Call me a cynic but I have always been a bit apprehensive about testimonials on websites, my theory has always been the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
My family were introduced to the Martins through a good friend who had bought a horse from them a couple of years ago. We had a very successful pony on loan, but my daughter was growing fast and would soon be too big for her current ride. We checked the website and found Tess, Two Tone Tess to be exact, a traditional skewbald Irish sports horse, only four years old but with a good write up on the website. We traveled, looked and filmed her in the school, my daughter rode her in the school, up on the road and around the cross country course, we went home and having sat down for minutes arranged another visit. This time we had an adult ride her, again, couldn't find a fault other than she neighed a bit. We had the vetting done and again nothing was found so we bought her.
It's now October we have taken things slowly as Tess is only four, she goes out to shows, indoor jumping, outdoor jumping and some Hunter Trials, still she hasn't put a foot wrong, and always comes home in the ribbons. She has the temperament of a much older horse, nothing phases her, she doesn't spook at anything and I trust her totally to carry my daughter. Tess has big shoes to fill as our current horse competes at all levels but is 19yrs old. Tess is not far behind her competitively already and with continued schooling will certainly be a high achiever.
Anyone considering buying a quality horse should speak to Geoff and Candy, they are friendly, knowledgeable and above all modest about the quality of their animals.
Proof of the pudding is certainly achieved, grab a spoon, we've eaten to our fill.
Thank you Geoff and Candy, Martins Irish Horses."
Dominic Witham, Paula Melville and Beth Witham
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"Dinky was the first pony we bought from Candy and Geoff following recommendations from friends in our local Pony Club. He has suffered the attentions of all three of our girls with unending patience and tolerance, and has proved to be the best friend that every small pony-mad girl wishes for. He has taken our children from the very beginnings of riding and provided wonderful foundations for them to take forward onto subsequent bigger ponies. Our youngest daughter, now 7, trusts him completely and he in turn will allow her almost complete freedom to do what she likes with him - from dressing him up to tackling scary cross country jumps. As a mother I feel his temperament and personality are so reliable I can be confident that my 7 year old can join in hacks out with the gang of kids from our stables, and I know that they will both return safe, and happy. How many other 7 year olds have that opportunity? It will truly be a sad day for our family when his job as our first pony is completed and he moves on to another family to bring some pony magic into another child's life."
Carole Zed
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"After such a positive experience with our first pony Dinky I had no hesitation in returning to Candy and Geoff to purchase our second, 13.2hh Benji. Candy's assessment of Benji's suitability for my children and their aspirations has proved absolutely spot on. He was a relatively green 5 year old when we bought him. With the help and support of the Martins and our Pony Club he and my competitive middle daughter have progressed through the grades to achieve recent completion of the Area 10 Riding Club horse trials at Novice level (85-90cm). As a parent I confess that my heart was in my mouth as this talented, brave and honest pony took my 10 year old daughter around cross country fences that looked almost as big as him, but he never faltered. Yet as well as fulfilling my daughter's competition dreams Benji is wonderful to handle and look after, a real softie. He will have a go at turning a hoof to anything she asks of him. Benji has turned out exactly as Candy and Geoff predicted - a totally safe, trustworthy pony with a generous heart the size of a lion. We all love him to bits and think the world of him."
Carole Zed
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"Alice asked me to let you know that besides her 2nd in the Nursery Stakes she had a 6th in the best rider, in a class of 15. She was not placed in the pony club pony because of her bit - otherwise the judge said she would have been in the top 3. But best of all Alice had 3 clear rounds, with a good rhythm and jumped her first round a 2'6. She was very pleased with herself and Africa, just cross that she did not have faster times!!! Africa has given Alice so much confidence - its just wonderful to watch. Thank you again and we look forward to seeing you through the summer."
Maz Montgomerie
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"Nike - a 1997 16.2 Irish Sports Horse Bay Gelding was purchased for me 4 years ago by Mr & Mrs Martin, having given them an idea of what I was looking for. My requirements were many - I wanted a middle to heavyweight 16 hand plus gelding, colour/looks not important but he must be good in the stable, good manners, good in traffic, good to box clip etc, good to jump & safe to hack alone and in company. I wanted to do mostly hacking, a few sponsored rides and a few local shows. What I got was a very handsome bay gelding who has been everything I ever wanted in a horse and more. We have been placed in nearly every event we have done. I thoroughly recommend Martin's Irish Horses as they really try to make sure that the horse is right for you and vice versa. I can't thank them enough for finding my dream horse."
