OUR CLIENT REFERENCES This is some of the feedback we have been given by our clients that have had horses in training, or livery with us. If you would like to speak to some or all of the people mentioned below, then just let us know, and we can happily supply you with the phone numbers. We would like to thank all clients, that have taken the time to put into words their appreciation for our time and effort in looking after their horses. It is much appreciated and acknowledged. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'My name is Zero Turbo Charge (TC to my friends), and I am a 3yr old QH gelding, and my dad is Sean Dillon. I first met Sandi and Mike when Mum sent me to training camp with them in March 2006. I went as a colt who could not get his head round those odd things growing between my legs, so a decision was made to have me gelded. My ground training came on in leaps and bounds, until I really needed to be broke to ride. This is when my nightmare began!!!!! A joint decision and recomendation from a couple of people, I was taken to a supposed proffesional trainer. Mum remembered having seen this trainer approx 6yrs ago and it seemed a good decision at the time. So off I went in Dec 2006. Mum had to have a new hip in Feb so she was unable to drive up and visit me. The first I saw of a farrier was in Feb, then in early May, Mum was told that I had a sand crack in my foot, but she was assured I hadn't been overworked but she was also told I was keen to spin and slide. Luckily for me, Sandi and Mike took my mate Chad to the same person, but when they saw the state of my feet and general lack of condition, Mum got an instant phone call. My feet were actually spilt from the coronet band down and had been bleeding and I was badly lame, but the VET HAD NEVER BEEN CALLED to visit me, but the farrier had just been and had put a heart bar shoe on one of my feet and a normal shoe on the other which was also not good. I was taken straight back to the Austin's where a vet and farrier were called immediately to meet me when i got to their yard. I have had xrays and special shoes put on me now and I hope to be back to normal again after a long period of rest and care. I I owe my life to Sandi and Mike, and they love me like my Mum does. Mum can't thank the Austins enough as they are really very very good friends. Mike and Sandi then found me a super new home with Fiona and she loves me as much as the others..I am sooooo happy.'  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I first met Sandi and Mike when I needed my then 2yr old QH colt 'TC'  to have some serious ground work, before the show season. I took him there in March 2006, and after a period of ground training, it became obvious he couldn't handle being a colt, so it was mutually decided to have him gelded . At this point, I also decided to sell him, as a gelding would not fit in at our home, so a good home was needed. A trainer was recommended (which I had been aware of some six years earlier)  to assist in moving him forward in backing to remove any potential buck before returning to Mike and Sandi. TC then went for this part of his education in Dec 2006... This is when it all went WRONG, my little horse was to be nearly ruined as he was only just being broke to ride. Late April, I was told he had a sand crack so he would have to be turned out for a while. As luck would have it, Sandi and Mike had to take another horse up to be ridden, they saw TC and phoned me. He had cracks in both his feet from the coronet band down and they had been bleeding. NO vet had been called and the farrier that had attended had only just put one heart bar shoe on one foot and a standard shoe on the other, as he said 'to keep his feet together'. Mike and Sandi took TC straight  back home to their facility, on my instructions, a vet and farrier were called out the very same day. TC had xrays and special and correct shoes put on with metal plates attached to support his hoof wall, photos were taken of the whole process, so we have proof of the damage that was done to this little innocent horse. Good news is that TC will be OK, but heaven knows what would have happened had the Austins not turned up at that so called proffesional yard. I can't thank Sandi and Mike enough, for all they have done for TC and me, as in the middle of this I had to have a new hip, so everything landed on them. I truely regret what this so called 'professional' did to my horse without my approval or advisement. I will do whatever I can to ensure that everyone knows the abuse this horse suffered under his so called 'care and training' and hold very strong feelings against this certain individual that will never leave me. I truley hope that he never gets to train another horse in this country for the fear of what damage he may again inflict to an innocent animal.   