From Courtney Lorah - owner of Tripoli, 5 yo Clyde x TB gelding I just can not tell you how amazing this horse is. I love him with all my heart and spend every possible second with him. People always ask where I bought him and I tell them your name. He loves his new home and his routine and he just LOVES jumping. He is definitely going to be my 3'6 Equitation horse. He has the most stable, sane, and loving mind in any horse I have ever ridden and his work ethic is to die for. He has not once pinned his ears or even swished his tail. And he learns everything in one lesson. Also, He sleeps laying down in his stall and every morning he will stay laying down and let ANYONE come up and lay with him. All he wants to do is bury his muzzle and eat lots of treats. The little kids at the barn all come up to him when he is on the cross-ties and wrap around his legs to hug him and he's so gentle and careful around them. Maybe you can come to a show in the future or come up for a visit sometime! I'm sure he would just die to see you.

Marian Cerilly re: Fisher who she bought on the strength of his web description without ever trying him. While we don't usually sell horses to people who don't try them, Marian seemed so absolutely certain that this was the horse for her, we shipped him out to California with not a little trepidation; seems as though it was a match made in heaven.

Fisher: 10/07 Here are some pictures of me on Fisher. It was our first "ride" in the large arena. There was a lot going on outside the arena on the street, i.e., street sweeper, broken down bus, electric crew, etc. Pretty much threw it all at him. As you can see, he was fine.

11/07 It's hard to believe I've barely had him a month and we've come so far. He's so sweet and so willing. Everyone at the barn ooohs and aaahs about
him. He's quite the little celebrity. I just love him. Thanks again for a wonderful horse!

5/08
I just can't tell you enough about him. He has certainly won over my trainer. He has one of the best minds and attitude I've ever seen in a horse. Never once has he balked. I'm by no means and expert rider so I'm sure my communication is far from perfect. I've started inching my way down the trail with him. Most horses have trouble crossing the street at the cross walk. Not only did he side pass over so I could press the "walk" button, he waited patiently till the light turned green and calmly walked across the street. Just with that happy demeanor he always has.

You can't imagine how playful he is. He is such a kick to watch when I turn him out. He does the silliest things. As soon as I walk into the arena, he trots up to me. I knew the moment I took the lead rope to lead him out of the delivery trailer that he was going to be a sweet, reasonable horse.
5/08 Frank Laskaris Re: Kippen

Lori,
AWESOME, FANTASTIC & PHENOMENAL! Olympia (Kippen) came home on Friday . . and this weekend was the first chance I had to ride her outdoors. I took her for about an hour stroll through the neighborhood yesterday afternoon . . we went out alone and she was just great. Today six of us found some high ground and spent over three hours out , she was a superstar! Leading , in the pack, or off alone she was confident and brave. We encountered pretty much all the terrain she will see, traffic, train tracks, puddles , creeks, name it we did it today and I could not be more pleased with her. I am extremely pleased that she is what you represented and I am confident when we start cubbing in Aug. she will be more than ready to lead the first field. Rest assured she is loved, pampered, and very happy, she is home. I will send you many referrals and although I am not in need, if another mare just like her shows up, please call me I will make room. Thank you again

Frank Laskaris
President
Cadillac of Naperville Inc.
3/08 Lynn Rubenoff re: Tivoli

Dear Lori,
I just wanted to let you know that Tivoli has settled in beautifully and is loved by all! What a sweetheart! She has stolen everyone's heart - mine most of all. We are doing so well and having so much fun. I will send some pictures when I get a chance. Thank you again for blessing me with this wonderful gift. Love, Lynn
3/08 Liza Craig re: Jameson

I wanted to write to you and tell you that Jimmy is doing so very well. We couldn't love him anymore than we do. I have been taking lessons weekly on him and he is a very good boy. I had to work through some confidence issues last fall and he really helped me do that. He absolutely loves to work, and his temperament is incredible. I sometimes cannot believe that I have him. He is definitely the horse of my dreams.

My daughter, Eryn, attended a polocrosse clinic on Sat at the suggestion of some of her pony club friends. She asked me Fri night if she could take Jimmy and I happily said yes. Eryn has ridden Jimmy maybe 4 x since we have had him, so this was stepping outside of her comfort area a bit. Anyway, Jimmy was a dream. He was as quiet as they come, and he took to the game like he was born to play. Nothing phased him...balls whizzing by, polocrosse rackets being swung about the head, small ponies running around underfoot. I was very proud of him, and Eryn fell in love with him and had a blast at the clinic.

