After trying potential horses for what seems like an eternity, I contacted Avonmill to help find the horse for me. I would like to say a massive thanky you to Jo and Andy for finding me Abbie. I have only had Abbie 1 week, however in that short time she has far exceeded our expectations. Despite the fact that she is only 4, she has behaved perfectly and settled in straight away. Many at the yard have commented on how relaxed she is. Every time I have ridden her she has been excellent, and she has proved herself to be a really sweet and willing horse - even trying to help sweep her stable by stealing the brush! Whilst in the school, she never battered an eyelid at a herd of cows that thundered past, diggers, tractors, cattle trailers and much more! I cant wait to get out and about with her.
Update Just an update on Abbie - after coming 3rd in her first ever dressage test 2 weeks ago she was super today with a 1st, 3rd and 4th at her first ever jumping! She was a star and behaved impeccably. Couldn't be happier with her - thanks again.
Further Update - Abbie is 6th in her first arena event and schooling confidently over BE100 fences (February 2013)
Kirsty Norwood, Cumbria
Sarah had a great day out at a mini ODE event with 4yo Micky, now named with the Irish Horse Board as Avonmill’s First Edition. It was very low key but great for him to be around other horses,. The XC was over jump cross fences and he was clear show jumping with quite a few 7's in his dressage,. He knocked a couple of poles on the jump cross, as he was a bit excited at first with all the other horses but soon settled. She was delighted with him.
Update — Micky....Absolute star at Inchcoonans Equestrian schooling night. Sarah is so impressed with his chilled nature and ability to take everything in his stride for such a young horse.
Further Update - Micky was placed in the 4yo Young Event Horse class at Floors!
Further Update— Micky DC and 3rd BE 4yo class & DC in his second BE event, too.
Corrine Yeaman, Fife
Sarah had a great day out at a mini ODE event with 4yo Micky, now named with the Irish Horse Board as Avonmill’s First Edition. It was very low key but great for him to be around other horses,. The XC was over jump cross fences and he was clear show jumping with quite a few 7's in his dressage,. He knocked a couple of poles on the jump cross, as he was a bit excited at first with all the other horses but soon settled. She was delighted with him.
Update — Micky....Absolute star at Inchcoonans Equestrian schooling night. Sarah is so impressed with his chilled nature and ability to take everything in his stride for such a young horse.
Further Update - Micky was placed in the 4yo Young Event Horse class at Floors!
Further Update— Micky DC and 3rd BE 4yo class & DC in his second BE event, too.
Corrine Yeaman, Fife
Sarah had a great day out at a mini ODE event with 4yo Micky, now named with the Irish Horse Board as Avonmill’s First Edition. It was very low key but great for him to be around other horses,. The XC was over jump cross fences and he was clear show jumping with quite a few 7's in his dressage,. He knocked a couple of poles on the jump cross, as he was a bit excited at first with all the other horses but soon settled. She was delighted with him.
Update — Micky....Absolute star at Inchcoonans Equestrian schooling night. Sarah is so impressed with his chilled nature and ability to take everything in his stride for such a young horse.
Further Update - Micky was placed in the 4yo Young Event Horse class at Floors!
Further Update— Micky DC and 3rd BE 4yo class & DC in his second BE event, too.
Corrine Yeaman, Fife
Hi Joanne and family at Avonmill Equestrian, I wanted to let you know that Holly has settled in so well, she and Bella are like to peas in a pod and get on great! Thank you again for all your help, I love the professional approach right down to the day we came to pick her up when we were handed her passport and all the information on her past experience, worming, last time she was shod, travelling and what she gets fed...these are the things that make it all the easier for a horse to make the transition to their new home and owners. In Holly's case she is getting lots of love and everyone that has been over to visit and to look in on our new family member loves her gentle nature. We are looking forward to continuing her education and Bella has certainly taken her under her wing. We promise to keep you posted on her progress. A big thank you from us to you!
Kathryn Smith, Airdrie
Chloe has settled in so well with us & is enjoying being in the field with our other two mares who seem to like her! I had my first lesson with her on Sunday and couldn't have been more pleased. She was so well behaved and enjoyed the attention she was getting from everyone! We’re so happy we now own another sweet and cuddly mare and I can’t wait until next year when our partnership is stronger and I’m out competing in the good weather! Have taken heaps of photos of her and I’ll get them on my laptop soon and send you one! Thanks again.
Update — Hi. Just an update on Chloe to let you know she’s doing great! We took her to the first sj competiton a few weeks ago, she was loving it and we came 2nd in the 80cm. Been focusing on her flatwork recently and hoping to start entering dressage competitions as she is such a quick learner and really puts in a lot of effort:) We have also done cross country training out at a course in Afford.
Aimee Thom, Aberdeen
Having heard several good reports about horses bought from Joanne and Andy I tentatively made contact. From the off, Joanne listened carefully to my requirements, was very straightforward and matched me with a super 5yo blue/white gelding. Ollie has now been with us for 8 weeks and he has been exactly as described in every way. He has the sweetest temperament and is a pleasure to own. He is keen to learn and very satisfying to work with. Although we are taking things slowly, Ollie is beginning to see the world and has attracted some promising feedback from my BD List 1 dressage instructor. We are excited about his future.
