Testimonials
Just some of the lovely comments we have had from customers who have bought our youngsters or sent their horses here for schooling.
Gemma Hope (Owner of Chamfron Kukri and Chamfron Colada)
Buying a horse from Chamfron Stud is less like a business transaction and more like gaining membership to an exclusive club. Laura & Mark are very approachable and always able to give helpful advice when I get stuck or have a question. In addition to this I have had my own special support team at various competitions with Laura & Mark there to spectate, support and photograph. I always feel like they are genuinely interested in how we are doing! Jackson (Chamfron Kukri) is my horse of a lifetime. He is such a character but incredibly well mannered and gives me so much confidence. I have had more fun (& success) with him than I could ever have imagined! I have enjoyed my experience with a Chamfron pony so much I returned to the stud last year to bring home Jacksons half sister!!! I can't promise that I won't be back for another.
Buying a horse from Chamfron Stud is less like a business transaction and more like gaining membership to an exclusive club. Laura & Mark are very approachable and always able to give helpful advice when I get stuck or have a question. In addition to this I have had my own special support team at various competitions with Laura & Mark there to spectate, support and photograph. I always feel like they are genuinely interested in how we are doing! Jackson (Chamfron Kukri) is my horse of a lifetime. He is such a character but incredibly well mannered and gives me so much confidence. I have had more fun (& success) with him than I could ever have imagined! I have enjoyed my experience with a Chamfron pony so much I returned to the stud last year to bring home Jacksons half sister!!! I can't promise that I won't be back for another.
Christine Harling (Owner of Chamfron Tizona)
I am so lucky to have this fabulous horse in my life. The first time I saw her I knew I would have her or regret it forever - and how right I was.
She has been an absolute joy to own from fluffy foal to 4 year old: she is very bright, big and athletic, but with a kind,
laid-back and very trainable temperament. Nothing has ever been a problem for her, from my very first ride to hacking out alone over the main road,
she just takes it all in and gets on with it
She is lovely and easy to keep - tough and hardy, lives out all year round and stays plump and shiny in the coldest foulest weather.
I've been a fan of Criollos for a long time but finding good breeding in this country is rare - I'd definitely recommend her brothers and sisters to anyone looking for a really special horse.
I am so lucky to have this fabulous horse in my life. The first time I saw her I knew I would have her or regret it forever - and how right I was.
She has been an absolute joy to own from fluffy foal to 4 year old: she is very bright, big and athletic, but with a kind,
laid-back and very trainable temperament. Nothing has ever been a problem for her, from my very first ride to hacking out alone over the main road,
she just takes it all in and gets on with it
She is lovely and easy to keep - tough and hardy, lives out all year round and stays plump and shiny in the coldest foulest weather.
I've been a fan of Criollos for a long time but finding good breeding in this country is rare - I'd definitely recommend her brothers and sisters to anyone looking for a really special horse.
Alison Cheetham (Owner of Chamfron Paloma)
When I first contacted Laura I was struggling to find a youngster with the potential to one day take over from my mare. The problem being that it would need to be a successful competitor in both English and Western disciplines, TREC and anything else that I think looks fun this week, and hack ANYWHERE on its own. When I made the 6 hour journey with the trailer to see Paloma Laura and Mark had given me plenty of evidence that she was the horse for me, and now she is 3 years old and already exceeding expectations. I was already a fan of the criollo breed and Arrayan but I was even more impressed when I met him. Like all his progeny, Paloma is very athletic and agile, very expressive and very intelligent but also very calm and confident. She is very easy to keep and handle and train and has already been very successful at Horse Agility. If I was to get another horse in the future I would want another Chamfron!
