmj
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*UPDATE*
"Awesome day! Beauty ( Sheza Scotch Leaguer) was sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good and ate up all the attention. We got 2 -3rd place ribbons in Starter horse western pleasure and equitation! Judge complimented her in the pleasure class with "nice job" .We will do more shows this summer for sure."
~Barb
"I absolutely love this mare. Everything about her is great. I don't
think she has done one wrong thing since she stepped off the
trailer. We do ring work, some trail riding and now doing Parelli
with her. I trained 2 absolute beginner riders on her this summer
and she was an angel with them. We are really clicking with the
riding too- she sure is a pleasure horse & knows her stuff. Barely
have to signal her - she is real sensitive to leg, weight, bit etc. We
couldn't show this year but getting ready for next.
Just wanted to let you know we are doing great. "
"Just had a great ride on Beauty. Went with some friends on a trail
ride and she was awesome. It was only her second time out and we
never went with anyone else before. Went over a huge bridge, over
paths with water on both sides and she even left the group to go
back to the trailer on her own a 1/2 mile with no fuss! We are
having a great spring. I've been ring riding western and hunt seat.
Hopefully going to show this summer. I love her!
~ Barb & Beauty, New York
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Pusher's Blaze aka Blaze and Beverly Mitchell
"I had sent my then 2 yr old Tenn. Walker out of state for training. He came home broke but I didn't know any of his cues or
what he knew. Mary took us in and trained us so that Blaze and I worked together as a team. Through alot of work and
much patience, Mary helped bring us around. We initially thought Blaze would be a racking horse but he is now doing
beautiful running walks! He is so much fun for me! I give Mary all the credit for this. He has come so far and I know that
many wonderful times lay ahead for Blaze and my family. "
~Beverly, NC
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Pusher's Cisco Kid aka Cisco and Beverly Mitchell
"I knew that I didn't want to send my baby, Cisco, 2 1/2 yrs old Tenn. Walker, out of state for training or for that matter
hours away. I simply couldn't stand to be that far away from him. I had put in so much time in his ground training since
getting him at 9 months old. I knew I didn't want just anyone to train him. Knowing what Mary did for Blaze and
knowing her philosophy on horses and seeing the results of her amazing talent, I knew that I wanted Mary to be the one
to "break" Cisco. Imagine my wonder and excitement the night I had taken him for training when she called to tell me she
was sitting on him! Throughout the 60 days of training, she was so consistent with her daily communication about his
progress and well being. This meant so much to me. Then 55 days later as I was pulling into High Cotton horse farm, I
was dumbfounded to see across the pastures at my Cisco Kid doing that beautiful flat shod tenn. walker walk! I was so
excited and so proud of him, of Mary and so thankful that God had brought it all full circle.
Cisco is home now and doing wonderful for me. With Mary's help I know that I will soon and very soon have a
wonderful horse that will be my lifelong partner for many adventures.
Thank you Mary Elizabeth for being the caring, talented, little firecracker that was brave enough to take on my gentle
giant. Any horse that has the pleasure to have you as a rider is a lucky one! "
~Beverly, NC
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"My Ritz Stock" aka Ritz is an owned son of He's
Puttin' On The Ritz he is a TWHBEA Liver Chestnut 5
yr old Gelding "Ritz" is as kind as any horse I've known.
He has so much heart and talent it just takes your breath
away. I was so happy to place him with the Payton family
because they saw the same heart and talent that I did in
this amazing horse. Since purchasing Ritz they have gone
on to win many blues including the country pleasure class
at the world celebration sept. 6-8 at olive hill kentucky all
sound and natural flat shod of course!!!
~mmj
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"Ritz is doing wonderful. He really likes the other
horses and they treat him just like he has been there
all along. One big happy horse family! "
"Ritz is a wonderful, gentle soul. We really love him
a lot. Thank You again
for selling him to us. "
~Wendy & Ritz , Ohio
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Kimmi-Jo Bullard & "My Lucky Chance"
Kimmi-Jo purchased "Chance" in April of 2006 through High Cotton Horse
Farm's consignment program. My Lucky Chance is a 2 year old 14.2 hh
large hunter pony TbX. They have sense competed successfully in the
dressage and hunter/jumper ring.
"Mary is the best at matching the horses
natural abilities to the riders desires!!!
OR the riders desires to a horse with
natural abilities." ~Kimmi-Jo Bullard
"In the fall of 2005, I started taking English riding lessons with my QH
under Mary's instruction. After we discovered that he had some issues that
limited his physical abilities to perform the discipline I so desired; I would
not force him into discomfort in anyway. He had become a faithful friend
that had taken care of me many miles of trail rides.
In the spring of 2006, Mary had on consignment a 2 yr old bay gelding that
was a good match for me. He was built to perform the kind of riding I
wanted to learn, with a quiet mind and a forgiving spirit. Mary is a gifted
trainer because she puts the health and well-being of my horse first always.
Winning a ribbon never takes precedents over happiness of my animals. I
have been enthrowed in the journey to enrich the love I have for relationship
with the equine species.
Thank you Mary for sharing your gifts and recognizing Chance needed me
as much as I needed a Lucky Chance. "
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the Lord and he will
give you the desires of your heart
~Kim Bullard, North Carolina
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"Daisy Duke" aka Daisy is a 4 yr old TWHBEA Dapple Gray
Mare. Daisy was purchased by the Hayes family to trail ride
and show in flat shod classes.
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"I just wanted to let you know that i took Daisy out on
the trail with a group from the barn, Jenna my trainer is
not a trail person, so i went with the barn owner and
micaela and some others, we did a quick trial run behind
the barn to see what she would do in water, she went
right in, so off we went. We crossed water 12 times, and
went through a narrow trail with trees close together she
never scrubbed me once. She was awesome!!!!!! I didn't
even ride her in the ring before we went. but i have spent
a lot of time riding her in the ring and she is comfortable
with me now and i'm with her. I'm so proud of her.
Cary the owner's wife went and she was behind me. We
got back to the barn and she told everybody waiting that
Daisy was the best horse on the trail!!!"
"Thanks for your training. I love her so much!!!!"
~Cindy & Daisy Hayes, NC |
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Justin Brown and "Jackie" with some of their ribbons and Trophies from showing Western Pleasure together!...more to come.....
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"My son Justin began riding horses at a young age when he attended summer camps directed by Mary's mother and step-father, Dr. Sybil Burgess Murray and the late Billy Murray. Pretty soon, it was evident that his love for riding and working with horses went beyond the typical "camp experience". At Sybil and Billy's suggestion, Justin began training with Mary on a regular basis. That has been over 5 years ago. Under Mary's instruction, Justin is not only learning the skills necessary to make him a better equestrian, he is learning valuable lessons that help him in every aspect of life. Mary's philosophy is that good sportsmanship in competition and the health and safety of both horse and rider come first before winning. We absolutely love that about her! She has the ability to turn any opportunity into a teachable experience and does so whenever possible. As Justin is getting older, he enjoys helping Mary with horses that are in training on her farm. We feel so blessed to have Mary in our lives and are so thankful that Billy and Sybil laid the ground work for Justin to have the incredible opportunities that Mary has made possible."
~DeAnna Brown
*Update*~ The Brown family has now purchased Jackie! (We are sooooo thrilled that Jackie and the Browns are all in the same family now... it was "meant to be" for sure!!!!) Jackie is boarded here at HCHF and she is still very much part of the family here, we love her very much too! |
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