I am sold on Dundulk Sport Horses. Whenever anyone asks where Jimmy came from, I give them your website information. Everyone should have a Jimmy in their life. Take care!

6/08 From Louis Rogers re: Turbo

This week (week two ???) was very good. Turbo is totally settled in and at ease in our barn . . I get home in the pm and he comes to the gate to greet me. He wants company and is clearly my boy. First session with a new trainer - the horse whisperer (I think he is part horse). Trainer loved Turbo - said: well bred, well broke, super horse. We are just at the beginning but will enjoy the journey.
Just wanted to let you know that Patrick Murphy is still the best horse in my barn… My daughter (15 years) took him to only 4 PVDA shows and earned a year end award (2nd place) because she only showed in 6 classes, but the scores were so good… she didn’t ride all season, didn’t take a lesson, and jumped on him to warm up before the class and still got scores in the high 60’s and 70’s. I am glad he is such a versatile guy… we took him “roading hounds” with the local hunt, to pony club rallies, and he is taken seriously as a competitor at dressage shows. Eventing is next…my daughter wants to get him going XC and cash in on the good dressage scores. Everywhere we go, people remark on how handsome he is, and how well behaved. In fact, at one show a woman recognized him and said I wanted to go back and buy that horse, but he had just been sold. Funny! Just wanted to let you know, we love him and wish we could clone him.

Lisa Trovillion
We wanted to give you an update on Titan. As you can see from the pictures I have to share him with the family. He walks like he is tiptoeing when our little daughter rides him. He is very gentle and careful with her. Evan, our son, rides him at least twice a week . . .and I ride him at least three days a week.

Titan and I are going to eventing camp with Jessica in March in South Carolina. We will officially begin our eventing then. He is a brave and sure jumper and takes great care of us all. We just adore him.

At his first dressage competition (PVDA) he placed second at Beginner and second at Training. The little competition was two weeks after we purchased him. The judge thought he was fantastic. I then took a 1 hour dressage clinic and the instructor, who previous to Titan thought that no cross should ever be more than 25% draft, rode him for an hour after my clinic with her and then said she thought he was fantastic!

(Before my lesson with her I had disagreed with her as the 25% issue and told her I thought he was perfect.)

My riding has improved dramatically on him. Although he is gentle and kind, he will not do anything unless I ask it properly. He is really a confidence booster.

Needless to say, whenever anyone asks where he came from we give your name. I have taken to leaving the draftcross.com saddle pad hanging outside his stall.

Toni Herbert & Titan's Family
From Jennifer Shattuck regarding Sockie:

I speak of your farm often when people approach me about Sockie. All of your horses are healthy with good feet and sound minds. It really speaks to the care you give them. . . I have recommended you to many people and without question would buy from you again.

Updates to follow!
Jennifer
p.s. At our first show I was asked twice if Sockie was for sale! The answer was a resounding NO!
From Meagan Symes (14 years old) regarding her 4 yo green as grass Perch x Fresian gelding Jakob:

We wanted you to know that he has turned out better than we ever imagined! He is a dream and a sweetheart to have. I have competed in few unrecognized local events in elementary level. He has been so phenomenal and hard working, my dressage and jumping trainers think he is the coolest most unique horse on the Eastern Shore and, for his age, very compatible (with me). I love him so much and wanted to update you for your website. Thanks!

From Amy Crandall Allen regarding her Paint x Belgian Mare Willamena:

We are working to get her canter to have more jump . . but she is doing better and better each day. One of the scribes at the show came up to me and told me the judge just loved her! She's a great mare Lori - I'm so lucky to have her.

From Amy Hella regarding Jake a Clyde x TB gelding (by the TB Stallion Mancel):

This year, he went to his first event . . and won his division and got the dressage best score for the day (a 27). He is probably destined to be a dressage horse because of the quality of his movement, but he is a pretty good jumper. We have had lessons with two Grand Prix dressage riders/trainers - Judy Whyte and Susan Graham White - both of whom love him! Thanks so much for a great horse - I couldn't be more happy. Look for him at dressage shows, his show name is Lionheart.

Best always,
Amy Hella
From Penny Mohr re: Mithril, Dundulk-bred (formerly Rumors of War), 6 yo Oldenberg Gelding:

Mithril is doing great and earned me two 67% scores in the Chapter Challenge where we were the second highest scoring training level horse and rider. Our team came in second overall -- largely because of Mithril's scores. We are working on first level for next year and some second level stuff -- he knows half pass and is getting some flying changes . . . I really love this horse, and I must say most professionals that meet him say the same thing. I had a lesson with Linda Zang recently and she said – “the way you two are going, if I was a serious competitor watching your ride, I would get scared right now” 

 

Photo by Sonya Barry
Liza Craig re: Jameison

Jameison is phenomenal. We started lessons and I am in love with his trot and his canter.....you were dead on when you said he was a very tolerant horse. In the ring and on the trail he is a pleasure to ride. I also have a dream of getting good enough to hunt him.... Thank you for giving me a horse that will help me realize my dream.