When I first contacted Laura I was struggling to find a youngster with the potential to one day take over from my mare. The problem being that it would need to be a successful competitor in both English and Western disciplines, TREC and anything else that I think looks fun this week, and hack ANYWHERE on its own. When I made the 6 hour journey with the trailer to see Paloma Laura and Mark had given me plenty of evidence that she was the horse for me, and now she is 3 years old and already exceeding expectations. I was already a fan of the criollo breed and Arrayan but I was even more impressed when I met him. Like all his progeny, Paloma is very athletic and agile, very expressive and very intelligent but also very calm and confident. She is very easy to keep and handle and train and has already been very successful at Horse Agility. If I was to get another horse in the future I would want another Chamfron!
Emma Lang (Owner of Chamfron Santiago)
I have always been a fan of foreign breeds, especially quarter horses, Andalusians , American Paints, Appaloosas etc and had been following the goings on at Chamfron Stud for two or three years on the web site and facebook. I loved what I saw, and with my love of endurance riding taking a bigger part in my horse world I was interested in the Criollo breed. When Santi was born in June 2015 I remember thinking what a stunning colt and to make a good height for me as well with him likely to finish at 15.2hh or so and I enjoyed watching all the foals progress on facebook and the blog site. Little did I know then that circumstances found me in the very happy position of being able to seriously look for another horse by Christmas 2015 and I immediately contacted Laura to see if Santi was still available. Lucky for me he was and he arrived with us here in East Lothian in March this year a fluffy 8mth old colt. My wonderful future prospect settled right in with his big pal and its now hard to imagine that he has only been with us nearly five months as he is so happy and relaxed. He is displaying all the characteristics I had hoped from his good breeding and from what I had researched about Criollos. He is pretty chilled and lets face it, not many babies would be happy at being left alone in the stable while their pal is away for the day or being ridden out. My little Santi doesn’t bother his nicely rounding butt! As long as he has food and someone gives him cuddles very little bothers him! He has been easy to work with aiming to please with just enough of his own opinions to keep life interesting, certainly in a couple of years when I climb on board! Laura loves to get updates on her babies, I always like it when breeders like to hear how their progeny are progressing! I am so sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting Mark and that my Chamfron purchase was at a very sad and difficult time for Laura. I feel really very honoured to have been able to own a Chamfron horse and love seeing the updates on Arrayan and how he is getting on.
Pat Howe (Owner of Chamfron Ombu)
I spent all last summer looking at pictures on the website of little Ombu. Should I or shouldn’t I? Did I need another horse. Definitely not! Then Laura employed the magical marketing technique, a picture of his blue roan period. I took one look at his eyes and that was it. Would I regret it for the rest of my life if I didn’t have him? Definitely. It is hard to write an original testimonial, everyone has said the same thing and it is all true. He is the sweetest little thing, so very kind and gentle. I have total confidence in him and never think I am going to get hurt. I do things with him I would never do with a 14 month old yearling. I know he can be trusted not to go over the top of me, barge me, or hurt me. I explain the boundaries once and that is it. He doesn’t challenge. His attitude is “whatever”. He finds it far more interesting to co-operate and do exciting things than argue. He is 14 months old going on 14 years. The December night he arrived was horrendous. dark, gale force wind and heavy rain yet he was calm.. We spent our first night sleeping together, well he didn’t sleep much he was so interested. Laura said he would bond with me and by the morning he had. It then rained horrendously for the next month. Ombu spent most of that time living in a stable. Few other youngsters would have accepted that confinement as happily as he did. Everything about this horse I adore. Buying him was one of the best things I have ever done. If only I had started with Criollos 40 years ago life would have been a lot easier.
Anne Smith (Owner of Chamfron Chaco)
Simply, a Chamfron brings joy and fun to horse ownership. Why do these testimonials rate Chamfron youngsters so highly? Well, in a world where we are so time poor yet want the joy of horse ownership and the opportunity to bring a performance youngster forward, then realistically you need a horse that is relaxed, easy to work with, a delight to educate and who loves hugs; basically you need a Chamfron. My first-hand experience of a yearling Chamfron is that they are well bred, selected for a temperament that enables owners to enjoy the experience of bringing on a young horse without trauma and complications along the way. These foals work with you, they appear to have the ‘can do, will do’ mentality towards whatever is asked of them. This uniquely willing temperament at such a young age appears so unique to Chamfron, that’s why you know you want one! Oh and their colour – stunning, absolutely stunning.
