About Us/Testimonials

We are a British couple based in North Germany in the heart of the horse breeding areas for Hanoverian and Oldenburg horses. We have been finding horses for riders from the UK and USA for the last 20 years. Many of these horses have been successful up to Advanced Levels and Grand Prix.

HISTORY - Joanne

TESTIMONIALS

A thoroughly pleasurable experience with two people with knowledge and experience you just cannot amass on your own. I was fairly shocked that there are still honest people out there who want to sell you good quality horses at fair prices. Joanne spent days and many hours searching out and keeping me informed of what horses were available before my visit, I just had to be totally honest about how much I wanted to spend, and what I wanted, which was pretty difficult as it seems to become habit that horses are found for whatever you have to spend. I was found quality, value for money horses that met the criteria I set. This was especially important when looking for a first horse for my daughter Kathryn who is 14. Joanne found Kathryn the most super horse from a private home, all the boxes ticked and a very happy daughter. We were looked after without question, even the vet spoke English! which was a great help. Came home with two horses, cant wait to go back. I can honestly say would not bother going to anyone else. The whole experience was one of great trust on all sides and it paid dividends. Patsy Bates College Equestrian Centre Bedfordshire

Kathryn and Arlekin

I first met Steve and Jo through a friend of mine,whom they found an advanced horse for,and having visited the auctions in Germany months before, to find a suitable horse, I realized that having honest, knowledgeable people around is a must ! I contacted Jo and she sent me lots of clips of suitable horses for me to look at. We narrowed it down to around 15 and off I went to try them all. After arriving minus my suit case which got lost along with my riding boots and video camera (always take them in hand luggage) I was greeted by Jo and Steve and they took me to my hotel, then we all went out for a meal.We had a great evening,and even though I know its not a priority when you are over looking for horses it did make the trip far more enjoyable.My luggage then arrived the next morning and we went in search for my perfect horse. I fell in love with 2, unfortunately I was only allowed to buy one, Alf and he is fabulous. I am doing the Young horse classes with him this year and he is a real pleasure to own. Beautiful to look at, and his paces and attitude are great.I would definitely recommend to anyone going to Germany to look these two wonderful people up, its so nice to arrive in Germany and feel you are in safe hands.I do genuinely feel I have made two great friends, and when I do decide to get another horse I will be going back to Jo and Steve.But there is one word of warning in all this, make sure they show you where that one great restaurant near to where they live is, as they obviously don't put as much effort into Dining as they do in Dressage over there. Sara Edwards Cheshire,UK

Sara and Alf

Dear Joanne and Steve, I wanted to thank you for helping me find my wonderful horse. I could tell from my first conversation with you that I was in good hands. You are not only extremely knowledgeable about horses and the industry, but your honesty was most comforting to me. There was never a doubt in my mind that your goal was to help find me the right horse for me, and that I would be happy with my purchase. I was very impressed with your ability to zero in on exactly the kind of horse I was looking for. The fact that you had spent a good deal of time traveling to preview these horses prior to my arrival, was also very rewarding. You did such a good job finding suitable horses, that it was hard not coming home with more than one horse! All the horses you showed me were quality, and because you had found a number of them at private barns they were priced very fairly. There is no doubt in my mind that when it is time for me to buy another horse, I will work with you again, and I will certainly recommend you to my friends. This was the best horse buying experience I have ever had. Thank you for all your help. I am so pleased with my new horse, he is just what I was looking for. Kathryn Tout Naples, Florida USA

Da Capo by De Niro

I have to say, going to Germany to buy a horse seemed a very daunting prospect. However with Joanne and Steve's experience and knowledge I found the whole trip very easy. From the moment we arrived in Germany their professionalism shone through. Prior to the trip I had discussed the type of Dressage horse I was looking for, and it soon became clear they knew exactly what I wanted. They had short listed likely horses and then took us to each yard, all of which were as professional as the next and all very friendly. The quality of the horses I was shown were second to none but there were 2 horses I fell in love with. On their advice I chose a 16.3hh Oldenberg called Royal Dandy who I am now the very proud owner of. The vetting and transport were all organised for me and were of a very high standard. Daniel is now a beautiful 17hh 6 year old. He qualified 4th in the International Young Dressage Horse qualifiers and qualified for Badminton Young Dessage Horse of the Year. This year we have qualified in both Prelim and Novice for the summer regionals and have started Elementary. A very big THANK YOU to Joanne and Steve. Wendy Jenkins Cheshire UK

Royal Dandy with Wendy Jenkins

Dear Joanne and Steve I would like to thank you both for helping me find a really lovely young, novice dressage horse. He has been at home with me for 2 weeks and has settled really well. He has the most wonderful temperament and I am sure in time will be a super competiton horse. The point I would most like to stress to anybody reading your web site for the first time is that with your help it is really very easy for anybody to go to Germany to look for a horse. It seems such a daunting task initially, but it really isnt. There were lots of quality horses with nice temperaments and good confirmation that were easily affordable and easily accesible even for the amateur rider who competes for pleasure, like myself. People should not be put off by the fact they are travelling to a foreign country. Apart from booking our flights everything else was taken care of by yourselves. We were met at the airport, driven to a lovely hotel, collected the next morning and driven round for 2 days, then back to the airport. I had alot more hassle driving round England for 4 months wasting my time and money viewing unsuitable horses I really wish we had spoken much earlier and I would have had more of the summer to spend with my new horse. Thank you again for everything you did for us after we left Germany, making sure we had all the relevant documents from the vets, and helping to arrange the transport home. He arrived home in great condition looking non the worse for his journey which again is thanks to you for recomending a brilliant transport company. I really believe that people should consider a trip to Germany before they start looking in England because the quality of the horses available through your very trustworthy contacts. makes it all very worthwhile, and hassle free. Best Wishes Kathryn Howitt

Cruz Control by Carnando

copyright Joanne Canning 2006