J. Shattuck re: Osocka (Sockie)

I completely adore him. He is such a great addition to the barn. What a pleasure he is, so eager and brave! It is such a nice feeling to be on top of a horse that isn't a "coin toss" at every X-C jump. I just adore him and he is such a fun guy to be around. I can't thank you enough for making his purchase and move such a pleasant experience.

Lucy Wallace of Crozier, VA and her two Dundulk Horses Red (an Appaloosa x Belgian) and Tim (a Belgian x Paint gelding) is having the time of her life on these lovely, quiet, talented geldings. Both were purchased as green 4 yos from us. – Red is now six and Tim is just four!

. . . just wanted you to know your beasts are all doing well....Red is ready to do first flight....which can rock & roll around Keswick. (3'6" coops & so on) he is exceptional......he is fit, confident & listens to me, even when hounds are screaming.......this is way cool. (he also tracks hounds w/twin satellite dishes--ears)

Mr. Tim (toolman taylor) is having a fine time trail riding, working over gymnastics & so on. I have already turned down two offers for him...... one of them came at fox hunting camp when we were working in a field......a group of the first flighters came galloping through (we were in second flight, working on field hunter exercises. . .passing, turning, standing & opening gates & so on) first flight went booming through & there was some confusion (horses plunging around & so on).....Tim swung his head, he never even moved his feet.

What a cool horse......

From Anita Trotter-Cox of Annapolis, Md, re: her purchase of Jemmiah, 4 yo Bel x Paint mare purchased in July 2005:

You and Sarah would be so proud of our Jemimah (aka extraordinary Draftcross). She is doing so well. She seems to have settled in with “the girls” quite well. Everyone in the barn says how lucky I am to have found such a sweet tempered, beautiful horse. (No luck involved when you do business with Dundulk Sporthorses)

The trainer (Kim) was surprised to have Jemimah do so well. We have pictures coming of her first lesson. She had her second lesson today and part of it was trail riding with 2 other horses. That’s it for now – life is great with Jemimah. Please know that she is in good hands. Not the most experienced, but getting there! !

From Amy Crandall of North Carolina re: Willa – 4yo Bel x Paint mare: Purchased in May, 2005

I am so pleased and proud of Willa! We have gotten to know each other and she now trots up to me from the pasture and waits patiently at her stall door when I am in the barn. . . . I am finding she is very trainable and tries hard. My trainer said she is very smart and everyone who meets her loves her. Willa absolutely loves trail riding and likes to take the lead. She is very brave with things she doesn't quite understand, and never panics. Last weekend I took Willa to a local foxhunting club to ride the trails with the second field master and she gave me the ultimate compliment: "She's a good one! and so willing!"
Thanks so much; I adore Miss Willa!
From Lisa Trovillian re: Patrick Murphy a 6 yo Clyde x TB gelding purchased in 2002 as a 3 yo

Lori,
Just wanted to let you know that my 12-year old daughter took Paddy to a pony club dressage rally last weekend because her pony had gotten hurt. Although I was a bit hesitant about letting her ride a big, young horse totally on her own all day (pony club does not allow any outside assistance), she ended up getting the highest score of the day, a 79 percent in one test and over 69 in another. She got compliments everywhere she went all day, and Paddy was very well behaved. It really boosted her confidence.

Lisa Trovillion.
From Rick & Kim Hall of Ohio re: Keegan (formerly Woody) 5 yo Belgian x gelding purchased in 2004:

Keegan is doing great. He and Rick helped rescue an injured rider on a trail ride last week. The squad came in with lights flashing and Keegan led the way to the injured girl. We're very proud of him. I check your website every so often and I love to see the new horses. Wish I could buy more. We're 100% sold on the draft crosses and you have the nicest ones!
From Lisa & Rick Staples, Glyndon, MD re: Pepe and Porter (formerly Gabriel & Piper 3 yo clyde cross geldings)) purchased in 2003 & 2004

I just wanted to give you an update on your boys. We have been walking hounds, Porter’s a dream, just a machine over fences. The boy can jump! We get tons of compliments on our horses – the Masters know who our horses are. In fact, that’s how we are addressed – by our horses’ names!