Kathy Spence
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"I got Pippa in February 2007. As she was only just five, the plan was to have a quiet first year getting to know each other, but we were soon out most weekends! We had a busy first summer together successfully doing all Pony Club activities - dressage, hunter trials, one day events and camp. She's won many Pony Club pony classes at local shows and was placed at Edenbridge & Oxted. In June we qualified for the Riding Club dressage nationals and our team came 4th at Lincoln in September! Importantly for me, she is also a fantastic hunting pony; we had 18 brilliant days out over the winter. Pippa is still keen to learn new things and is constantly entertaining us with her huge character. I'm looking forward to much more fun with her!"
Jemima Willard
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"I have had Jasper for 5 months and every Show I have been to I have come 1st and if I am nervous I feel safe because he will slow down. I love Jasper and every one loves him in my whole yard. Thank you Geoff, Candy and Oliver for finding me this lovely pony."
Grace Bartholomew (age 8)
"After searching for a pony for over a year, travelling hundreds of miles, only to find that what you had gone to see was not as advertised, we decided to try Martins' Irish Horses and Jasper has proved to be everything and more that Geoff and Candy said he would be. He is 100% out hacking, totally honest and a lovely natured pony. Excellent to handle, load, box, plait, bath - truly one in a million, too often said by sellers but not often the case!!! Since having Jasper my eight year old daughter Grace has completed her first one day event, finishing on her dressage score, gained 6 trophies, a sash and numerous rosettes, but more importantly her confidence has grown enormously. The Martins will retain our business when we are looking for the next size up. I really mean every thing I have said, he's fantastic."
Kay Bartholomew
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"Having brought a couple of ponies from Candy and Geoff before, I knew I didn't want to look anywhere else, other than back at the Martins. The step up from ponies to horses is a huge leap, so finding the right horse was essential to me, so I could feel confident and safe, yet also feel as a combination, we had the ability to achieve highly together. We brought Solomon, a four year old chestnut gelding and Candy and Geoff assured me that we would make the most amazing team together. Solomon rarely goes to a competition without coming home with a ribbon. He and my friend's pony Casper won the Surrey Hunter Trail pairs. We even got invited down to Oldencraig to demonstrate in the pony club instructors' conference where Eric Smiley (Irish Eventer rider) told me that Solomon was a lovely young horse."
Sophie Etheridge
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"I purchased my horse Rocky, a 15hh Grey Connemara gelding from Geoff and Candy nearly 4 years ago. I had ridden a lot as a teenager and had returned to riding in my late 30’s and finally decided that I had to have my own horse, so Geoff and Candy found me Rocky. He is the kindest, most gentle horse in the stable as well as to handle. He is good on the roads - we spend hours hacking on our own and he is a lively but sensible ride. I have also started to compete in hunter trials in which he excels as he is fast and brave and nearly always gets placed at these competitions. Three years ago we started hunting - he is brilliant at this - he stands quietly at the meet, never misbehaves, is snaffle mouthed and, although a very fast, game, little chap will always pull up when asked. He will jump just about anything I ask - a real gentleman. He is a sensitive chap and we have formed a strong bond, he has given me an enormous amount of pleasure and I will never part with him, also he is an extremely handsome looking fellow - what more could you want? Thanks Geoff and Candy for finding my best mate."
Liz Biggs
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"We bought Sparrow from Geoff and Candy just over a month ago. After telling them what we were looking for they recommended Sparrow and they were 100% spot on! He settled so quickly with us we thought we would get him out and about to see how he behaved at some local shows - we were amazed. This fantastic pony is safe, sensible and really looks after my 10 year old who loves him. He does a lovely dressage test, he shows, he jumps and most of all he's a true gentlemen to handle. He always comes home with lots of ribbons and trophies - just to think we were going to bring him and Emma together slowly as she already has a lovely 13.2 pony that she does very well on.Thank you for pairing Emma up with this phenomenal pony!
I would and already have recommended the Martins as they are both very genuine people who definitely know their horses and ponies. Once again a huge thank you - we're looking forward to many happy years ahead."
Sharon Baker
"Sparrow has already given me heaps of confidence with jumping! He's also a wonderful show pony. I'm so pleased with this sensational pony! Thank you Geoff and Candy xxxxxxxx"
Emma Baker (age 10)
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"I brought Pip 15.1hh, a four year old brown gelding from Geoff and Candy in early March. Since then I have been doing weekly lessons with the odd show every month. I am hoping to do some hunting this season and then pony club/R.C activities including camp next year. I am extremely happy with the purchase of my pony as he is everything I wanted, and everything they said he was. I would definitely recommend them to buy your new horse, whether it be your first ridden pony or your top class Eventer. They are reliable and honest and tell you everything you need to know about a certain horse. Thank you Geoff & Candy for such a lovely pony and great service."
