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Martinique Rap
Sold To Jessica Elliott, Brentwood, NH |
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I have owned Ballard Farm Horses for over 17 years- 4 horses in all. My current horse,
Vice Versa Rap is everyone's dream horse. I bought her as a 2 year old and she is currently 7yrs old. She is an appendix cross. Versify is her sire and a Reynold's Rap daughter her dam. At 3 we road the trails in acadia- when we encountered anything "scary" she had to take the lead and get the older horses past the obstacles- we enjoy our trail rides in between shows. We show AQHA shows and have gotten AQHA points- she won the amatuer all around last May.
She is a star in the jumping world. Her first real jumping show last October brought a reserve high point horse. Besides all that - she is beautiful- with that great "RAP" head.
I look forward to breeding her to Skys Blue Boy this year and should get a great foal.
If you are looking for a great horse who can do it all don't pass up Ballard Farms
Ellen Holmes ..Richmond, Maine |
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AUBRI writes: "I started riding lessons at Ballard Farms when I was 5. I am 8 now and my mom and I have an open lease at the barn and we can spend time at the barn anytime we want. I love it there. It's so much fun and I have learned so much. Not only am I a great rider now, I also learn how to take care of the horses, like cleaning their stalls, feeding them and grooming them. Everybody is so nice and helpful at the barn and Ruth is the best teacher and is always planning fun stuff for the kids to do and makes us feel special."
JEN writes: "My daugther and I have an open lease at Ballard Farms. I especially enjoy the lease program as we can go anytime we want and do it all. Leasing a horse has helped reinforce the values of responsibilty, respect and confidence for my 8 year old little girl. The one on one time that we have together at the barn will always have a special place in my heart."
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AUBRI writes: "Over Christmas vacation, Ruth had a horse camp for us and it was so much fun. We rode everyday, and helped with the chores in the barn, watched lots of horse movies, decorated our very own special t-shirts with our horses on the front, decorated horse shoes and learned all kinds of stuff about our horses. I am so excited for her next horse camp. THANK YOU RUTH!" |
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I STARTED TAKING LESSONS WITH MY DAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS 3 AND I QUICKLY REALIZED THAT BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND I
LOVE HORSES. SHORTLY AFTER, I PURCHASED FIRST HORSE FROM RUTH, A GELDING CALLED AN ALL RED RAP (LIL' RED). THERE
IS NOTHING LIKE A RAP, THEY ARE WONDERFUL HORSES. SINCE THEN WE HAVE BOUGHT SIX MORE HORSES FROM RUTH, INCLUDING MORE
RAP'S AND SOME VERSIFIES. RUTH HAS BEEN TERRIFIC WITH HELPING TO MAKE MY HORSE DREAMS COME TRUE, THAT INCLUDES HELPING
ME TO BUILD A BARN AT MY HOME. BEING A NOVICE HORSE OWNER, I HAVE HAD MANY QUESTIONS ALONG THE WAY, AND RUTH HAS
BEEN THERE TO ANSWER EVERY ONE OF THEM. I STILL HAVE A COUPLE OF HORSES AT THE FARM THAT ARE IN TRAINING BY RUTH AND
HER STAFF. I CAN ALSO LOAD UP ONE OF MY HORSES AND GO TO BALLARD'S TO USE THEIR INDOOR ARENA, YOU ALWAYS FEEL WELCOMED.
MY EXPERIENCE WITH RUTH AND HER FARM HAS TRULY BEEN WONDERFUL. THANK YOU RUTH! Linda Gagne |
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I STARTED TAKING LESSONS AT BALLARD FARM'S WHEN I WAS 3. SINCE THEN I HAVE BECOME THE OWNER OF MY FIRST HORSE
THUMBALENA RAP, A REYNOLDS RAP DAUGHTER. WITH MY HORSE WE HAVE WON MEQHA LEAD LINE CHAMPION AND THIS YEAR,
AT THE AGE OF 7, I RECEIVED CHAMPION IN WALK/TROT HUNTER UNDER SADDLE AND RESERVE IN WALK/TROT HUNT SEAT
EQUITATION. I STILL TAKE LESSONS AT BALLARD FARM'S AND THUMBIE IS BOARDED THERE TOO. I ALSO DO MANY OF THE SUMMER
CAMPS, WHERE I ALWAYS LEARN A LOT AND HAVE FUN. RUTH IS THE BEST TRAINER AND IS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME BOTH AT
THE BARN AND AT MY HORSE SHOWS. SOME DAY I HOPE TO WORK AT BALLARD FARM'S AND BECOME A TRAINER JUST LIKE RUTH.
ALEXIS age 7yrs |
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Ruth Ballard is a phenomenal equestrian coach. As a non-rider who at age 50 purchased a 2 year old thoroughbred, I needed a lot of help. Ruth listened to my wishes and after training Allie to ride, worked with both of us novices together. This was more challenging than it would have been to train us separately, but Ruth was, as always, willing to go with my wishes. As a result, my horse and I have developed a rather special relationship. She is more than just my horse, she is my companion.
Ruth has assisted us with every phase of our development and daily maintenance. We've learned grooming, tacking, lunging, riding, non-verbal communication (and for me ... guttural communication...although I'm still not great at it, yet!), medical management, and soon to be breeding.
