Huge thanks to Joanne, Jane and the team at Avonmill for helping me find a new home for my gelding Baxter in 3weeks. Joanne understood the importance of matching him up with the right person, so he found the perfect home. It was a very difficult decision to let him go, but Joanne gave me constant updates so I knew exactly what was happening on a daily basis. I can highly recommend Avonmill if anyone is needing help with selling their horse.
Shirley Panter
Stranraer
Selling a homebred horse can be emotional and stressful especially when you don't really want to sell them but circumstances prevail. Having already sent Rusty to Avonmill for schooling while I was pregnant I had no hesitation in sending him back for them to sell on my behalf. Joanne kept me well informed of his progress and wellbeing and Jane put her magic to work in bringing out the best in him despite the weather! After 3 weeks he was sold to a lovely new home and I can't thank Avonmill enough for your help.
Kirsten
Peeblesshire
My beautiful handsome boy. Can't thank Joanne and Ben for their continuing hard work with him, for the understanding and patience he needed. Which is rewarded in his happy face and super showjumping rounds. I've had nothing but compliments from people on how he is going and the lovely pictures and reports of his adventures. He was a pure labour of love and worth every minute.
Kristy Christopher
Leicestershire
My sister in law bought Lara from you in July and what a cracking mare she is. She's a lovely horse and a fab temperament, and they're getting on really well together. Only wish my 5 yr old was as well behaved! Looking forward to seeing what 2016 brings for them.
Kirsty McCreesh
Lancashire
Hope you and all your family (horsey, doggy and human!) have a lovely Christmas and all the best for a happy and horsey 2016. Will attach a wee photo of Millie who well and truly loves Mull life now. So Millie now has a very easy life with (finally this year, now all our babies are out the way!) a few shows and PC/RC events. I just love her, as much as ever.
Cammrie Maclennan
Mull
This time last year, I was planning my trip up to Avonmill to see Stella, and I'm so pleased I made the long journey! She's everything I'd hoped she'd be, and more. In the year I've had her she's done all I've asked of her, and she really has been the most laid back youngster I've ever had. Of course, she's had a few baby moments as you'd expect - she didn't much like troll bridges to begin with - but now she hacks everywhere on her own and in company, is excellent in all traffic including tractors and buses, she's shown a great attitude to her first jumps and will now pop round a small course with spooky fillers. She will also pop a ditch, go up and down steps, and through water. She's even been on holiday to Wales!
But best of all, she's part of the family - she fits in well with the kids ponies, the dog, cats, she's easy to do, quiet, and safe to have around a busy home with children running about. We love her and she has a home for life with us, I've no doubt the kids will be riding her when they are bigger too, if I let them!
Louisa Carbery
Peterborough
Hope you and your family are well. Just thought I’d send you a little update on how Harley is getting on.
We took it quite easy last year working on the basics and she’s been coming along really well. She’s been out and about doing training clinics and unaffiliated shows and, despite not being the biggest fan of flatwork, has even won a prelim dressage test at Riding Club. We went to Gleneagles for our first hunter trials and managed to come home with a clear round and second place! She’s proving to be a wee character and does like to entertain people with her enthusiastic squeals and puddle jumping out hacking :)
Elaine Crammond
West Lothian
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and all the family are well.
I had to share with you the marvellous adventures of Sienna. Two shows to 2016 and two rosettes!! First up was arena eventing last week and she came 4th out of 42 in 1m open. She was ridiculous in the warm up, so over excited turning herself inside out!!
Then we trekked to JAS at bury farm this weekend where she jumped a good round in the 1m for 19th out of 50ish, silly pole cost us 7th!! Then did the 110m which was challenging she had a few poles but picked up 9th and qualified for the championships at Hartpury on Feb!! What a wonder pony!! Just adore her.
Love to you all. I will only ever buy Avonmill from now onwards, simply the best!!!
Lydia Kane
Surrey
I've been having lots of fun getting to know Lottie. Sadly we can't hack directly from our yard and it's not every horse you can put in a trailer and go somewhere to go out a hack alone safely. She's such a lovely person too - my wee girl will quite happily give her pats and cuddles.
I am enjoying doing all the little bits and pieces with her. She's just so happy to try. I've never had a horse as sweet as Lottie. She comes to call and watches my every move, and we are looking forward to the BE season.
Kerry Donoghue
Glasgow
I bought Lara, a chestnut 16.1 mare by OBOS Quality in July 2015. I had been searching from the right horse from the start of the year and was really struggling until I was recommended to you. On our initial phone call I was impressed that you sought to understand really what I wanted from a horse and never pushed for a sale.
I travelled up to Scotland from Lancashire on the basis of our phone conversations on a rainy Friday evening, wondering what the hell I was doing. But I shouldn't have worried, your friendly warm attitude put me at ease and you let me take my time getting to know Lara.
Lara's attitude was summed up when she came straight off the horse wagon from the long journey very relaxed and straight into a net of haylage (v easily bribable by food!). I cannot fault her and she has a very playful inquisitive nature and is always willing to try new things. We've spent the last few months doing lots of schooling, having lessons and going on hacks and she hasn't put a foot wrong. Recently we went to Northcote stud for our first jumping lesson and she wasn’t phased by any of the jumps/fillers/combinations and yesterday we went to Somerford park for the cross country farm ride and we popped a few jumps and had a good gallop.
She's my little star and I cannot wait get out and try more things in 2016 and have some fun.
Thanks for all your help again Joanne.
Claire Richardson
Lancashire
Freddie (aka Fox now) is still the sensible chappy you described. Loves nothing better than his morning, afternoon and evening snoozes lol. I can totally relate to Claire's words above - honest non pushy service and a horse for life. Ps Fox does hack, school and actually move too!
Helen Wilson
Borders
If I'm looking for a horse for my family or for a client one of the first places I check is Avonmill as I like the type and quality of horses that Joanne has. When I've enquired about any of the horses, I feel I get an honest picture of the horse I've been interested in. Which is so often not the case when buying horses.
When I decided to sell our 14.2 pony Piglet I felt Jo would match him with the right person and look after his interests. I also felt that as a team with knowledge and care both on the ground and within the training, that he would be safe in the hands of Jane who does a very good job producing the horses.
From the moment he arrived there I was kept informed regularly about how he was settling in, reacting to new surroundings, after each work session, and about enquiries that we had about him. I never had to ask for more information.
Piglet sold in three weeks and I would not hesitate to use or recommend Avonmill again. Especially as I hate selling horses, it just felt easy!
Claire Botterell
Melrose
