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Policy Page

Note: Below is my Personal Explanation and Reasons For Making Changes In Our Policy.

It is with sadness that we have decided to change our Previous Policy in that "we agreed to make an exchange of the horse if a person became unhappy for whatever reason". It has always been so important to me for each individual - and/or - family - to be - (first priority) "safe" - but also to be pleased and happy with the horse they purchased from me.

I have been working with individuals and families since November, 2006. I have sold over 90 horses during that time to people from all over the Country. Out of that number sold, I have had six complaints. With our previous policy, it was agreed between us as Seller and Buyer, as stated above, - we would make an exchange if the horse did not work out. The Buyers made that agreement - "by their choice" - upon purchasing the horse. I have made it very clear - we give no refunds. Four of the six, when it came time to honor that agreement, "demanded" a refund. I treat every person the same, and when I refused their request, the situation became an unpleasant experience. When reading this, "please" keep in mind the number of individuals and families that I continuously - to this day - share beautiful, and some - "very close" friendships.

Those of you who have participated in the beautiful world of horses, know that at any given time, "just like humans", a horse can get sick, develop diseases or other health issues of all kinds, - and we all have had the grieving experience of our horse just laying down and dying - sometimes never knowing the reason. And I am sure, most of you reading this have gone through the nightmare of colic with a horse. As with humans, the things that can happen to our horses - are so unpredictable. Humans do not come with a guarantee. When one chooses their life partner, or when we just love another human being, no matter what kind of relationship, there are no guarantees against illness, accidents, and death.

For us as human beings, to expect it to be any different for our horses, would be expecting the impossible. Like humans, horses have emotions, fears, feelings of physical pain, and yes, they get sick! At any given moment they can get ill or even die. Just like us as human beings. Some health problems, such as cancer, whether in a human or horse, we all know - it is a "sneaky" disease. By the time we find it, it is sometimes too late.

In 2007, I did exchange a horse due to this very disease. The family had this horse for about 6 weeks, when their vet discovered a very tiny mass under the lower eyelid. The only way a human eye could see it, is if the horse was looking sharply to the left. The horse was vet checked by our vet before being transported. Their vet said that the mass was so tiny - that with the length of time that had passed, - it had not surfaced at the time of leaving our farm. But with the biopsy coming back with the diagnosis of cancer, "I knew" without a doubt that I had sold this family - unknowingly - a sick horse. Without hesitation, I exchanged the horse for a healthy one.

It is with much thought, both with heart and mind, that I sadly feel it is necessary to - first of all - have "a policy" - "in writing" for each Buyer to sign before they purchase a horse from us, to avoid misunderstandings. And - the same with having a written "Contract of Sale Agreement".

I have found that putting oneself out there with nothing but the heart, trust of others and - what used to be in the old days - worth its weight in gold - "one's word", is not enough in this day and time.

It is with much regret, that we have done away with our Previous Policy. As you will read on "Our Policy" page - we will "prior to transport day" - pay for a Level-One exam (one step up from the required "health certificate exam"), to be done by our vet - namely Nash, CLeveland & Godfrey DVM (with Dr. Smith and Dr. Murray) of Danville, Kentucky. You may also request - "before transporting" - to have our vet "OR" a vet of your choice - to perform a more detailed health exam at the level and price you choose - "at your expense". We ask that you "Please" read "Our Policy" page in its entirety. The above is in regard to - "Health Issues".

It is common knowledge for most of you that Horses and Livestock come with inherent risks. Kentucky went so far as to pass a law - that reads:

"Under Kentucky Law, a farm animal activity sponsor, farm animal professional, or other person does not have a duty to eliminate "all" risks of injury of participation in farm animal activities. There are inherent risk of injury that you may voluntarily accept if you participate in a farm animal activity". KRS247.4027 (Ky. Horse Council, Inc.).

If one were to ask themselves why this law was passed, it is very simple. All animals' experience many of the same feelings and emotions as human beings, but, unlike us as humans, they have to deal with those emotions without the having the gift of words and verbal communication as humans do. They feel fear, anxiety, grief, depression, and they have the ability to give love back to us. They are affectionate, funny, and yes, some - times they have feelings of insecurity. Because of lack of verbal communication - they can also hurt us physically when the above emotions are present. To me, for one to expect "perfection" - in a horse -such as being "bombproof" - it is like asking the horse to behave like a robot 24 hours a day. And wouldn't this take away all the beauty and joy that we love about our horses. In accepting the inherent risk that comes with participating in activities involving horses, the best thing one can do is do their homework when searching for "just the right horse".

My promise to you, as Seller, is explained in detail on our "Sales Agreement" page. If after reading "Our Policy" and our "Contract of Sale Agreement" - you choose to purchase a horse from us, we will then ask that you print these documents and return them to us with your witnessed signature and/or signatures. I thank you for reading this lengthy explanation. I love doing what I do! I love working with families and Especially - Children with Special Needs. It is an Honor - and a Blessing to be part of their lives.

With Wishes For Many Blessings For You,
And With Heartfelt Thanks, - Connie & Family

Please see the Sales Agreement Page for the "New Policy"

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Last Updated June 16, 2008