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No matter what kind of advertising you
do, there is nothing that beats the words of satisfied customers. Below are some of the lovely letters of thanks received from our new horse owners. Enjoy ! |
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----- Original Message ----- |
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Hello Mary Ellen and happy mothers day. I have no human kids but wanted to thank you for helping me have the chance to be the 'mom' of dearest Troy ! (Gold si or no) ...He is doing great and I thank you so much for him . Enclosed find photo taken yesterday . All my best to you - from Troy ( and Walt too) Charlene |
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----- Original Message ----- |
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Hi, Mary Ellen. Just a brief update on one of the horses I bought
from you a few years ago, Razz's Sunrise. For the last three and a
half years I have been very active in The Cowboy Church of Orange
County (SE Tex) and whenever we have an "open arena" where anybody
who wants to can bring their horse and ride around in the arena, it
almost never fails that several people want to ride Razz after
they see him walk. Our preacher for the longest time wouldn't get on
him because he said he was afraid he'd like him too much. I still
love him as much as I did the first time I got on him at your place.
I also still have King's JR. He's semi-retired being 18 years old.
He's my parade horse, always the same no matter how long it's been
since the last ride. Hope to come and see you at your new place
someday soon. |
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George That's a great story - so good to hear from you....you've got to get the preacher on Razz's Sunrise because as any good preacher should know....there's more than one Thing that can change a person's life!!!! And a good Tennessee Walking Horse is one of them!! Come see us if you get back up this way. Mary Ellen |
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----- Original Message ----- |
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Hi Mary Ellen, Just got home from our horse camp and can't tell you how pleased I am with Dakota. She is an awesome young filly. She loads with no hesitation and will back out with Will just tapping her chest. She was wonderful on the trail. The oil field folds had dropped these big orange tarps in the woods by our trails she did not shy she was better than the seasoned horses. We took the right up to the site where they were putting the pipeline together and she just looked and did not seem concerned at all. It spewed one time and all the horses jumped as did she but she is so smart. She learns so quickly. I am thrilled with David's teaching and training....Thank you guys so much...I just love her. Blessings to you both, Betty |
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----- Original Message ----- Good Morning Mary Ellen, Trish |
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Dear Mary Ellen: |
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----- Original Message -----
Dear Mary Ellen, Thank you for sending the address. I will forward it to the shipper. BTW, I don't know you, but I wanted to let you know that I admire you tremendously. I have known about Walkers West for many years. Your web site is incredible, with all the photos and history, and there is no doubt in my mind that Walkers West is one of the premier gaited horse facilities in the world. That is by no means an easy task to accomplish, and certainly not outside of the heartland of where gaited horses are generally to be found, in the SE part of the US. I am an attorney, with my own office and several employees including another attorney, my husband and I own a construction company together, he does the work, I do all the bookwork, and we also own a 20 unit mobile home park and 3 rental houses outside the park, for which I am the rental manager. So I know very well how difficult it is to run businesses. I have also been involved with horses for 30 years, 8 of them with Paso Finos, the last 20 with Mtn Horses. I also know how difficult it is to make any money through horses. The IRS watches every move, and the horses are subject to all kinds of problems, illness, death, they are wrecks looking for a place to happen, especially the young ones, and the nature of horses is that they not only have the potential to injure themselves through the stupidest means we can't even think of, they have the potential to hurt us, too. I came to the conclusion several years ago that about the only way to make money with horses is through boarding, but that still doesn't mean it is easy by any means. You can't do it by yourself, so you have to find good people you can rely on to clean stalls, and repair buildings, and train horses, and then supervise them and deal with customers, find insurance, worry about liability,...the list goes on and on and no doubt fills 24+ hours a day for you, because you probably dream about it when you are sleeping! I wanted to let you know