It is with great pleasure that Mike and Sandi introduced and enabled 'TC' to find a new home with Fiona Leask, who now continues the good work that was started and it is my hope that great things will happen with him as time goes on . Owner - Jill Johnson from Kent 'TC'- Zero Turbo Charge (now owned By Fiona Leask) 'Dusty' - Dusti Interest 'Rusty' - Ralwin Rusti Nail All Quarterhorses I approached Sandi to have some lessons in western riding, as well as in some vaulting. Within minutes of meeting her, I realized how invaluable her knowledge would be to my wife and I. We had both been involved with horses all of our lives. Jackie grew up in pony club, and I started in the racing world at the age of 8 with race trainer Philip Mitchell, riding on the Epsom Downs. Even with all of this experience under our belts, Sandi has proven to be a huge factor in our horsemanship skills. Sandi is an imaginative and enthusiastic instructor who WILL enhance any rider or horse owner. We have ridden all our lives and her patience and knowledge is the best. She is inspiring! Her school horses are well trained and soft so that when you ask something properly...you get it. It is nice to not ride typical riding school horses that require lots of kicking and a smack! In 2004 I decided I wanted a Quarter Horse to do demonstrations and exhibitions with, and approached Sandi with a DVD of a horse from America. She was incredibly honest with me about the ups and downs of importing a horse I did not know, and who did not know me. Without her heads up I would not have been prepared for the stressed little horse who arrived at my yard in the middle of a foggy cold night. Mike and Sandi came to be there when the horse lorry turned up, even though it was after midnight, foggy, and freezing. To us, this was above and beyond the call of duty for any trainer/teacher to do. Since then, Sandi's experience with western training has been a big help for Skipper and myself. First she had to teach us to work together, when neither of us understood each other's language. My little horse loves Sandi, and I believe without her he would have been a traumatized immigrant! Now he has been to his first show at Grantham, where he was Reserve Champion aged gelding...what a shock for me when Mike had him in the ring and I got very choked up. It was at this show that my wife became inspired and has purchased a weanling filly to bring on for next year's halter classes. Under Mike and Sandi's keen eyes I know we will do well. The really nice thing is that they are always there to help. Skipper has been between my yard and their's many times and they don't keep him indefinately. They always remind me he is my horse and does not need to live at theirs indefinately. I really appreciate that because I want my horse around with me. Sandi is not afraid to get on him in public and ride him, even though when he is back with me, I mess things up a bit while I am learning too. The Austin's are truthfull and will not tell you what you want to hear just to bring in money, and this means a lot to us. They have helped with a few horses that I have bought and sold into the English world, and no matter what the discipline, they always know what they are doing. Thanks Mike and Sandi for all your help and we look forward to a long friendship with horses! 'Haggler's Skipper' 'A Tardee Rose' Both above are Quarter Horses Plus other English Ridden Horses Owned By Stuart and Jackie Wyeth in Lincolnshire 'Chief Bar Tender' (AKA Bailey) 2002 Quarter horse stallion Owned by Deborah Burns in Somerset I first talked to Sandi and Mike when I responded to an advert they had placed saying they trained young horses. I had several horses but had never bought a weanling before. I had no idea how to introduce my colt ‘Bailey’ to the things he needed to know (bath, tie, load, clip, lead etc). Knowing well that my other horses had faults (didn’t like clippers, water, loading etc) I knew that I wanted to start Bailey with a clean slate. I debated for a while whether it was really worth a journey of over 8 hours for my weanling colt. Looking back on that choice I know I would make it again in a heartbeat and recommend it to ANY & EVERY horse owner! The training that my colt received was beyond my expectations. It even made me sad that my other horses didn’t really have such a good start in their training life. Both Mike and Sandi make an incredible team. They really are driven not by egos, or in it for the finance, but the fact that they do love working with the horses. They have helped me show Bailey at halter as I wanted to get him to do a few AQHA classes for the practise of being out. I never in my wildest dreams would have expected him to of won 14, been reserve & Grand Champion on a few occasions too obtaining his AQHA Bronze award. I know for a fact that I could not have done any of it without the support of such fantastic trainers. I have since made the journey back to the Austins and left my horse there for a few months for more training and gently starting under saddle. If you ever get the opportunity to watch them train then you will see that Mike and Sandi don’t just tell a horse what to do. They teach the horse to open its mind and learn for themselves. They want nothing more than for their clients to have a safe and trustworthy mount. I have kept various horses at a total of eight livery yards in my time and I can