Rachel Mcdonald (Doodle - Broken in Summer 2015)
Just thought I would drop you a line as once again I realise what a great job you both did with D. He hadn't been ridden for a week with me working and then him pulling a shoe and it was blowing a hoolie and raining but we had planned to ride so braved the elements. Yes he was rather on his toes but he kept himself polite and just got on with his job even when a van flew passed spraying water everywhere. He was certainly showing promise of being an endurance pony but came straight back into walk when asked. The more I ride him the more I want to, he responds to the lightest aids. Thanks for making my foalface into such a super grown up xx
Just thought I would drop you a line as once again I realise what a great job you both did with D. He hadn't been ridden for a week with me working and then him pulling a shoe and it was blowing a hoolie and raining but we had planned to ride so braved the elements. Yes he was rather on his toes but he kept himself polite and just got on with his job even when a van flew passed spraying water everywhere. He was certainly showing promise of being an endurance pony but came straight back into walk when asked. The more I ride him the more I want to, he responds to the lightest aids. Thanks for making my foalface into such a super grown up xx
Rose Riches (Blue - Broken in Summer 2015)
Just want to say a very big Thank You, Laura and Mark, for breaking our Dales pony youngster this Spring. He has come back as a calm, relaxed boy, quite happy to be ridden and he will be back with you next year for more schooling. That's the third Dales pony we have sent to you, and they have all been broken so well that we never have a moments bother with them. Many, many thanks again.
Just want to say a very big Thank You, Laura and Mark, for breaking our Dales pony youngster this Spring. He has come back as a calm, relaxed boy, quite happy to be ridden and he will be back with you next year for more schooling. That's the third Dales pony we have sent to you, and they have all been broken so well that we never have a moments bother with them. Many, many thanks again.
Rebecca Crump (Owner of Chamfron By Dand and Chamfron Firefly)
I was scrolling on the website at foals for sale, as you do, not really looking to buy, and came across a wee face that stole my heart. He was pulling a face and looked so silly I had to have him. I travelled 3 hours with a horse box to view him. Fell in love all over again and said there and then, "Yup, that's the one, put him on the box please." Mark and laura were super friendly had shown me the foal Chamfron By Dands mum and dad. Both with the most amazing natures. After a cuppa the new baby in my life was on the trailer and we were heading down the track when I said I bet I never here from them again...how wrong could I be!!! Laura and Mark are always keen to here of his progress and keep in touch regularly. Now named Owen, he is now 7 and competing well at endurance. He loves to jump and will turn his hoof to anything that is asked. He really is my horse of a life time. So much so that I bought his full sister before she was born. She is now 4 and proving to be a smart confident young Lady who is ready to take on the world.
I was scrolling on the website at foals for sale, as you do, not really looking to buy, and came across a wee face that stole my heart. He was pulling a face and looked so silly I had to have him. I travelled 3 hours with a horse box to view him. Fell in love all over again and said there and then, "Yup, that's the one, put him on the box please." Mark and laura were super friendly had shown me the foal Chamfron By Dands mum and dad. Both with the most amazing natures. After a cuppa the new baby in my life was on the trailer and we were heading down the track when I said I bet I never here from them again...how wrong could I be!!! Laura and Mark are always keen to here of his progress and keep in touch regularly. Now named Owen, he is now 7 and competing well at endurance. He loves to jump and will turn his hoof to anything that is asked. He really is my horse of a life time. So much so that I bought his full sister before she was born. She is now 4 and proving to be a smart confident young Lady who is ready to take on the world.