that. It is because of the reputation of your facility which gives me confidence in how my filly will be cared for while she is there, and now, with Jerome being there, who I trust tremendously, and his son David, to whom that trust also extends because he is Jerome's son, that I have decided to send my filly to you for training. Too often all we think to say to someone is a complaint. But we need to remember to tell the people in our lives the good things, too. My hat is off to you with what you have accomplished. A woman like you is an inspiration to all of the rest of us. I once read that when you are a woman, you have to be twice as good to be thought to be half as good as a man. I have lived with that all my life as an woman attorney and business woman in a man's world, and I know you have, too. So, you go girl, you are tremendous. Have a nice day. Annette L. Gerhardt
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Still the best horse , in the world , I love him !!!!! Hope you are doing well , get out and RIDE! |
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Hello, |
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-----
Original Message ----- Mary Ellen and David, Hooray! Your wonderful efforts have successfully paid off! Our black filly, Paint's Black Sapphire has not even been home for a full week yet but has far exceeded our expectations. We rode in a small round pen and she allowed me to mount by using a bucket, with no problems. She did so well, I decided after 2 times riding in the round pen to take her to the large arena to ride. Again, using the bucket, she stood still for me to mount and stayed still after mounting. She walked and looked at everything with out hesitation. We even have cows at the back of the arena. She was very curious but showed no fear. A motorcycle went by and another horse in the arena was having some bad behaviors but Grace was PURE GRACE! She walked, head shaking with out missing a beat. We are so proud of the work you all did with her. We cannot thank you enough. She likes to be given time to process our request and has been very compliant. She even took on the caveson without a hitch. She gave you both and us grave concerns at the beginning, but as of yet, no attitude is showing. She is even backing a few steps. Marcey rode her in the arena last night and loved her. She is so smooth. I have ridden her every morning and she is calm and cooperative. She loves being back with her mom. Again, we appreciate all the hard work and patience you put in with us and it is showing in her. We are very happy with her. Thank you both.
Barbara Seebaran |
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Mary Ellen, |
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----- Original
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Just a short note to let you know that I received Razz's papers and got them all filled out and sent in. Thanks so much for everything. This is the second horse I have bought from you, King's J.R. last year, and I couldn't be more pleased. J.R. is 14 and has seemingly been exposed to just about everything. The only thing that startles him, and he just sort of startles in place, is a sudden loud noise. Razz, on the other hand, is constantly finding something new to be leery of. The other day a dog came charging up behind us and didn't bark until he was practically on us. Well, Razz took off, but just a touch of pressure on the rein and he was back under control. J.R. has a pretty good flat walk and a respectable running walk, but Razz, oh boy can he WALK! And both horses seem to really love to be around people. I am really enjoying them both. George McConathy |
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Hi Mary Ellen
Just wanted to tell
you Garry & I just love Spur's Shenandoah to
death!!!! It has been a year already & he is
still doing great. When we called you that day & you
said we needed to just come see this horse - you
were right! He was a perfect match for Garry. We
have taken him to the Kiamichi mountains in Oklahoma
several times & Spur carries Garry up those
mountains like he was born to do it. He loves to
lead & really moves out. When we are camped, people
come to our campsite all the time to comment on how
pretty he is & how big he is & ask what kind of
horse he is. He's so stout that they don't think
he's a Walker. I did find a 16 hand Tri-color
Spotted Saddle Horse for myself last October. He's
very pretty & naturally gaited & is the only horse
in our group that can keep up with Spur's fast flat
walk without wearing out. Once I saw how fast Spur
could move out I knew I had to get a long legged one
too! He has longer legs than Spur but not nearly as
stout. He's medium built - you know I wanted stout
too but got tired of looking. I still check your
website & was very disappointed that I had already
bought a horse when I saw you had a son of
Kaleidoscope for sale - Brett's First Bid! I bet
he's gorgeous in person. I debated coming in &
looking at him to see if he was anything like Spur!
I just don't want to part with my new horse already
- he is doing so well.
Happy Trails!!