When we are riding, Ruth always seems to be having as much fun on the ground as we are during the lesson. She is one of the most positive, happy people I know. She is always available for a lesson, or an emergency call regarding veterinary needs. I feel that Ruth really enjoys both my horse and myself and we both feel very much "at home" at Ruth's facility.
Denise L. Obert |
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John and I couldn't be happier with our purchase of "Good Golly Miss Molly"! Never have I seen my husband bond with a horse, until now! Molly's gentle & loving nature, coupled with her talent for Dressage, Jumping and Trail Riding, make her a perfect fit for my "forever fairytale horse"! Many friends are waiting for first look at this 17.2 Hand BlackThoroughbred Percheron Mare coming!
We can't say enough about your professional and giving nature @ Ballard Farms.It's been a welcome departure from some of our other experiences. You made us feel like family and never limited your time to tell us everything we needed to know or learn about Molly.
I write this to you on the night before Molly is to come live in Kennebunk with me. Although I am excited about this, I will truly miss your Farms "open arms" policy! I know Molly was your "special girl" and I am honored that you trusted her to me. I am over the moon about her. Attached is one of my favorite pictures of her, so far :)
I would be happy to talk to anyone, thinking of buying at Ballard Farms! You're the BEST!
John & Elizabeth Naughton
Kennebunk Maine |
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Ballard Farms is one of Maine’s greatest secrets. The indoor arena is gigantic and you could never find more perfectly behaved horses on any farm. The horses used for lessons are nicer than most show horses. The instructors all have developed riding and training skills under Ruth’s guidance. The learning environment is safe, nurturing, and most of all, fun!
Ballard Farms will always be one of my favorite places. I am just one of the many people lucky enough to call Ruth a friend. Ruth’s magnetic personality and exceptional horsemanship will inspire you. Once you visit, you will be hooked.
Brenna Watson |
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We have boarded our horses for the summers at Ballard Farm for the past seven years, and we hope to do so again this summer. Simply put, Ruth Ballard is a credit to her profession. She truly cares about horses whether it be her own or others. She has continuously treated my horses and family with respect and great courtesy. Her personal knowledge of equine care, training, and husbandry is vast. She has forgotten more than I can ever hope to know! She actually saved my mare from certain death when she suffered a freak accident.
My daughter has served under her employ assisting with the summer camp program. This is where Ruth shines! Her love of horses is clearly matched with her love of enriching the lives of the young campers under her care. All children learning to ride are afforded the opportunity to ride top quality horses born and raised with plenty of TLC right on the premises. These beautiful and kind show quality Quarter Horses and Appendixes are a treat for beginners and intermediate riders alike.
It is truly a pleasure to write this testimony for someone for whom my family and I have such great respect.
Beth Ann Hague
Ashby, Massachusetts |
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For the past fourteen years of my life I have been riding horses at Ballard Farms located in Sidney, ME. At the age of 22, I can profoundly say that I aspire to own horses and continue to benefit from their unfailing companionship. Most importantly I will own horses that are specifically bred and raised at Ruth Ballard’s facility. Ballard Farms has provided me with life long skills and disciplines that have made me the individual I am today. I have had the opportunity to represent Ballard Farms in countless AQHA approved Quarter Horse shows and under the instruction of Ruth I have become a successful competitor. I believe that my accomplishments at Ballard Farms offer me transferable knowledge that I will utilize for the duration of my life.
Ballard Farms is a reputable equestrian center across the United States. Ballard Farms is home to over eighty horses, which allows every individual to find his/her perfect match. Ballard Farm’s horses are: trustworthy, competitive, athletic, and more importantly safe for all levels of riders. Personally, I benefited from Ballard Farm’s lease program because I was able to ride numerous horses, which isn’t offered in most equestrian facilities. I have been a student as well as an instructor in Ruth Ballard’s camp and lesson program. I have witnessed hundreds of children become positively influenced by caring and learning from Ballard Farm’s horses.
Ballard Farms has a history of supporting children across the great state of Maine; however, in recent years it has expanded to kids who reside in New York City. Ruth Ballard has created an environment that is valuable to all adults and youth groups. The most significant attribute about Ballard Farms is the sense of connection every person feels when they step foot in the barn.
Cait Blanchard Portland, Maine |
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My name is Mercedes and I am 6 years old. My mom, Audra and my Auntie Kimmy used to ride and show at Ballard Farms. Now its my turn. I love horse camp. I have gone to several in the summer and the winter. I love all the horses, but I love Rapitity the most. If you really want to ride, you should go to Ballard Farms. Me, Alexis, Taylor and Aubri had fun at the Xmas Camp. We swim at Ballard Farms too. We have fun and you will too.
Mercedes
Farmingdale, Maine |
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I have been taking lesson at Ballard Farms since I was eight years old. I have learned sooo much about horses and how to ride. The only reason I am doing so well is because I went to Ballard Farms and learned how to ride. When I was ten years old I bought my horse Laury Rap from Ballard Farms. She is the sweetest and the most nicest moving horse I have seen. I am very gifted to have her. Thank you so much Ruth.
sincerely,
shanti Indra Walter
Dresden, Maine |
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