Quality, not Quantity

Several years ago my husband and I went looking for our first gaited horse. Our expectation of the level of training that a horse should have was no where in sight. Our search left us frustrated. Out of that frustration we developed Chestnut Farms.

Chestnut Farms’ primary purpose is to raise, develop and train the most exceptional horses for sale. Each horse listed for sale is a horse we consider to be of the quality we would want to own ourselves. All of our horses go through extensive training- typically lasting three to five years. Our horses are exceptional for a variety of reasons.

First, Chestnut Farms does not start training before the horse’s physical and emotional maturity will allow for success.  There is no sales quota to fill. There is no need to push a youngster to be under saddle by 18 months so they qualify for an age appropriate show. Each horse’s training is approached in an individual manner. Our selection of horses for sale varies from year to year in age and gender.

Second, two primary factors affect the cost of our horses- time and education. All of the horses, with the exception of just a couple, were started at Chestnut Farms. As youngsters they are handled daily, and love to be around people. They trust and respect people. For each horse we are able to accurately describe their personality, attitude, work ethic, things they are skilled at, and things that are more difficult for them. We know our horses inside and out- and we will be honest in the representation of them.

Next, we have set criteria that guide our training program. Every horse for sale is educated in a variety of skills. The mastery of these skills impacts each horse’s price. They are able to perform their gait in a co-operative manner. They may be multi-gaited, or they may be prone to just one gait. If they are multi-gaited they will understand the cues to guide them into their different gaits. They willingly flex at the poll. They understand lateral bending, moving off your leg, turn on the fore and turn on the hind. They understand side pass, half pass, small rollback, lope departures, how to hold a straight line on a loose rein, and soft supple guiding. They understand subtle cues from seat and leg pressure for speed. They all have a good whoa. Outside of the arena work their education continues. In the warmer months each horse spends hours on the trails- both in a group, and alone. Every horse at Chestnut Farms has been trained using these criteria. However, please understand that the rider’s skill level will impact the degree to which the horse can perform. The better the horse, under our standards, the more it will cost. Our horses, while good for beginner riders, are appreciated most by educated riders.

Our horses are not for everyone. They are for a discriminating buyer who understands the quality of training our horses are expected to achieve. Our buyers are looking for a long term companion, who will be a member of their family for years to come.