Rowena Kennedy (Owner of Chamfron Mojito)
Mark and Laura made the buying experience such a good one, I went to see Mojito and spent a great afternoon meeting all the youngsters and never once felt under any pressure to buy, saying that after meeting Mojito of course I couldn't resist. I have had Mojito just over 9 months now and he never ceases to make me smile, I absolutely adore him. After being around horses over 25yrs I have never met such an intelligent, loving wee horse. He has such a fabulous trainable nature, always so eager to please and is of course gorgeous to go with it. I am very much looking forward to our future together.
Mark and Laura made the buying experience such a good one, I went to see Mojito and spent a great afternoon meeting all the youngsters and never once felt under any pressure to buy, saying that after meeting Mojito of course I couldn't resist. I have had Mojito just over 9 months now and he never ceases to make me smile, I absolutely adore him. After being around horses over 25yrs I have never met such an intelligent, loving wee horse. He has such a fabulous trainable nature, always so eager to please and is of course gorgeous to go with it. I am very much looking forward to our future together.
Karina Bowlby (Phoenix and Portia being broken in)
Mark and Laura have broken in two horses for me. One very straightforward and one who had become difficult and aggressive when staying at another yard. I was delighted with both when they came home. The quiet one was bombproof and the difficult one had returned to being the calm, sweet boy he once was. I highly recommend them. They take the time and do the job properly.
Mark and Laura have broken in two horses for me. One very straightforward and one who had become difficult and aggressive when staying at another yard. I was delighted with both when they came home. The quiet one was bombproof and the difficult one had returned to being the calm, sweet boy he once was. I highly recommend them. They take the time and do the job properly.
Kayreen Jones (Owner of Chamfron Angel Dust and more!)
Mark and Laura started out as the "Stud Owners" and have become friends. Taking my mare to the stud at the time was a nervous experience but Mark and Laura's professionalism shone through and they listened to my nerdy comments! Of course when I went to collect her from the stud I came back with a baby horse (as above). The chamfron horses personality shines through, well balanced, friendly human loving horses. Easy to deal with and with a personality. I was so happy with my dealings with the stud I sent two youngsters back for backing and some schooling. It did not matter that I am a western rider as my horses are beautifully worked and treated. I cannot praise their work enough and Mark's careful but no nonsense approach meant my horses were set up for the rest of their riding careers. I would not hesitate to buy another horse from them (as long as under 15.3! mine kept growing) smiling when I say that! nor hesitate to send a horse for backing.
Mark and Laura started out as the "Stud Owners" and have become friends. Taking my mare to the stud at the time was a nervous experience but Mark and Laura's professionalism shone through and they listened to my nerdy comments! Of course when I went to collect her from the stud I came back with a baby horse (as above). The chamfron horses personality shines through, well balanced, friendly human loving horses. Easy to deal with and with a personality. I was so happy with my dealings with the stud I sent two youngsters back for backing and some schooling. It did not matter that I am a western rider as my horses are beautifully worked and treated. I cannot praise their work enough and Mark's careful but no nonsense approach meant my horses were set up for the rest of their riding careers. I would not hesitate to buy another horse from them (as long as under 15.3! mine kept growing) smiling when I say that! nor hesitate to send a horse for backing.
Natalie Brougham (Owner of Chamfron Bellini)
I purchased a foal from Laura and Mark, Chamfron Bellini. I live the other side of UK, so she was bought from photos and hear say. Well what can I say, this little 6 month filly arrived on the transport, quiet and calm. Everything they said she was. Loaded onto my lorry, then had a ferry journey, still very calm and happy to just munch on her hay. She's grown into a beautiful mare. Very excited for her future in the dressage arena. Anyone looking to purchase a well mannered youngster, that has had the best start to their life should consider purchasing from the chamfron stud.