honestly say with hand on heart that Austin’s Equine is the only place I can leave my horse and relax knowing the care he will be given. I have had my three year old mare in training with Austin’s Equine twice; once for a period of six weeks as a yearling for general manners and show preparation and then again for a period of 3 months for backing. I consider Sandi and Mike Austin to be two of the most dedicated professionals I have ever met, who have horsemanship skills which can only come from years of experience in their field. This kind of training, and the techniques they use, does not come from any text book or video collection and yet they are open minded enough to always be willing to try new training methods to enhance their own understanding. They have a way of communicating with a horse such that you can almost see a sign of relief that, at last, your horse has someone they can talk to about their owner’s problems! At all times, they put the safety and wellbeing of the horse first and foremost but they keep the owners well informed about the progress being made and they will welcome you with open arms. The thing I like and respect most about their approach to training a horse is that each one is treated as an individual and they work very hard to keep the personality of the horse intact. They are firm but fair in their approach and the end result is a horse that knows where it stands and is thus safe to handle and confident in its own ability to do the right thing. The backing element has been undertaken slowly and methodically, again giving the horse confidence and a very good basis upon which to build for the future. Again, they will work with the owner and share with you the joy of riding your horse for the very first time. I would have no hesitation in bringing any horse to Austin’s Equine and recommending others to do the same, especially if you want to be actively involved in the development and training of your horse which should be an on-going thing for both horse and owner. They are not ‘quick fix’ merchants and they will be up front enough to tell you that but Sandi and Mike give you and your horse the confidence to go from strength to strength and improve the relationship for the benefit of the long term. After they have had to deal with enough ‘problem’ horses which have, in the most part, been ruined by people who thought they were doing the right thing. I feel very honoured to know them and now regard them as true and close friends. In a world full of false expectations and promises, I trust them explicitly and am extremely grateful for the friendship they have shown to both me and my horse. They are just the best. 'Bueno Pep O Lena' (AKA Buffy) 2002 Quarter Horse Mare Owned by Clare Gates in Somerset 'Velvet' Arab x TB Owned by Anna Park in Lincolnshire After being trained in the traditional school of the horse world, where there is a ‘proper’ way to do things, no matter how out-dated or ineffective, I can honestly say that the Austin’s methods came nothing short of a breath of fresh air. From the start of my relationship with them, they have been open, friendly and inclusive. I have never been made to feel my ignorance in certain areas or been patronised in any way, rather the lessons they have taught me have always been enjoyable as well as insightful. This method has not only benefited me as an individual by increasing my confidence as well as my knowledge, it has also had obvious benefits for my animal too. The Austin’s treat their clients and their horses with the utmost respect and understanding. The animal is able to learn respect and security within carefully set boundaries, without violence or fake bribery. This results in an atmosphere of trust that can only lead to progress. To watch the transformation of your animal is a deeply touching and rewarding experience. Thank you Mike and Sandi! Aslan was sent to Mike & Sandi to be broken to western riding after reading their articles in ‘Absolute Horse’ I sent my four year old part bred Arab to Sandi & Mike for breaking to western riding. He was homebred, quite a ‘live wire’ and had never been handled by anyone but me before. I had used natural horsemanship methods with him since birth, as advocated by Monty Roberts and Richard Maxwell. I was keen for this to continue as he had absolute trust in humans. Sandi and Mike did a great job with him, needing lots of patience at times, as he would lose concentration at the slightest distraction and be quite stubborn some days. They kept me informed of his progress and I was always made to feel very welcome when I visited. I would trust them to work with any of my horses and recommend them unreservedly. 