Jessica Hawkes (age 14)
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"I really want to thank you for my wonderful horse Rocky which Mummy bought from you about 2 months ago for me. He has been going great and I love him so much. You definitely picked the right horse for me. I did a 2’9 hunter trial on Saturday and he did superb for his first hunter trial and it was the most challenging course I have ever jumped. I did pony club camp on him earlier in the summer and loved it! He was so relaxed and acted as if he had been there and done it about 5 times. He jumped everything I put in front of him and his flatwork is really coming along nicely now. I came second in 2’6 Eventers challenge 2 weeks ago, which I wasn't expecting but he did it! I am so grateful over the best thing that has ever happened to me because of you. Thank you sooooooooo much."
Imogen Sasserath
"The step up from ponies to horses is always hard – but Rocky has made it easy for Imy. Having bought a lovely 14hh from Candy and Geoff for my eldest daughter about 5 years ago (we had him for 4 great years and he is still out winning), I asked Candy and Geoff to find me something for my youngest, Imy. A few weeks later they called and said they had found Rocky who would be just right and they were absolutely spot on. Day two they went for a long hack on their own and after just one month they were off to camp! Although young he is kind and willing, always tries his best and moves rather well so I am looking forward to getting him out myself doing some dressage and hunting as well."
Jacqui Sasserath
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"After many recommendations from various friends and acquaintances in the pony club the Martins were my first port of call. I was looking for a first pony giving me confidence to do pony club activities and general disciplines, little did I know that he would allow me to achieve a 3’6 course at Hickstead and succeed in our team being placed 3rd. The Martins have a very reliable technique of first assessing the rider and then matching them to the appropriate horse/pony. They also make you feel at ease, able to ask any questions or concerns leaving you satisfied and happy with any decisions you make. Casper a 14.2hh Connemara gelding has given me the chance to fulfil all my dreams and expectations. He has allowed me to compete in every discipline, rewarding me with rosettes on every outing. There is nothing he will not put his mind to and try his best. Sadly we have reached the end of our path together as I have now unfortunately outgrown him so there is no doubt I will be back to Candy and Geoff’s for my next horse."
Frankie Szkoda
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"September 2007: As having just tried a horse I was looking at and not liking him, my instructor advised us to call Candy & Geoff Martin. So we did and as luck would have it, Nancy (my 15.2hh Piebald Mare) had just arrived from Ireland that day. When we went to see her, she was fabulous.
Two years later May 2009...and she's just as fabulous as then. She's been competing at Show Jumping (2'3, 2'6 and 2'9) getting placed nearly every time. Dressage (preliminary & Novice) getting placed every time now. And her latest winning streak in Showing (Coloured & Cob classes, ridden & in-hand) at our first Coloured class she came 1st and first Family Pony class she came 1st. We're going to take the Showing to a higher level and going to hog her mane, which isn't a problem with her, seeing as she is the most laid back pony ever. She's as bomb-proof as they come and a genuine, honest sweetheart. Our hopes for the future are to go to more shows away from home. Between April and September we have been and are competing at 15 shows, which is ever-growing due to me becoming so much more competitive."
Catherine Brindley
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"I don't know if you will remember my pony Aero. I bought him just over a year ago. He is a 14.2 Connemara and is now about 7. He has been absolutely amazing from the start. He was our first ever pony and we had little idea how to look after one apart from basic knowledge. He is always sweet, gentle and patient. He has improved my riding so much and has had me and my two sisters on him all at the same time. We have managed to jump 3ft 3 and are doing jumping and dressage(well -ish!) regularly. He is my best friend and I love him to pieces."
Bethany Hall
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"Tuko is truly an exceptional horse.
Tuko was our first horse bought from Geoff & Candy and he is everything they said he was. We have been so pleased with him my sister and mum have gone on to buy horses from the Martins.
Tuko was my first step up from a pony and has really given me confidence in my riding - he is a very honest and forgiving horse.
We have been to many local shows, being placed at every one and are now going on to do cross country.
Tuko is one in a million and I would recommend the Martins to anyone."
Charlotte Williams
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My cavalicious!!
When I went to Geoff and Candy I hadnt ridden for a few years and just had a baby so I lost my confidence.
So they recommended me Cave. From the moment I rode him I fell in love with him and knew he was the one for me.
We have gone from strength to strength and I completely trust my pony.
Having done many showjumping shows last season with him we never came home without rosettes and this year we haven't come home without any trophy's!
Having done so well, we have qualified for the championships tour and I know we're going to do well.
Geoff and Candy have been so helpful if I' ve had any questions they have always been happy to help.
Thankyou Geoff and Candy for the best horse I could have ever asked for.
Louise Martin
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Woodlands Interchange
(Conker)
When I was about 10 years old I was told I could have a pony after 6 years of being in a riding school and a couple years of having a loaned pony. We were then told about Martins Irish Horses from a friend. Me and my mum went and saw Conker and he was perfect for me.
We bought him on 1st January 2007 from Candy & Geoff. He has taught me so much, like show jumping. When I first started I was jumping 18 inches, now I am jumping about a metre.