From Diane Laws of Florida re: Second Glance (formerly Eagle Wynd):

In December (2004) Glance and I won Reserve Championship at Training Level. We'll be starting 1st Level this year, pray I can sit that big trot of his. He is such a willing partner, he continues to be such a sweet, kind horse. He draws attention where ever we go. Love my big boy and so glad you found him first and I found him second!

From Cathy Gurick of Florida re: Dunkin - Shire x TB gelding.

Just wanted to let you know we bonded and are having great fun together. He is so pleasant and well-liked wherever we go. Folks are always amazed that he is "only 4". :) Just wanted to let you know that we were another good match. Thanks so much! Cathy Gurick.
From Janet and Charlie Martinez Re: Greystone 4 yo Perch x TB gelding: 

He really is a gorgeous horse now and getting prettier the more he grays out. He gets comments from everybody!! It took awhile for him to grow into himself, but this past spring he finally started to really grow into his large head and feet. He's just under 17 hands, and very well muscled. He has done many challenging trails. . . he's been totally reliable. Charlie couldn't be happier. Thanks for selling us such a nice horse.

From Lucy Wallace Re: Rikkers Red 4 yo Bel x Appy cross: 

--Lori: Red’s (2004)hunt season so far has included:

Stopping a runaway horse easily--horse blew by me w/reins flapping & rider screaming. I put my hand out, grabbed rein & pulled us both up. Rider asked how old my "solid citizen" was & how many years he'd been hunting. (heh, heh)

--Whipped in during an in-field emergency. Seemed to enjoy chasing the hounds AND after one "shout" from me, figured out that I wasn't shouting AND SWIRLING MY WHIP at him, and dug right in. 

--Quietly leaves the field to go retrieve fallen riders, hats, whips, gloves, etc. Stands quietly while I dismount to pick up same. Riders comments are always "my, what a nice quiet horse--how old is he?"

--TROTS anything we come to (log, coop, etc) 

--{overheard in hunt field} "Let me get behind that big appy boy. He's not going to do anything stupid". 

--Has walk to canter transitions "NAILED”

Lucy Wallace & Canadian Red (Formerly Rikkers Red)

From Rick and Lisa Staples re: Pepe (formerly Gabriel) 4yo Clyde x TB cross gelding

I just wanted to let you know Pepe is now being referred to as ‘Pepe the Wonder Horse’ by folks at Green Spring. Rick took him first flight last week and he jumped some of the biggest questions in Green Spring country and Rick had a grin on his face for a week. (And he’s only four!)
Rebecca Sherer on Air Bourn (half-sister to Keep Tryst and Sissy) A 3yo TB x Oldenburg mare “She is so very brave with everything! She has never refused to jump over a log or ditch on the trail or anything in the ring. She is also proving to be great on the trail, either alone or with other horses. 
One funny side note: I keep her in an eventing barn and they always have several horses that are for sale. Sometimes they are showing the other horses when I happen to be riding, and the prospective buyers always ask me if, by chance, my horse is for sale. Of course she is not and never will be, but it is very complimentary. Now I try to ride elsewhere when prospective buyers are there because Air Bourne is so classy that she distracts the buyers from the very nice horses for sale!
Just wanted to let you know that Air Bourne is doing just fabulous! She has her canter down really well now . . She even trots poles and small X's without a problem and is very brave over them - showing great potential! She was better behaved that my 6 yr old TB on the trail, and even walked over several narrow wooden bridges on the trail with no fuss at all! 

Also, she is so cute in the pasture. When we go out to get her with a halter and lead rope, we call her name and she literally trots right up to you! 

We just adore her so much, and wanted to give you an update! 

-R. Sherer on Air Borne-3 yo Oldenburg filly bred, broke and trained by Dundulk Sporthorses!

Just wanted to send you a note to say thank you, thank you, thank you! You really helped make this whole process (finding, trying & buying a horse) very easy.

- L. Wallace

“I took Earl to a clinic by Heath Ryan – Aussie Olympian . . The professional opinion is that he has Grand Prix potential! He got nines on gaits in his first dressage test!

– M. Wolman on Earl a Clyde x TB gelding
I apologize for not being in touch but the truth is that I have been having such a great time with my new guy that I haven't sat down at the computer lately! Today we hacked out alone down the road into the campgrounds next door. Nickie was so brave...he negotiated speed bumps, ignored picnic tables, benches, orange cones, a rappelling tower, industrial lawn mowers working away and even a deer that crashed out of the woods and ran across the road in front of us. He is SO quiet and kind! I couldn't be more pleased. He is awesome. . . I would like to take him to a dressage schooling show at the end of October [he is] SO trainable! Lori, thank you for selling me this wonderful guy! I feel so blessed... 