Roseann & Garry Bell
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----- Original Message ----- From: "Brenda Toren" <[email protected]> To: "Mary Ellen Areaux" <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 7:59 PM Subject: RE: Mr. supernatural |
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Happy New
Year Mary Ellen! Mr. Supernatural (nicknamed 'Tex') is doing great! I am going to send you a picture of him with his new family to you as soon I can get us all there at the same time. He is a wonderful wonderful horse with a gentle soul. Saturday he spooked as a horse pulled cart passed us on the right and a yapping dog came running down this long hill towards us (there is a 1/4 mile outdoor riding ring, about 2 acres with the road on the right), well he reared (he gets a little scared of new things) twice while I was on him but he was very careful (really he was, I couldn't believe it) twice but not enough to throw me off--he cared! I would have been scared too in his shoes (laugh out loud) but he ultimately took really good care of me despite his fear. Thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much! He is so very loved by all of us, Jon, Brenda, Mike, Louis and Rebecca. Brenda |
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| ----- Original
Message ----- From: Pat Monson Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 2:00 PM Subject: Photos of Royal and Me |
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Royal and I have just
hit it off - love at first sight !
She has settled in well and has a new best buddy in our Morgan mare
Stormy. Stormy is the bay mare "lurking" in the woods in the one
photo. We have been for several rides around the farm, and yesterday
ventured out on the trail. She did really well. The only thing she
gave an eye to was a big mailbox encased in stone with the Dallas
Morning News sticking out encased in grey plastic. A border collie
running out did not phase her, and she handled road traffic just
fine (although there was not much of that on Sunday). Maybe next
weekend we will take her to the trails around Lake Lavon, along with
Stormy.
She was updated on her shots last week and seems happy here! I am so
pleased with her. She is a patient kind horse. Just perfect for me.
Pat Monson
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Message ----- From: Eugenia Stevenson Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 10:04 AM Subject: Raven Sunrise |
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Dear Mary Ellen,
This is a note to tell you how pleased I have been with every aspect
of my purchase of Raven Sunrise( a.k.a. Jazz.) from the purchase, to
the shipping, to Jazz himself. You had warned me
that he had some "go" about him so I took the precaution of having a
trainer come ride him first. He pranced and danced and wanted to go
back to the barn, but he eventually settled down. He is just
dealing with a lot of new experiences. I am riding him with a Myler
low port
Mullen mouth bit with a 7" shank and have never felt that I was
losing him. We do some lunging, a lot of circles under saddle and
he is making a lot of progress. He has a wonderful gait. There
isn't one ounce of meanness about him, and he has never tried to
throw me. He gets along great with my other horses. I can't
wait to show him next year. If I am ever in the market for another
walking horse, I look forward to doing business with you again.
Regards,
Jeannie Stevenson
| ----- Original Message ----- From: Brian Nelson Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 1:56 PM Subject: THANK YOU |
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Hello Mary Ellen,
I just wanted to shoot you an e-mail to tell you thank you very much for allowing us to use your saddle and also for allowing Kari to help us out for our first show. We could never have done it without Kari she was FANTASTIC....I will just give you a quick run around of how the show went.... we realize that this was a schooling show but we are just pleased the way our horses have turned out considering that we had absolutely no time in working with Whiskey......Savannah was a shocker and did awesome placing 3rd in in the lead line class she has an unbelievable park out......Whiskey placed 1st in the lite shod 2 gait.... 2nd in the lite shod 2 gait 4 & under and 5th in the country pleasure (we through him in this class just for the heck of it even though he had a lite shod shoe on but still did not do to shabby) the 1st and 2nd placing were huge accomplishments considering that the horses competing were much older and had probably been worked a lot more.
Anyway just wanted to tell you thanks again for all your help
Thanks
Brian & Gena Nelson
Original Message -----
From: connie bobo
To: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, March 24, 2006 5:56 AM
I
have just read your beautiful tribute to 9. It was so beautiful!
I am sitting here with tears streaming down as much of this
night I do not remember because of a concussion. So, thank you
for this wonderful page. I usually look at your web
site ......... I don't know how I missed this. I am extremely
sentimental this morning as we have just had our first "9" baby
born alive ( we lost our first two). I just wanted you to know
how much I appreciated this story and how much it meant to me.
