Lara Fields on the purchase of Four Alarmer (“Smoke”)

“I purchased “Smoke” (Four Alarmer) – a fairly successful racehorse. Smoke is quirky, intelligent, and a lovely mover. I have very little experience retraining OTTB, so I was very nervous about the prospect. Kelley was very patient with me and really wanted both the horse and me to get along. She encouraged me to ride him several times and even allowed me to bring my own trainer.  I was always treated respectfully. When I decided to purchase Smoke, I felt welcomed as if I was part of the family.Kelley Williams and Pat Mansfield were so easy to work with. I never felt rushed to look at and ride the horses. Both took the time to tell me about the horses, ride them and even allowed me to ride several times. I think their prices are reasonable, as well – so many professionals inflate the price of a horse based on “potential” that can be attained easily by a pro, but not so for many of us amateurs. I felt I was paying for the horse as he is that day, not for what he could be (who has a crystal ball?).Kelley’s easy-going style shouldn’t fool you. She cares for the training and development of the horses and wants the horses to be placed in good homes. She can help you make a decision based on the horse’s personality and your abilities and ambitions. She was honest about the horses that I looked at, including pointing out a few horses that she felt were not right for me.”

Kristen Parris on the purchase of Collection Pass (“Cole”)

“I started riding with Kelley when I was interested in moving up to Preliminary after having successful 3rd place finish at the Waredaca 3-Day. Unfortunately Decker and I never made it to that point. I had to put him down this past June from a Joint infection in his left hock. I had never had a connection with a horse like that, and I thought I would never be able to find it again. Thankfully I have several other horses to keep me going, and with the help of Kelley and A Bit Better Farm it has helped me with my grieving process.

Though Decker will never be replaced. I had the wonderful opportunity to purchase another eventing horse. Kelley helped put me on quest to find another horse. Kelley has an enormous amount of experience when it comes to horses, and I trusted her to help me find a horse that was right for me. After viewing a few horses with me, and riding some. We ended up back at her farm to look at Cole, a stunning dark bay thoroughbred that Kelley bought off the track as a 3-year old. She has such a knack for looking at the potential of a horse. I had seen Cole in work several times, and was debating whether he would be too much like my other horse Briley. There was so much of a dramatic difference between Decker and Briley that it kept me on my toes.  Kelley was so generous about showing Cole to me. I never felt that I was being pushed into something that I was uncomfortable with, or that she wasn’t looking out for my best interest.

The good thing with looking at Cole was Kelley already knew how I rode, and that she took that into account when she thought of Cole as a possible match for me. Without any reservations I tried Cole, and boy was I thrilled. I have never sat on a horse that jumps as well as he does. I was absolutely blown away. I had watched him jump before, but that didn’t do him justice. He has so many wonderful qualities about him, and his personality is to die for. I am so blessed that Kelley thought of me as a possible match for Cole. I now have another addition to my family, and I am forever in debt to thanking her for finding me my perfect match.”

Mary Chapot on the purchase of Redford (“Stewie”)

Since leaving A Bit Better Farm, Stewie has found his way onto the jumper circuit with Grand Prix rider Laura Chapot.  He is currently competing in the Level 7 jumper classes!

Kelly Rappuchi on the purchase of Urgent Matter (“Neo”)

“I can’t say enough good things about the wonderful little chestnut you found for me. Neo has made 2005 a year to remember … the glowing comments from riders, trainers, and judges. ‘He’s a real find.’ ‘That’s the classiest trot I’ve seen in a long time.’ THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the horse of a lifetime. May all the merry horses at A Bit Better Farm find their partners!”