I have very much enjoy keeping in touch with Joanne, sharing little progress updates, and she is always delighted to hear from us and share in our successes. I have recommended Avonmill to several friends and if I am ever looking for a horse in the future I will have no hesitation in contacting Joanne and Andy.
Update Ollie has won on each of his dressage outings so far! And now two more wins making him unbeaten since his dressage debut.
Further Update 2013 starts with 2 more dressage red rosettes!
Yet Another Update Another dressage win!
2014 starts with a placing in the Scottish Farmer dressage Finals!
Emma Cheyne, Aberdeen
Come C is just such a lovely person and part of the family now. She never refuses to go somewhere, goes out in company or no bother on her own and we had the farrier the other day with no problems. In fact she has been everything you said. So glad that we bought her even though she is young and I am old. Will keep in touch.
Update - Just updating you on that very clever horse. First dressage comp today. Two fourths in Prelim tests, one should have been a third but muffed a canter strike off. She behaved immaculately and was ;aid back about the whole thing. She really is a lovely person and just so easy to do. I was lucky the day I heard about her.
Further update - A restricted novice win!
What a winter it has been. I had hoped to have done quite a lot of work on her over the winter, and maybe done an elementary in the spring, but being as high as we are it has been pretty unrideable most of the time. But I must say she is marvellous — two or three weeks off and just jump aboard and off we go with no messing. Lovely mare. Managed to get to a jumping clinic with David Gatherer about three weeks ago very beneficial and she really enjoyed it.
Alison Buchanan, Borders
I bought Sapphire, a full Connemara yearling standing 14.1hh, 2 weeks ago from Joanne and can honestly say I have never come across such an adorable, kind natured yearling. She has been in a pleasure in every way and has a wonderful attitude and I don't think their are enough superlatives to describe her! Joanne, as well as being a wonderful person is totally honest and straight forward. She knows what she is talking about and is very accommodating. I know that my filly would not be as good as she is without Joanne giving her such a great start in life.
Charlotte Mills, Haddington
A huge thank-you to Joanne and Andy once again! After having bought Sam from the Avonmill team back in February I had no hesitation in contacting them again when I saw they had a very pretty Connemara pony for sale. We had sold our pony back in March and had very much missed having a pony around and Orla proved to be irresistible! She has been with us now for aprox 2 months and has settled in very well. She receives lots of compliments on both her looks and nature. Her schooling is progressing well and she seems to learn fast even though she had about 3 weeks off due to ice etc. We are now hoping for some reasonable weather so we can start getting out and about. Although young I have a feeling she'll take this in her stride too.
Once again nothing was too much trouble for Jo or Andy. My only complaint is that they make buying a horse far too easy and there is always the fear I may be tempted again!!
Gillian Strachan, Aberdeen
I bought Cassie from Avonmill Equestrian five weeks ago. I first contacted Joanne in May with a description of my dream horse. Joanne found Cassie for me in Ireland and after a successful vetting she arrived in Scotland. Cassie ticks all the boxes. She has a lovely temperament and very genuine and honest. Although she only four years old she is so well behaved and takes everything in her stride. She is quick to learn, eager to please and has a lovely attitude to work. She is also very beautiful. I took her to a local equestrian centre for training this week and she loaded and travelled very well. The lesson was in an indoor school with mirrors, stables and advertising banners and she never even blinked at them. My trainer commented on how well behaved she was and thought she was gorgeous.
Joanne and her family put al ot of work into sourcing quality horses in Ireland and I would recommend them anyone looking for their dream horse.
Vicky Parry, Aberdeen
For anyone that is considering visiting Joanne and her lovely family to buy a horse rest assured you will not find anyone more honest, reliable and hospitable. We spent two days in Scotland at Avonmill and from the second we arrived to the second we left they couldn`t do enough for us. At no time were we ever pressurised into buying the pony that we went to see. Its lovely to meet people like this, that genuinely love and care for their horses/ponies.
Thank you Joanne.
Michele Noble-Jennings, Kent
I made the heartbreaking decision to sell my horse after realising that despite help he didn't enjoy the cross country aspect of being an eventer. He had however shown some aptitude for showjumping so having heard good things about Joanne thought that she, with Andy, would be the perfect people to help sell my horse with a career change in mind. Joanne discussed what I wanted and provided lots of video and pictures of Andy riding to reassure me. I am a considerable distance away but on arrival was impressed by the care obviously taken with the horses. Mick settled in like he had been there all his life; depressing to think that he didn't miss me but also very reassuring! Andy competed him with success, increasing Mick’+s BS winnings. Joanne took on the responsibility for advertising and dealing with potential purchasers, leaving me with nothing to worry about. Everything was dealt with in a thoroughly professional manner with Joanne keeping me up to date at all times. I wouldn't hesitate to send a horse there again, maybe even for their holidays!
Clare Guest, Cumbria
I bought my first horse Danny from Joanne back in 1995. He was a wonderful scopey yet honest horse, giving me confidence in the transition from ponies to horses, and we went on to compete in successfully showjumping. Joanne’s professionalism in seeking out the right horse for the right rider is second to none, and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her as a professional horse person who has a firm in depth knowledge of equestrianism in every sphere.
Mary-Ann Cerrutti, Dunblane