If its alright with you I would like to print it out for Bill's
scrap book..
Thanks Again,
Connie Bobo
Bobo Farms Inc
----- Original Message
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From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 10:08 AM
Subject: Charmer update
Hello Mary Ellen,
Just wanted to drop you a short note to let you know that our Charmer colt (son of Generator) is doing great. He is now weaned at six months. The imprinting work we did with him after he was born has turned out very well. He is very calm on the ground. He stands quietly for the vet for exams and shots. His feet can be picked up easily and he stands well for the farrier. He is also very affectionate and can be touched anywhere with no complaints. Charmer is no problem to catch as he comes in from the field when called and will actually put his head into the halter if you hold it up. For our first foal, I think we're off to an amazingly good start. He comes from excellent stock of course. We sure hope that Charmer will keep his friendly disposition as he grows into an adult.
Just for fun, a few weeks ago, we entered Charmer into a local horse show halter competition and he took 2nd place out of a field of eight others. For the combined events, he took reserve champion. We were so surprised but were very excited. I've attached two photos for you to see.
Hope all is well with you and your horses. Also wanted to say that your website is awesome and very well done. It's easy to spend a lot of time there. Your colt college tips have been very helpful as well. Have a great day.
Best Regards,
Tom Hegedus, Round Rock, TX
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Original Message -----
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2005 2:05 PM
Subject: Thank You
I would like to thank you for the history of the walking horse that
you have on your web site. I've always owned quarter horses.
Recently my husband, who has always rode gaited horses, talked me
into getting a TWH. He is a lot different than my QH, but I am truly
falling in love with him. I had been wondering about the breeds
history, and while looking for some info on the TWH, I found your
website. You give more history on the TWH than any other site I have
found. You have really opened my eyes to the wonderfully interesting
history of the Tennessee Walking Horse.
Lora
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Original Message ----- From: Betsy McNeill To: Mary Ellen Areaux Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2005 8:21 PM Subject: Thank you. |
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Mary
Ellen,
Thank you for letting us know that Just Like U (Huey) has been
picked up by his new owners. I will bring the papers over when you
are ready for them.
If you can give me the address of the new owners when I come over, I
will mail them the caps with his name on them. I will also send
them the ribbons he won while we owned him. They may have no desire
for any of the stuff, but just in case, I will be glad to send them.
We really appreciate your conscientious effort on our behalf. It is
a great help to us to have one less horse. We still have 7, but we
are working on selling another one.
That will leave us with 4 we raised, my trail horse, and the retired
Dark Spirit mare that is 20 years old. She is the one we bred to
Bum's Warrior, and we still have the baby, Spirit's Gollybum, soon
to be five. He's not much of a baby now. He is 15h2" and weighs
(by a weight tape) 1300 pounds. When I saw that weight yesterday, I
confined him to a smaller patch all by himself. He's been enjoying
the spring grass way too much.
I am attaching two photos of him, showing what a sweetheart he is.
You may see a resemblance in his head and the head of Bum's
Warrior. He will be our grandchildren's Play Day horse when the
move from California in July. To begin with, we will have to lead
him because the children are so small, but our trainer will teach
him to do some quarter horse stuff later for when the children get
bigger.
I am concerned that you may be thinking of retiring from the horse
business. You have brought so much pleasure to so many people and
been such a help to so many, no one can take your place. I hope you
won't retire from your horse business for a long, long time. If you
ever decide to do it, though, maybe you can groom someone to provide
the services you have provided. They are sorely needed.
We appreciate you very much.
Betsy McNeill
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----- Original Message ----- From: Thomas Strother To: [email protected] Sent: Wednesday, April 27, 2005 6:53 PM Subject: Adonis' Loose Goose |
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Mary
Ellen,
I just wanted you to know just how pleased I am with Lucy. I knew
that I had made the right choice the minute she stepped off of the
trailer. She is everything that I saw in her pictures.