'Aslan' 4 year old Arab x TB x Welsh Cob Owned by Christine Rudkin in Lincolnshire 'Chantry Rose Bud' 'Cruisin Gold' 'Realms of Gold' 'Bingo I’m a Tardee' Quarter horses Owned by Liz Burnage in Lincolnshire I’m struggling to write this reference for Sandi & Mike. Not because I cannot find nice things to say about them, but because they have so many good things to recommend them that I don’t know where to start! I suppose the beginning is when you first contact them about your horse. Their interest is genuine and their desire to give your young horse a good start in its training, or to help with a problem, stems from a passionate desire to see all horses and owners happy and in union with each other. I have had 3 horses in livery and in training with them for almost 2 years whilst waiting for our farm to be ready so have seen many horses come and go and witnessed many training sessions. I have been privileged to watch Sandi & Mike with playful and impressionable young stock where every move could spoil as easily as it could educate and improve. I have also seen Mike with absolutely nightmarish monsters prepared to attack first and ask questions later (how do we manage to turn such gentle creatures into such tormented freaks whose only perceived defence is attack?). I am permanently in awe of their ability to handle every situation. I have marvelled at their endless patience and understanding of the vagaries of youngsters and been stunned by their bravery in dealing with some truly horrendous young horses. In every case they have gently and gradually found the key to that animal; found the way through its juvenile pranks or its unreasoning fears to the confident trusting and happy horse beneath. They will welcome you and your horse into their yard with an infectious enthusiasm that will still be there when you take your horse home. Sandi’s lifelong veterinary experience and understanding of nutrition and diet means they can begin to improve the inner horse and make them feel good about themselves before training even begins. From that first day their aim, whether in handling, feeding or training, will be to promote your horses’ wellbeing and welfare to produce for you a well trained, responsive and obedient horse who is also happy and relaxed and confident in his work, and trusting and gentle with his handlers. You will also find that they are pretty good at training owners too! Sandi & Mike actively promote your involvement with the training of your horse; after all, they only have it for a short time, you have it for life! Having an understanding of their approach to your horse’s training, means you will be able to appreciate your horse even more when you get it home; logical really! In conclusion, from one who brought them a problem horse (not of my making I hasten to add) the key is always patience. The best horses are not made overnight despite the desires of some owners. So, if you are a “crash course quick fixer” then do not bring your horse to the Austin’s! They will never try to achieve in 3 weeks what they know and believe will take 3 months and they will be the first ones to tell you that. But if you want a great horse then there is no better place to come. Having been lucky enough to look after my horses at home for the last 3 years plus, I was very reluctant, and concerned, at having to put them into a livery for a couple of months while I waited for planning permission and stables being built. I have 1 horse who loves being ‘in’ during the winter and one who prefers to be out – so my requirements were that they went out every day (rain or not) for as long as possible and came in every night which was more or less how Sandi & Mike worked anyway. I need not have been worried; once at Austin’s Equine this was exactly how they were managed and they immediately settled into their ‘normal’ winter routine. My horses looked happy and relaxed from day one and Sandi & Mike’s quiet, confident and caring manner was evident from the start. The atmosphere at Austin’s Equine was friendly, supportive and encouraging – help and advice was there is you wanted it but no-one was pushy or bitchy. When Rosie suffered a choke – which she had done before – Sandi contacted me and the vet immediately – realising how serious it was – and dealt with Rosie and the vet throughout the treatment and monitoring during the night. If Sandi had not gone back after feeding to re-check the horses, Rosie might have died! Mike & Sandi really do love and care about horses – and they actually DO exactly what they say – and more – and I hope in the future when necessary, I will be able to book my horses back in at Austin’s Equine, as I would have no worries about leaving them there whilst I was away on holiday. 'Rosie' Irish DraughtxTB 14 years old 'Hugo' Irish Draught 7 years old Owned by Jane Smith in Lincolnshire 'Christian' Thoroughbred Owned by Jenny Niblock in Lincolnshire Christian, a hyper-sensitive and unpredictable thoroughbred gelding, is currently (and very happily) at livery with Mike and Sandi.