Testimonials

“Following on from countless recommendations over the years, I contacted Ryan in 2017, when I found myself very short on time due to my other training and competing commitments. I was part way through backing a very talented, but very sensitive, youngster and simply couldn’t give him the extra attention he required at the time. Both Ryan and Calum’s reputations precede them in the field of backing, preparation and sales and as such I didn’t hesitate to send the horse to them. They were a pleasure to deal with at all times and nothing is too much trouble. My work was continued in my absence and I am delighted with the outcome. The horse is very much more confident and has returned home ready to work and progress his training. I will not hesitate, not only to recommend Ryan and his team, but to certainly use them again in the future.”

Hi Ryan –

I just have to write and say a huge thank you for finding me the most wonderful Horse.
Having heard from an associate of mine, who had recently purchased from Ryan, I couldn’t wait to get in touch, however, there was no need, Ryan contacted me first, gladly as I am not the most forthcoming! Superb communication started and an array of video clips sent to me tailored to my wish list. Which also meant I could watch with my trainer, and have his much valued opinion too. Of the Horses I particularly liked, this meant a trip to Holland to view, which was completely out of my comfort zone, but, dates to visit all were to suit me, accommodation was even recommended which was accessible to the airport (literally minutes) and Ryan’s counterpart to pick us up, there was even no objection to me bringing a friend for company. Beautiful yards, with stunning horses and very welcoming people. The Horse I had liked in particular turned out to be even more special in the flesh, I spent well over an hour and didn’t want to dismount!! The vetting and delivery was all taken care of for me, with regular updates throughout the whole process. My beautiful Horse arrived stressfree, and has settled in very well. I am delighted with her, she is exactly what I described to Ryan, and perfect for myself being an amateur. I can’t thank Ryan enough, and wouldn’t hesitate in doing the whole thing over again! I would never go anywhere else, perish the thought!!

Marita Dobson.

I first met with Ryan and Calum when viewing a top class 4yo Stallion with my very good friend and colleague Mrs Jayne Dillon, Needless to say we purchased Donald and love him dearly. 
Donald is exactly what they said he was on the phone and in person and would not hesitate to ask for advice or view more horses from them in the future. 
Ryan and Calum are extremely talented and knowledgable horse men, so much so my youngsters are now sent to them to start them of within their ridden work. 
I would not hesitate in recommending them to any one for backing & sales of top sport horses. 
Richard Mackay.

I first met Ryan and Calum in 2013 as we were looking for a Young Rider horse for my 18 yr old daughter Francesca. “Ernest” was for sale through them, as his owner was working abroad and could only take one horse. 
What a find. Ernest has proved to be everything and more, and taken Francesca from her first ever Advanced Medium, to representing GB Young Riders internationally, both home and abroad in 2015/16 and winning the Summer Regional Championships at Inter 1 in 2016. They are now aiming for U25 Grand Prix.
Calum and Ryan stayed in touch and have been so genuinely interested and supportive in Ernest and Francesca’s progress.

As an “enthusiastic amateur” dressage rider, a few months later I found myself considering getting a schoolmaster dressage horse that could teach me the higher levels; one I could progress on. 
My gruelling work schedule meant I needed that impossible balance of a horse that was laid back, safe, and didn’t need riding everyday but capable of higher levels with a lot “under the bonnet”. I called Shannon Equestrian in the first instance and Ryan and Calum suggested “Trevor”.

I recall feeling quite nervous at my ability and riding an unknown horse in front of Ryan and Calum.
But they couldn’t have been more lovely – totally supportive, putting me at ease and encouraging me to  ride my first ever flying changes! 

Trevor has since taken me up to Advanced Medium and represented Wales at Inter Regionals and Home Internationals, and I even have ambitions that I may wear tails one day with him! 

I cannot thank Ryan and Calum enough. They are extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and lovely genuine guys with it. And they are highly respected within the industry.

I was confident that if they felt that either horse was not suited to us then we would have continued the search to find a more suitable match. And horses came within budget too.

We have not looked back since owning Ernest and Trevor. Shannon Equestrian has been a key part to ensuring we were right for our horses and vice versa.

I can’t recommend Shannon Equestrian highly enough!

www.freedomsaddlery.co.uk/

I am the lucky owner of a fantastically talented and quite brilliant young KWPN all thanks to Ryan! 

In 2009 I was looking for a young dressage horse to take all the way to GP. I had seen quite a few that I liked but none had really grabbed me, and many were well out of my price range. On seeing Ryan’s website (Shannon Equestrian) I noticed several nice young horses but one stood out to me as if he was covered in neon lights! Baldino was a 3 year old unbacked KWPN by a stallion I liked and with a dam sire that has produced fabulous dressage horses. I was prepared to buy him on the video alone as I had never seen something so naturally uphill in all its gates and with an engine to die for. 

However, I persuaded my trainer to come along for a 5 hour drive to see him and we were not disappointed. He had such a lovely intelligent face and when Ryan brought him out I could have hugged him! Baldino was stunning and what’s more had the most perfect conformation and I honestly thought there had to be a catch. My trainer could not contain her excitement after Ryan loose schooled him and turned to me and said “if you don’t buy him I will” so very quickly I agreed with Ryan a price and organised to have him vetted in the next couple of days. Ryan suggested several vets and transport companies to me and the two I used were very professional. Baldino arrived home with a lovely new travel rug, headcollar and lead rope, none of which I had been expecting so thank you Ryan. 

I have had him almost two years now and we backed him just over a year ago. He has been exactly as Ryan described him, a horse with great future prospects, 3 super paces, a wonderful temperament and above all else the most trainable and trusting horse I have ever had. He has been a pleasure to do and has taken everything in his stride. His dressage career has started very well, so far winning most of his classes with scores of 9 for his paces and percentages in the 70’s and he recently qualified for the Badminton Young Dressage Horse of the Future 2011 final held in July so we are very excited. He is also very close to qualifying for this year’s summer regional’s so I’m hoping to achieve our last qualifying score in the next few outings. I have been lucky enough to have several top riders/trainers see him (and a few ride him!) and every single one has told me he is a serious horse for the future, only a few weeks ago a list 1 judge told me he could win the world cup!! But thankfully that’s a way off yet! 

My trainer has since used Ryan to find another young horse for a client based on the fabulous experience I had. Throughout the time I have owned Baldino Ryan has always been supportive and interested in what he’s up to and how he’s doing and I expect that Ryan and I will have a lot to talk about over the coming years…… Thank you Ryan x 

When my current horse developed a health issue and I took the really hard decision to retire him , a really good friend recommended Ryan. I was looking for a dressage horse suitable for a hobby dressage riders compete at elementary / medium level. I had a modest budget , which I could not exceed, and the horse had to be safe, sane and sensible.
Ryan sent me videos and pictures of a couple of horses, then we decided to do a day trip to Holland. Armed with a day return Easy Jet ticket , I met Ryan at Schiphol Airport. I looked at four horses varying ages and training.I will admit that I felt very self conscious and intimidated riding in front of the Dutch owners and riders. Ryan was a real gentleman and came into the  arenas with me , told them he was my trainer and worked with me and the horse. With Ryan’s help I found the perfect horse. He organised the vetting , which was emailed to me along with the X-rays , and organised the transport . My horse was picked up from the Dutch yard on the Monday and delivered to my doorstep in Scotland on the Friday. There was no hassle with papers passports etc , this was all taken care for me.
It was a really fun stress free experience. I had a wonderful time in Holland and have a wonderful horse.