– Mary Kafura on Nickie (formerly Norbert) a 4 yo ClydexHackney gelding
“Can't ask for more! - Our team came in first in Training 1 and 2. Mithril is REALLY super at shows. He really shines and is so relaxed and focused. What a horse!! I’m in love with him!
 
Re: Mithril (formerly Rumors of War) a Dundulk-bred Oldenburg gelding - Penny Mohr, Gambrils, MD
He is Mr. Personality, so quiet and trainable – you are so good with these young horses 

Re: Enrique Carlos Andulsian x Shire – Kaye Zalken, Purcellville, VA.
He’s the perfect horse. 

Re: Rainy – Clyde/Hackney gelding – Susan Haupt, Iowa

I have had a few lessons on Paddy with my dressage instructor who, I must say, is hard to impress. I think he surprised her a bit. When he dropped onto the bit and started pushing from behind, she remarked over the length of his stride and said, " you may have a MUCH nicer horse here than you think!" Assure his friends that he has a nice life here, and is loved, and will have a place with us for life. 

Re: Patrick Murphy – TB x Clyde gelding - Lisa Trovillian, Cooksville, MD
Lori, you really know how to match your horses with owners . . .I just simply LOVE Goldie . . .Her balance is so refined . . .she is coming well off my leg; she is really beginning to know what work is.  She is really beginning to put it all together, I hack her out by herself and the most she will do is stop, if you make her ignore it, she’s fine and for a horse that big and still YOUNG, that is wonderful. Thank you for making sure we were a pair. 
Re: Goldie – Belgian x TB mare – Jen Sarmiento, Rockville MD
Talk about bombproof, a florescent lamp tube fell to the floor beside him when he was in cross ties and all he did was look! He’s awesome, the perfect horse for me.

Re: Othello - Shire x Saddlebred gelding - S. Cheney, Maryland
Just a quick note to tell you that Earl got a third place at his first show on the outside "hopeful hunter" course out of 15 horses. He had a ½ hr. lesson “on the bit” and now he softens as soon as I put my leg on him. He got a nine on gaits at his dressage first show! 

Re: Earl – TB x Clyde gelding - Margot Wolman, White Hall, MD

A quick Dunkirk update-he's doing very well in the ring & on the trail with buddies-the fact that he loves to jump & is so honest is quickly curing my "jumping jitters". Thank you very much for Dunkie he is sweet & always trusting of me, loves my kids, slurps up watermelon & grapes & is definitely the "gentle giant" of the barn. Not to take up too much of your time but he is very nice & I wanted to let you know we are getting along well (he garnered several ribbons at our farms fun show in the spring-3rd in dressage w/t!). 

Re: Dunkirk – Percheron x Friesian gelding – Jen Fry, Eldersburg, MD
Lori - I thought you might like to know how Portia is doing. We have been out hunting twice, once with a very small field, but hounds all over her and this past weekend with a much larger group (3 fields) and hilly terrain. She has been absolutely awesome. No one can believe that she is only 3. She does not mind the hounds, even when they burst out of the bushes right behind her. She does not mind the other big fields riding off at the gallop and she doesn't try to run off. She has a beautiful trot that can keep up with anyone in the hunt field and a rocking canter when needed. 

She just goes along with whatever comes up. Kent says she is the talk of the hunt field - and everyone has stopped by to see her. She just has so much pure presence! I don't think any amount of money could buy her from me right now. 

Re: Portia – TB x Clyde mare – Jan Greenough, Rancho Cordora, CA
I love him! Thank you for all the work you did with him as a youngster, he has a fabulous mind. My trainer thinks he’s a FEI-level horse. I believe he’s the one that will take me to Grand Prix 

Re: Cheraz – Holsteiner x TB gelding - Judy Wight, Maryland
What a nice fellow I have! I've ridden him twice so far. Blythe did a great job with him. I hope I can continue on with the work she has done. He is so easy to ride! What a gentleman. I hope you feel good about his new home and know that he will get the best of care and a very kind rider and an instructor with a bag of tricks to get to Rome.

Thanks again for all your help and VERY PROFESSIONAL relationship with me. 

Re: Eagle Wynd, Saddlebred x Belgian x TB gelding - Diane Laws, Ocala, Florida

Our Horses Are What We Say They Are! 
Dundulk Sport Horses: Exceeding Expectations!