Testimonials
Don't just take our word for it -- read what our customers others have to say about Caithness Stud.
Julia and Dave Latham, Flying Horse Ltd, Invercargill:
After looking at various warmblood stallions we decided to put our mare Blonde Arrow (Lone Arrow x TB) to Maestro. We were impressed with the stallion's temperament as well as his confirmation and amazing movement. On New Years Eve 2004 Blondie had a beautiful bay filly whom we named Storm. Storm is now three and a half and has just been broken in by Stuart Moore of Millers Flat. He was impressed with her wonderful nature and quietness. He mustered cattle on her and she was a pleasure to ride (both in company and by herself). I have been riding her now at home for a fortnight and she is awesome. Whether hacking out around the block, trailriding at the beach or schooling in the arena she has never put a foot wrong. Even on really windy, rainy days she is calm and focussed. We are so pleased we picked Maestro! Storm will be hacked out and scooled lightly over the coming year and then will hopefully begin a show and dreassage career as successful as her mother was.
Kevin Lawrence, BSHI:
I have in recent months had the opportunity to work with several of the progeny of Maestro while taking dressage lessons at Caithness Stud.I have worked with a variety of horse both mares and geldings ranging in age from 3-7 years.
Without exception my opinion of them has been that they are horses of good size, with three very good basic paces and most importantly of highly trainable temperaments.
I would have no hesitation in recommending that any rider looking for a horse with the talent to compete in any discipline to contact Annabelle at Caithness Stud to see what might be available.
Di McCrostie, N.Z.E.F.Level 1 Dressage Coach: I have recently helped in the Dressage training of two mares bred by Annabelle. I have found them to have very nice paces and conformation,and they are both clever, kind mares, with very trainable temperaments and a good attitude to their work. I am now looking forward to visiting Caithness Stud,to view the stallions, mares and youngstock, bred by the Read Family.
Debbie Wilson, Otago - owner of Caithness Blockbuster:
"I have just recently purchased a second horse from Caithness Stud, (having first bought a three-year-old gelding six years ago) and was impressed by the care taken by Annabel to ensure that our yearling was easy to handle and float and that we knew how to handle him in a manner that he was used to.
"At all times Annabel stressed that if we ever had any questions or difficulties to contact her for help and advice. Prior to purchase we visited to inspect the yearlings and Annabel was helpful in assisting us to purchase a horse that would suit our requirements and lifestyle. At no time did we feel any pressure to purchase or feel that we were being pointed in one direction. Annabel shows a genuine desire to sell her horses to well suited homes and to ensure that they are well mannered and a pleasure to own.
"We are extremely pleased with Blockbuster, who has settled easily into his new home and has a friendly, confident and laid back personality."
Julia Lee, Professional Dressage Rider and Instructor:
"I have recently emigrated from the UK and having been a part of a professional dressage team over there, I was not sure what to expect in New Zealand with regards to riding and horses.
"I was delighted, earlier this year, to meet up with Annabelle and Craig Read of Caithness Stud, and to become involved with their team. Their professionalism and quality of their horses I find to be far above average.
"They have bred horses which have the right temperament and movement to make great dressage horses, and I am now very excited for my future as a dressage rider and to be part of such a professional team here in NZ with Caithness Stud".
Justine Dodds, buyer:
"After deciding to purchase a young horse two years ago, I approached Caithness Stud. Since that time, I have found Annabelle to be a great help, from initially sending videos and information about the stud, to helping me choose a foal. She has continually been a great source of support from the weaning of my colt, helping me with handling, floating, gelding and general advice with him. I have been so pleased with him that I have since sent a mare to the stud, to breed another foal from Maestro.
"I thoroughly recommend Caithness Stud and Annabelle to any potential buyers.
Leigh Wills, Certified Monty Roberts Instructor, Equus Education:
"I have had the privilege of knowing the Reads and training Caithness horses over the past two years. I admire the honesty and dedication Annabelle continues to have in producing quality horses. Not only do they have great temperaments and movement, they are happy horses. This makes my job so much easier."