I know that you wouldn't and I normally wouldn't buy a horse sight
unseen but for some reason her pictures on your site were just
screaming at me. I knew that she was for me the moment I saw her.
Anyhow, we have ridden twice so far. Just short 15-25 minute walks
just to get to know each other, and to let her get used to the
place. But she did everything that I asked her to do with the reins.
Once again, thank you very much for giving me Lucy. If you ever find
yourself in Virginia Beach, please give us a call and stop by.
Bob Strother
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From:
Lykins, Gary W To: [email protected] Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 2:54 PM |
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Mary Ellen,
We have signed up and are looking forward to the March 12th ride, thanks for sending us the information. We did a lot of riding last year and hope to do even more this coming year. Have included some pictures of my Warrior, Bum's Kansas Warrior, that Karen took during last years snow. He has turned out be an exceptional horse and although I was a little concerned getting a horse so young, just 2 years old at the time, we have grown together. He has been very patient with me:-) Will you be going on the ride? Hope all is well and that we will be able to visit again very soon.
From:
MRCLRK
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 12:02 PM
Subject: web site
I love your web site. As a previous ASB person, I had the good luck
to acquire a TWH eight years ago for trail. I have never looked back
and now have a barn full of Walking cuties. I browse your site often
and just read the history of this phenomenal breed, and do the, we
have an empty stall, whatφs one more horse going to hurt, until my
hubby puts his foot down─.
Have a great Christmas,
Margaret Ginzel
| From:
Warren Kleski To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, December 21, 2004 7:34 PM Subject: Thanks! |
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Dear Mary Ellen: Thank you so much for the pen/light. It certainly will come in handy. I have been having a wonderful time with "Secret" (Delights Colorful Secret) (he was called "Shadow" by his owners). He has turned into a trail horse deluxe. I am so glad my husband and daughter came to your farm to ride him - 3 years ago already!!! I always check your web site to see what's new - when horses are in your blood you just want as many as possible. Hope you had a good and a better one next. Merry Christmas and may God bless and keep you Lori Kleski
| November 9,
2004 Dale Woodall [email protected] |
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I have the good fortune to own one of your horses and that is how I found you. Thanks for all the help you have been in helping me run down papers for A Temptation and giving me some background on him. I am somewhat new to Tennessee Walkers but have had horses all my life. Thanks again for putting up with all my questions.
From:
Anne Gostling
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 2004 11:55 AM
Subject: Update on Lacey
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Hi
Just a few pictures so you can see how Lacey is doing. This is my son Peter, home for a few days on leave from the Kings Troop. He's a mounted gunner, you know, the guys who ride around London on the big IDs. Well this is his first encounter with Lacey, and he just loved her. He has decided that everyone should learn to ride on a TWH :) She was ok on the road, met a couple of cars and wasn't too bothered at all. As you can see she is pretty used to the horrible weather we have here. The wind and rain don't seem to be a problem now and the sea and killer cows are much less scary. She's still a bit of a wimp though and refuses to leave her stable without a blanket on. Don't blame her mind you. She does love her stable. We wouldn't change her for the world.
Vets here Tuesday morning so fingers crossed that Gold Rush is still going to be a daddy..
Kind regards
Anne
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From: Georgeanna Fischer Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2004 3:03 PM Subject: Delight over our new horses |
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Mary
Ellen,
It has not yet been a week since Georgeanna and I were there and
finalized our purchase of Annie and Sky Kicker. I have ridden Sky,
as I call him, every day. What a great horse! He is everything I was
looking for and I look forward to many years with him. Georgeanna is
equally pleased with Annie. Although she is not the avid rider I am,
she has been out with me on two rides and just loves her smooth gait
and disposition. Thank you again for such a positive buying
experience. Both Mo and Kelly were so helpful and patient with us as
we tried several horses. It is such a blessing to work with people
who value professionalism in equine sales. We are certainly glad to
have found you and would not hesitate to refer others to you. Please
give our appreciation to Mo and Kelly.
May God continue to bless you and your staff.