I purchased a foal from Laura and Mark, Chamfron Bellini. I live the other side of UK, so she was bought from photos and hear say. Well what can I say, this little 6 month filly arrived on the transport, quiet and calm. Everything they said she was. Loaded onto my lorry, then had a ferry journey, still very calm and happy to just munch on her hay. She's grown into a beautiful mare. Very excited for her future in the dressage arena. Anyone looking to purchase a well mannered youngster, that has had the best start to their life should consider purchasing from the chamfron stud.
Cara Brooke (Owner of Chamfron Toledo)
What can I say - THE most amazing horses from THE most amazing people! I bought Chamfron Toledo after seeing him crop up in my Facebook feed. I drove all the way to Scotland to spend some time seeing him and was greeted by the warmest couple in gorgeous country surroundings. Time spent in the field with the herd was awesome! Each of the Chamfron horses has its own unique personality full of character and kindness. Without Laura and Mark, my boy wouldn't exist and I adore my boy who has continued to grow without losing any of his character or his kindness! Chamfron horses simply are a breed like no other and life is not complete without one, or two!!!
What can I say - THE most amazing horses from THE most amazing people! I bought Chamfron Toledo after seeing him crop up in my Facebook feed. I drove all the way to Scotland to spend some time seeing him and was greeted by the warmest couple in gorgeous country surroundings. Time spent in the field with the herd was awesome! Each of the Chamfron horses has its own unique personality full of character and kindness. Without Laura and Mark, my boy wouldn't exist and I adore my boy who has continued to grow without losing any of his character or his kindness! Chamfron horses simply are a breed like no other and life is not complete without one, or two!!!
Sonya Ann Perry (Millie broken in summer 2013)
We sent our homebred filly to Mark and Laura at Chamfron after a personal recommendation from a friend. We specifically wanted someone who would start the groundwork for a multi purpose pony. Due to my many equine interests she needed to play polo, jump, do dressage and generally be prepared to do anything and everything! So I wasn't expecting much then! After visiting the stud and watching Mark at work, far from this being a bit of a pipe dream, even in a relatively short space of time the pony was given a great start to her ridden career. Although she is not one of their own homebreds, I feel Mark has instilled some of the objectives they are committed to in their breeding programme in to our mare. The need to produce flexible, adaptable, mannerly but talented youngsters who can excel in any sphere. We are now 2 years down the line and the mare has started to fulfil some of her promise, even starting her polo career with some additional help from Mark and Laura. I would not hesitate to recommend Mark and Laura for help with breaking and schooling, or for breeding and producing quality young stock. I would go as far as to say that there would be few individuals in Scotland who have the depth and range of experience with horses that Mark has, combined with a sensitive but disciplined approach to horse development.
We sent our homebred filly to Mark and Laura at Chamfron after a personal recommendation from a friend. We specifically wanted someone who would start the groundwork for a multi purpose pony. Due to my many equine interests she needed to play polo, jump, do dressage and generally be prepared to do anything and everything! So I wasn't expecting much then! After visiting the stud and watching Mark at work, far from this being a bit of a pipe dream, even in a relatively short space of time the pony was given a great start to her ridden career. Although she is not one of their own homebreds, I feel Mark has instilled some of the objectives they are committed to in their breeding programme in to our mare. The need to produce flexible, adaptable, mannerly but talented youngsters who can excel in any sphere. We are now 2 years down the line and the mare has started to fulfil some of her promise, even starting her polo career with some additional help from Mark and Laura. I would not hesitate to recommend Mark and Laura for help with breaking and schooling, or for breeding and producing quality young stock. I would go as far as to say that there would be few individuals in Scotland who have the depth and range of experience with horses that Mark has, combined with a sensitive but disciplined approach to horse development.
Chantelle Allanson (Owner of Chamfron Snow Goose)
After months of searching and looking at hundreds of others that were very nice but.. I stumbled across the Chamfron Stud page and did a bit of research on the stud. Laura and Mark definitely know their stuff when it comes to breeding horses and a perfect 'recipe' for a perfect horse! A brief phone call and a couple of emailed pics, I bought her without even a viewing! The first time we met was when Laura and Mark kindly brought Angel to the yard. I just knew she would be perfect in every way and she is that!! Thank you Laura and Mark for breeding such super horses! As everyone I know with a Chamfron would agree - They truly are horses of a lifetime!!