He has a happy personality which always cheers me up if I am feeling sad and he is such a good friend. I am a member of the Pony Club and have taken part in 3 Pony Club camps, many rallies, Inter-branch show jumping, Prix Caprilli, Hickstead - 4 years running, and our Pony Club Show where I have recently won the metre class. I have done PC Area show jumping 2 years in a row. The first year I was 12th individually, and this year my Pony Club team where lucky enough to qualify for the National Championships which where in Cheshire, competing against all the Pony Clubs over England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I have also been competing Conker in one day events, and BSJA competitions and have done very well in them being placed quite a lot. I have taken Conker to away competitions. I have owned Conker for nearly 4 years now and I will hopefully own him for the rest of my life as he is my best friend and he always will be. Lots of people love my pony but I have to say I love him the most.
By: Chelsea Fleming
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I bought Smokey our third horse bought from the Martins a year ago and what a year its been.
I bought Smokey as a five year old with some reservations about taking on a youngster again but he has turned out to be everything Geoff and Candy assured me he would be and we haven't looked back since.
I'm so glad now as its been so rewarding with him maturing into a great six year old.
We have been competing at showjumping and cross country with my two daughters with both their horses Tuko and Cave bought from the Martins.
We have been doing things I never thought I would do again and enjoying them even more this time round.
Smokey is a great all rounder brilliant at shows nearly always being placed with a laid back temperament I couldn't ask for a better horse he is perfect.
Jennifer Martin
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"I went to Candy and Geoff for a 14.2, they had a horse for me but it was 15.3, I wasn’t sure but they convinced me to try him. I did and I found that he was great, I didn’t feel over horsed which I was worried about and I had a great ride. I brought Mouse in January and since then we started competing at Trailblazers and was successful, so now we are affiliated. We have been doing very well and have qualified for second round of Discovery. I have also been jumping in the 1.05 – 1.10m classes and have been doing well and hope to go onto bigger classes in the near future. We have been cross-country schooling and he has been brilliant, and since been on our first hunt, which went very well. So thank you Candy and Jeff for convincing me to try him he is just what I was after, a great horse with lots of potential and a lovely temperament."
Alexandra Belt
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Cavi and Louise
Jennifer and Smokey
Charlotte and Tuko
All having great fun cantering through the water.
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Having made the decision to expand our equine family and having had a very bad experience where we actually purchased a horse following a 5 stage vetting ( it passed with ‘flying colours’) but had to return it to the vendor with what turned out to be very obvious problems, our own vet suggested we contact Geoff and Candy Martin. She knew our 10 year old horse Leon well and knew exactly what we were looking for.
We wanted a youngster, about 4, something sensible and quiet enough for me to hack out with my 18 year old daughter but something she could educate into the world of dressage, show jumping and her great love, cross country.
We looked on the web site where we saw Laddy and we were soon driving through the snow to see him. After a couple more visits we made the decision to take him home.
He has been a wonderful addition to our family and despite some initial jealousy ‘the boys’ are now good friends. Laddy is just the kindest, gentlest, most honest of horses. He will stand for hours, literally, being groomed, clipped or plaited and talks to everyone who passes near his stable. He has become a very popular resident at our yard, everyone just loves him.
Nine months later he’s out being placed in all 3 disciplines and has never refused to do anything he has been asked to do. He really is everything Geoff and Candy said he was.
When I spoke to Geoff in my original phone call he described Laddy as being a ‘ lovely person’ which I thought a little odd at the time. Now I know exactly what he meant !.
Paul, Lisa and Rosie Reed
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Since the day I got Westie he has been wonderful. Everything I have asked him to do he has done it with 110%. We did our first cross country training and he was brilliant, jumping everything I asked and in the water he had fun splashing around. We have competed in open shows and a one day event and have already come home with some rosettes
I took him to Pony Club Camp this year and he was great. He didn’t worry about being in a new place or going into the woods. We had great fun in the fields on the hunt ride.
He is learning very quickly and the bond between us is already very strong. He is the best horse anyone could wish for and to me he is priceless.
Thank you for letting me buy this very special horse.
Amy Westacott ( aged 13)
A word from mum :
I would advise that if you are looking for a pony/horse for your child to make Geoff and Candy your first call. Having spent some time looking for a pony to suit Amy we had many wasted journeys, met some very unpleasant people and had a very dangerous experience for Amy.- Then we met the Martins -
Geoff and Candy are very kind, helpful and above all else are genuinely concerned about matching the child to the pony. We bought the most wonderful 5 year old ‘Westie’ for Amy and he is worth his weight in gold, an absolute star. This is the start of a magical journey for Amy and Westie full of love and excitement, pride and joy. What more could a parent want for their child.
Thank you so much Geoff and Candy
I strongly recommend Martins Irish Horses to anyone looking for their next best friend.
Carolyn Westacott