(sadly put to sleep due to arthritis and old injuries in 2006) When I first came to look, I liked the open and direct approach, the emphasis on nutrition and hygiene, and the desire to put the horse’s welfare first. Their consistent – firm and fair – approach has made him feel secure here and he settled very quickly. He knows exactly where he stands at all times. Both Mike and Sandi, in an informal way, continue to discuss his behavioural and physical needs with me, and very much work with me to achieve results. They also have excellent back-up from a first class vet and farrier. Their concept of livery is what I (and probably Christian) had always dreamed it could be, but hadn’t experienced before. As a result, he and I are enjoying life again. Attention to detail, good management of resources, and a very genuine (and much practised) love for all the horses in their care is the key to their success. The bottom line is that I trust them – what they say is what you get. Nobody can ask for more than that. We sent our horse to Austin’s Equine to be re-trained after he had been standing at stud for several years and had just been gelded. We found the premises to be clean and tidy, the horse well cared for and the staff friendly and approachable. Our horse returned to us more manageable and we would recommend their services to anyone! 'Poco Lil Bobcat' (AKA Buzz) Quarter Horse Gelding Owned by Mr and Mrs R Walker in Lincolnshire 'Jester' Fell Pony Owned by Nicola Ash in Lincolnshire I took my pony, Jester, who had been long-reined, lunged and shown in hand and is three and a half years old, to Mike and Sandi for six weeks and my horse came back a different animal. I found that Mike and Sandi are totally professional and kind, plus I was involved which is excellent! He had a large stable which was always clean and also buckets etc all clean every day I went. As Jester threw his first rider off, it was important to get all his confidence back and within one week he showed trust totally to Mike and Sandi, letting them on his back and work him. He wasn’t just taught to keep somebody on his back, but he was balanced and collected and gleaming every time I saw him. As said above, I took a young, novice horse and brought back a willing, safe and happy horse. They also did some work inside the box as Jester could not stand still or even load with ease. When I brought him back he “walked in” the box without a handler and never moved. When I unloaded him he came out with ease with no sign of sweat. I was amazed at the time my horse was with them as to what was gained. Fantastic people, fantastic place and Jester will be going back. And myself and partner will be visiting to learn more the amazing way Sandi and Mike are with horses. We have also had great advice on feed and care; what more can I say……truly amazing! The horses were sent to Austin's for baby handling, weaning, manners & leading. An excellent facility that provided the services we required in a friendly and helpful way. Mike and Sandi are always pleased to see their customers and will help out immediately in an emergency. I would recommend their facility to those wishing to have well mannered and trainable horses without resorting to violence. 'Spice' Welsh Section D 'Cally' Highland Owned by Rosalyn & Malcolm Dawson in N. Lincolnshire 'Red Hot Zip Code' 'Passing To The Future' 'Tardee's In Fashion' Quarter Horses Owned By Roma Philimore in Surrey I am happy to express my sincere thanks to Mike and Sandi for all of their training and advise for my three youngsters I have had in training with them. I first sent my two yearling geldings ('Red Hot Zip Code' and 'Passing To the Future') to them for manners, and with the thought of showing in the western shows in Halter and Showmanship.'Red' and 'Eric' spent the next couple of years coming and going between the Austin's farm in Lincolnshire and my home in Surrey. My results in the show ring were many, and it was then that I decided to send my newly purchased 6 month old foal ('Tardee's In Fashion') to them straight from the Stud I purchased him from. 'Blue' spent the next couple of years also making the journey back and forth between my house and their farm, and my accomplishments with him were also amazing. With many Grand Champion results - many Reserve Grand Champion results - and also a Silver Medal in Germany, I can only say that Austin's Equine is the place that I would always send my youngsters for their general discipline and manners. Mike and Sandi have extensive backgrounds in many aspects of horse care and knowledge, and I always made the long drive back home knowing my horses would be well looked after inside and out. The horses always came home well mannered, patient, and did not lose their personality that they went into training with. In short I would and do recommend the Austins to anybody wanting a nice horse to work with and to love. Thank you Mike and Sandi for all you have done for me and my horses! Keep up the good work! Dear Sandi and Mike, I would just like to say how much I appreciate all you did for me and my mare SASJA. You were such a big help to me in understanding Sasja's NEEDS. I am much more able to handle her now. She still has her moments BUT now I know how to help her. Life for her and myself has got a lot better. I would like to thank you again for all your help and understanding. I would have no hesitation in recomending you to everyone I know and I can honestly say I have sung your praises to everyone I have met, friends and strangers alike to the point of being boring. Yet again THANKS 'Sasja' Dutch Warm Blood Owned By Pauline Ward in Lincolnshire