Sincerely,
Dan and Georgeanna Fischer
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Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 9:44 PM Subject: A Kiss Of Reconciliation |
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Dear
Mary Ellen:
Tex (Copy's Peacock Perfection) was sorry he was so uncouth and
unfeeling in his response to my fishing for a compliment about my
riding. Here you see him kissing my wrinkled, sagging jowl with the
left side of his little muzzle. Of course I melted and our
relationship is once again on firm footing.
Donna
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Sunday, June 20, 2004 4:33 PM Subject: Re: My ride! |
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Dear
Mary Ellen:
Tex (Copy's Peacock Perfection) is as good as he is beautiful.
My brother-in-law and sister-in-law are here from Los Altos Hills
near San Francisco. They bought property at the Gallatin River Ranch
and were out yesterday looking over the spot they had arranged on
which they will build their home on their 20 acres there.
I was at the GRR Equestrian Center where I got Tex ready and rode
him over to their property. He was so good on the trail by himself.
When we got to Tom and Barbara Mack's property and he saw them in
the distance he put his head up to take a better look but took
little urging to walk over there and meet them. They each got on him
just for a picture to take home with them and make up a story about
riding around their "ranch." Tex was so calm but each time I tried
to back away so they could get a picture of him, he'd follow me even
if they tried to stop him. He really is more like a dog then a
horse. If all Tennessee Walking Horses are so sweet and personable,
you should advertise it and you'd have those lovable animals flying
off to homes practically as soon as you posted them on your web
site. You can tell I love my little horse.
Thank you once again for promoting animals who bring such happiness
to their new homes.
Love,
Donna
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Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2004 3:39 PM Subject: Rocky |
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Good
afternoon, Mary Ellen,
I just wanted to drop you a note as I'd told you I would about my
experience/purchase from your Walkers West. I bought "Bad
News Anticipation" or Rocky from you the end of October 2003.
Even though I have ridden for over 20 years, at 50 yrs old,
this was my first horse purchase. I drove
1000 miles and rode 6 horses that weekend I bought Rocky.
I arrived at your place after 4pm,
after telling you I'd be earlier, and you
were gracious enough to accommodate.
After
riding so many horses I was in tears. I'd almost decided maybe I
didn't want a "walker" even though I'd
ridden a walker 20 yrs earlier, and still remembered it to
the point that I was convinced if I should ever be lucky
enough to own my own horse it would be a
Tennessee Walker. I thought I knew how to ride, but I seemed to have
difficulty with keeping the reins so loose. I thought, maybe
they are so different maybe I shouldn't be
wanting a walker! But you said, "no you just haven't found the
right horse yet!"
Then you brought out "Rocky". He's a 10 yr old/16.1 Gelding, I
thought...'eeekkkk
he's a lot taller than I'd planned'.
But the minute I rode him I knew. English and
Western trained, he would walk as slow as a quarter horse, or
has the wonderful gaits we all love. Your
trainer, Moe was wonderful too. Very patient, rode along
with me with the horses so I'd feel
comfortable. After viewing other horses that
weekend I learned that walkers may not have been trained to
"canter". I love to canter, even though
after riding Rocky I knew I loved the way he handled, I forgot I
hadn't cantered him while I was on him. Mary Ellen had Moe
canter Rocky for me, and Moe's response to
my husband was "if I'd have known he could do that so well I would
have been riding him more!"
I brought Rocky to Dickinson Texas to live. I specifically wanted a trail horse. I couldn't have cared less about a horse who's showed, or how they looked particularly. I was more concerned on getting the right temperament/disposition/no vices type of horse. But Rocky is beautiful a chestnut with a flaxen mane and tail. He gets compliments everywhere he's seen. He was initially a bit spooked every time I was on him, and I was worried at first, but I've learned he just needs to feel secure with his owner, and he needs to be ridden.