After months of searching and looking at hundreds of others that were very nice but.. I stumbled across the Chamfron Stud page and did a bit of research on the stud. Laura and Mark definitely know their stuff when it comes to breeding horses and a perfect 'recipe' for a perfect horse! A brief phone call and a couple of emailed pics, I bought her without even a viewing! The first time we met was when Laura and Mark kindly brought Angel to the yard. I just knew she would be perfect in every way and she is that!! Thank you Laura and Mark for breeding such super horses! As everyone I know with a Chamfron would agree - They truly are horses of a lifetime!!
Sarah Chadfield (Owner of Chamfron Cactus Jack)
I was dreading the search for a horse to replace my old one, expecting many frustrating visits to equine establishments either run-down and depressing, or high gloss and intimidating. As it is I made just one phone call and two visits and I had my new friend for life!
Chamfron Stud is neither run-down, nor high gloss - just homely and sensible. And there was no hard sell either. In fact I suspect Mark and Laura would actually have refused to sell me Cactus if they had thought he wasn’t suitable. I was struck by their honesty and total transparency - you can't have such an active Facebook page as theirs and be anything but! I was also taken with their obvious on-going interest in all their 'off-spring’ and their overriding concern for the horses to be well placed in good homes rather than just sold.
And finally, Laura's photos of their horses are fabulous. She generously takes and shares these pics all along the way - In fact it's worth buying a Chamfron horse just for the photos!
I was dreading the search for a horse to replace my old one, expecting many frustrating visits to equine establishments either run-down and depressing, or high gloss and intimidating. As it is I made just one phone call and two visits and I had my new friend for life!
Chamfron Stud is neither run-down, nor high gloss - just homely and sensible. And there was no hard sell either. In fact I suspect Mark and Laura would actually have refused to sell me Cactus if they had thought he wasn’t suitable. I was struck by their honesty and total transparency - you can't have such an active Facebook page as theirs and be anything but! I was also taken with their obvious on-going interest in all their 'off-spring’ and their overriding concern for the horses to be well placed in good homes rather than just sold.
And finally, Laura's photos of their horses are fabulous. She generously takes and shares these pics all along the way - In fact it's worth buying a Chamfron horse just for the photos!
Sally & Richard Chamberlain (Mannog Appaloosas)
Would thoroughly recommend Mark & Laura for starting or reschooling. Professional, experienced, confident and gets the horses going outside. Fred and Rio came back more mature, more confident and ready to take on the world – well nearly!! It is now up to us to continue the good work.
Would thoroughly recommend Mark & Laura for starting or reschooling. Professional, experienced, confident and gets the horses going outside. Fred and Rio came back more mature, more confident and ready to take on the world – well nearly!! It is now up to us to continue the good work.
Shirley Gallon (Owner of ex Chamfron broodmare Fatima)
Just had to message you Laura to say what an absolute MACHINE that little Fatty is!!!
Played her in my first tournament this year today and she was incredible. The best chukker I have ever played on a polo pony. She out manoeuvred and out classed every pony on that pitch and everyone was commenting and asking where I get her from. Honestly the most fun I've ever had on a pony and I'm just a little bit excited!
Just had to tell you. Over the moon I got her and so grateful xxxx
Just had to message you Laura to say what an absolute MACHINE that little Fatty is!!!
Played her in my first tournament this year today and she was incredible. The best chukker I have ever played on a polo pony. She out manoeuvred and out classed every pony on that pitch and everyone was commenting and asking where I get her from. Honestly the most fun I've ever had on a pony and I'm just a little bit excited!
Just had to tell you. Over the moon I got her and so grateful xxxx
