Ivanhoe Equestrian

Kirkum (2005) had been in training with a friend, Diana Weeden in Newmarket. He arrived at Ivanhoe in June 2011 - and although being a bit of a slow starter, a couple of days hunting gave him the right focus and he is progressing excellently, he has done a couple of dressage tests and clinics and is aiming for his first competition as a large riding horse in April.

Letz Bee On (1998) aka Bertie.

"Bertie was my much loved horse, who came back from an appalling loan home (where he’d been whilst I was away at university). He’d developed a back problem and was in dreadful condition. . The yard I liveried at were great, but found him difficult to cope with (several staff members refused to deal with him) and with another horse to care for and the prospect of returning to university imminent, I knew I couldn’t keep him long term.

A friend gave me Emma’s contact details and suggested I gave her a call after she’d heard several good things about her. I was quite interrogating on the phone and desperately wanted only the best home for him, but Emma was very happy to answer any questions and in return just asked for an honest appraisal of him and his problems.

Whilst I knew instantly that Emma and Elsbeth were the right people for him at their viewing, I was inevitably wary of him going anywhere after last time. They invited me to view their yard and meet their horses (and other ‘reject’ animals!) and operated on a very open, honest and no pressure basis. I was encouraged to visit Bertie often and am still sent photos of him years later. My most recent visit saw a Bertie I barely recognised – he’s happy, healthy and his entire demeanour is different. He's confident and secure in himself, whilst he's also regained manners and his affection for people. I truly never thought I’d see him like this again (my Mother came with me as she was always very fond of Bertie and we both cried all the way home!).

Emma has provided, and continues to provide (I gifted him to her after being so impressed) a safe, nurturing environment for Bertie and I imagine many people would think she’s slightly mad to have taken a horse like him on at all (I did wonder myself!). But the results speak for themselves and I can’t rate her highly enough!"

V Batty.

   

Secret Harmony aka Gracie 1995-2011
Gracie needed no introduction - my horse of a lifetime. Over the time I was priviledged to have owned her she won RoR showing and challenge classes, sidesaddle classes, we showjumped at BN and Discovery, competed at dressage up to Elementary - you name it, she would have a go! Sadly, I lost her to cancer in 2011 - she has left a legacy at Ivanhoe, being the first ex racehorse I owned.

Lord Fidelio pictured on arrival to Ivanhoe, March 2011, and winning an RoR class, August 2011