So four months later, I feel blessed. I've totally fallen in love with him. He has a lot of personality, knows all his commands. The trainer where I board that's ridden him states there really isn't anything he needs to "learn". He is getting better and better to ride as I've been able to ride him enough that he isn't so "scared or spooked" every time I get on him. Actually I've learned he is better on the roads and open areas than in small arena, so he must have been used on trails as opposed to shows as I'd requested. Even if he did spook he only jumped to the side, nothing major. He comes when called, (which I love when others take three people to catch their horse!) has excellent ground manners, trailers without a hitch!
It was such a scary thing to me to purchase this horse. It meant so much to me to get the "right" horse. People would laugh and say 'oh you'll have many until you find the "right" one'. I found the right one the first time. You had a wonderful selection to choose from, and I am blessed I found Rocky at your place. I think people need to hear the positives about a place. That's why I've written.
Thank
you,
Debbie Gore
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Sent: Monday, April 28, 2003 11:58 PM Subject: Charmer is doing just fine!! |
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Dear Mary
Ellen, I just wanted to let you know that Mr. Charmer is doing great here at our farm. I wanted to thank you, so very, very much for everything that you and your folks did for me and our family. You have allowed me to live a dream, ( and ride), and I will promise you that Charmer will be taken well care of. He has fit in so well with our other two horses and they have accepted him very well. My daughter Kaleigh told me he whinnied for a long time when I left for work this morning, even though he was with our other two horses before we left (that made me feel bad and wish I could retire early, haha). We did keep him in the stall last night (he didn't like it, but we did it) and Lady and Snowball kept him company last night just outside. They were so curious, especially Lady. This evening, Steve and I went for a ride. He on Snowball and myself on Charmer. We all did just fine. Charmer was a dream and he taught me a lot. Yes, he is a lot of horse, but he is very welcome here and I am very willing to learn. He has a lot to teach my family and myself. I don't know how to really thank you. If there's anything you need a volunteer to do, please contact me. I'm a hard worker. I would LOVE to contribute, because I love to learn. You are a wonderful lady and the people you have working for you are wonderful also. They all made me feel very welcome. When you are in Lufkin and want to see Charmer, please feel free to call us. I could come and pick you up, if you wanted. Mary Ellen, thank you so very, very much. You have made a dream come true for me. He's already bonded with our horses (so fast!) and I love him. Very Sincerely, Robin McCool |
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Sent:
Tuesday, April 15, 2003 11:28 AM
Subject: (no subject)
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Mary Ellen:
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to give you an update on
Sure Fire: believe it or not, this past weekend was the first real
time I've had to ride. It was snowing up to one week ago. The ice
from the melting and refreezing was just to widespread and risky.
But today it close to 80; blue sky; and beautiful. I rode Sure Fire
on Sunday. Came over the hills, through the apple orchards and put
him into my neighbors stable. I'll keep him there for a while now;
at least until I can get him into shape.
But, all in all, what a terrific horse. His incredible disposition
seems to be growing. As we spend more time together the bond is
getting stronger. He is a true pleasure to ride. I've had him on the
local roads, in the woods, in the fields, as mentioned in the apple
orchards, around trees, through puddles, over logs, through streams,
and he doesn't falter. Just keeps moving, nickering and whinnying;
seems to be having fun himself.
And what a show stopper! When I'm out on the road and that flax tail
and mane get to blowing/swinging people will stop their cars just to
stare or compliment. What great fun!
He's bigger, still growing. Has put on some good weight and muscle.
Has taken to the hay up here and my food regimen. All in all,
healthy as a horse!
Again, I hope all is well with you and Walkers West. Say hi to Brent
and Doug. Hope they're doing well, as well.
Stay in touch.
Steve Moergen (...and He's Sure Fire!)
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Sent: Wednesday,
January 08, 2003 8:39 PM
Subject: Ebby
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Mary Ellen, I
just wanted to let you and Doug know how happy I am with
Ebby. I am glad she didn't sell! Wasn't meant to
be. I went for a 2 hr. ride on her today and she was
great. I'm planning on taking her on the Saddlebag
ride tomorrow, weather permitting. I know Doug spent a
lot of time with her, it shows. I am also impressed
with her manners in the cross ties and wash rack. She was
even good while I got on her from my mounting block!
