We would like to introduce our horses to you. We are very proud of our Equine Instructors and would like to help you to get to know them prior to your visit to Garland Farms. Many of our horses have been bred and raised on our farm. Others have to come to us from other homes or even other disciplines. Each of them has valuable lessons to offer their riders.
They are presented in alphabetical order:
DOXAHATCHIE, (Dox) Dox is a 16.1 hand, 16 yr. old Hanoverian Gelding. Dox has shown successfully at PSG and is schooled up to 2 tempi changes. Dox challenges the rider to rely on the subtlest of aids. His attention to detail helps the riders to concentrate well on their own. Often receiving 8's on his Medium and Extended work as well on the collected movements truly an all around schoolmaster.
GIESELLE, (Zelli Belli) is a 16.1/2 hand, 6 year old Hanoverian Mare, by Gixibar. Gieselle moved to Garland Farms with her mother when she was 7 weeks old. Her metronome like gaits makes her a favorite for seatwork on the Lunge line. Her quietly swinging back at the trot makes capturing the flexible hip motion required for improvement in the sitting trot a breeze. Gieselle is schooling 2nd level movements.
ISAAC, (Isaac) Isaac a 15.3+ hand, 5 year old Saddlebred Gelding. The only horse on the farm that often hides under the reputation of being an Exotic Warmblood of some kind from East of Utopia. Issac dispels all the prejudices against Saddlebreds in Dressage. Issac offers the Training level rider passage to that illusive feel of a first level horse that remains confidently on the bit. His enthusiasm and comfortable size make it a very enjoyable ride.
LAREDO WHIRLWIND
( Lars ) is a 15.3 hand 8 year old Chestnut (no spots) Paint Gelding.
A whirlwind of enlightenment. He
is one of these fellows that will question you to see if you really do know what
you are doing. He often astounds
his riders with his hidden talents. He
is quite happy to let you think he is simply a Registered Paint who forgot his
colors. His early training did
included the Quarter horse suffel, but what he lacks in color he makes up for in
movement. When the rider relaxes
and allows him to come through, so does his wonderful non-typical well cadenced
movement. Thus enlightening his
riders to the validity of the statement "Don't judge a book by its
cover".
PAGGO, (Paggo) Paggo is a 16.1 hand, 6 yr. old Hanoverian Gelding by our Stallion Pik. Paggo is well versed in all the 2nd level movements and is schooling 3rd. A muscle tear last summer has slowed him down for a few months, but is now back into the full swing of things. His powerful movement is a real treat to ride. A bounding canter that lengthens and shortens with a breath is a wonderful experience to learn how little one really has to demand in order to receive great rewards.
PIK WINLAND, (Pik) Pik is our stallion. He is 17 this year. He is an Imported Hanoverian and stands 16.1/2 hands. His effortless swinging movement and extreme ease in all the lateral movements makes him a wonderfully fun horse to ride. Perhaps a bit intimidating for those who have heard all the scary Stallion stories, but Pik will soon put you at ease. Truly a Mazaratti wrapped up in a beautiful horse stature. How quiet can you ride? Pik can hear what you think!!!!
PRECELLI, (Celli) Precelli is a 15.3 hand 5 year old Hanoverian Mare by our Stallion Pik. She is her Daddy in a bit smaller package with the volume turned up just a tad! She is also Psychic, that is hears what you think. A wonderful instructor for the rider looking to develop the specificness of their seat. Precelli is schooling the 2nd level movements. Her canter is especially up hill and elastic offering her riders a good opportunity to feel and perfect the timing of the half halt in canter. She too is pictured on our front page in front of our Cabin.
PORTRAIT
(Porty Port) is a 15.2 hand 6 year old Black and White Overo Hanoverian
Cross. His mother is a 15 hand
Black and White Paint mare, brought her young rider owner up through the ranks
to 3rd level. When her owner's legs
were just too long she moved onto her second career as a broodmare.
Portrait and his sister Pickle Me Tink are the products of that second
career. Portrait's
wonderfully soft expressive way of going, his non chalant demeanor and his
crystal clear blue eyes seduce his riders into a blissful conversation.
Truely an old soul with much to teach all of us.
WERANIO, (Vern) Vern is an 19 year old 17 hand Hanoverian Gelding. Vern has competed at 4th level. Some mild soundness problems have taken him out of the show ring and on to Garland Farms. A very kind and forgiving soul that will let you try it once, twice, and again, if you need to. Just what we all need to learn on. Great Medium gaits to help you get the feel while his wonderful demeanor instills confidence thus relaxation to his rider.
WAIDRIECHT, (Ricky, or affectionately referred to as Tricky Ricky) Ricky is our Senior Member at 23. He is a 16.2 hand imported Hanoverian Gelding. He has shown successfully at PSG and I1. The canter work is his specialty. Those riders looking to advance their horses and needing time in the saddle to understand the flying changes, Ricky is your man. His easily collectable canter and good jump give the rider a feeling that each stride is suspended in time. A great tool for learning the progression of the changes. He too is on our front page.