Thank you so much,
Mary Anne
p.s. I'm
still interested in Spur if you talk to his owner again.
Thanks.
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Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2002 Subject: Walkers West |
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Sent: Sunday, September 08, 2002 8:21 PM Subject: Walkers West |
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We
bought Coal Black Mack from Walker West several months ago. He has
been a real joy and quickly part of the
family. He walks like silk, and is a real steady horse. Not a lot
has spooked him even night rides or my four year old daughter.
Thanks to you and Palmer House for an awesome horse to ride the
trails and the neighborhood roads.
Melissa H.
Hi,
I was visiting the Walkers West web site and read your comments in
the guest book section. I have been looking quite a while now
for my next and probably last horse and your comments were worth me
emailing you in hopes of you sharing your experiences with your
search and with Walkers West. I noticed that you live in TN.
and you would think you would have found something right there !
I live in FL and there isn't much of a choice here for good TWH or
SSH.
I'm looking for what most people are probably looking for:
Safe, sound, good conformation, well gaited, etc. I mostly trail
ride, but am looking to start showing and want a horse that is
versatile.
If you have any extra time, I'd love to hear back from you or call
you to speak to you about your purchase of Trip.
Thanks for your time,
Kandy in FL
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Sent: Saturday, July 27,
2002 12:01 AM
Subject: Re: Walkers West |
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I hope my reply might be of help to you. I had looked for 2 years trying to find my horse. I looked on hundreds of web sites ,followed up by visits to horse farms. I met a lot of horse traders, to my dismay. Walkers West had the best horses period. I had looked in several states, including Tennessee. I went as far as to hire a Trainer to buy a horse. I have seen horses that were sored so bad they would almost fall down. I don't want a horse like that. I have Field Trial Dogs in Texas and was there, thought I would try one more time to find a horse. The day before Walkers West I was at one ranch and they had nice horses, but no style. I went to Walkers West without calling ahead. As soon as I pulled in their driveway I saw the best horses of any place that I had been to. Doug Smiley asked what I was wanting, I told him what was important to me. He showed me what they had in an ascending order. He knew what I was after and saved the best for last. I made up my mind on Trip. Then I was told that he was only 22 months old. Doug had him to the level of a horse 3 to 4 years old. I watched Doug with all the horses. He did what he wanted without force or verbal commands. Trip is shod on the front only, Keg shoes. Due to rain he had not been ridden in awhile, no problem, Doug mounted him on the black top. I have been shown horse that were suppose to be babies they couldn't get on.
I left Trip with Doug to finish out, due to his progress with Trip. Next week back to Texas,:) I am going to work with Doug and Trip, I think I may learn something. I am 62 years old and I think Doug can help me with a horse that has what I wanted when I was 30. Therefore if you need a super NATURAL HORSE I would recommend that you contact Doug. Pardon my ranting, but I have looked for 2 years.
Happy riding,
Ralph J. Bailiff
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Sent: Friday, July 26, 2002 4:19 PM Subject: Steve's shoes |
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Mary
Ellen,
Steve has pulled another right shoe. Doug and I talked about
the advantage of bands and I meant to tell him to go ahead and
have the farrier put bands on when he resets Steve but forgot.
I was so thrilled and very very nervous that I had actually
ridden that my mind wasn't all there. Didn't quit
shaking for about an hour after leaving. I know it will
get easier from here and am so glad to have that first ride over.
Anyway, would you please ask the farrier to put bands on Steve's
feet? That way he can paw his brains out and not lose the
shoes.
You already know how much I admire and like Doug but I just can't
say enough about how much he helped me yesterday. It's
wonderful to have a trainer I can trust with my physical and
emotional self as well as with my horse. Don't know if I
would have had the courage to climb on again without him.
He is a true gem as well as a precious man. You are so
very fortunate to have him, but then you know that.
I'll be out again Tues. Thanks. Have a great weekend.
Sue
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