West Elk Equine Testimonials
5 BIG STARS!
Horse shopping was not easy for me. Recently retired and fulfilling my dream, I needed more than just to buy a horse. The buck stops at West Elk Equine. Their above average education and dedication is quite admirable, but more than that, for me it boils down to ~ LOVING KINDNESS ~ Pure and simple ~ PATIENCE & GINORMOUS HEARTS!
My visits were limited as I live several hours away. Once or twice a month Katherine spent hours, sometimes an entire day with me doing “all things equine”. Even Paul would sometimes pull away from his endless chores to help out in a training session or take in an educational trail ride.
The day I brought my horses home, was the day I fully realized the totality of my 9 month experience with W.E.E. : As Cinder and Shadow calmly unloaded, as they peacefully hung out with me, even as they greeted my dog; this was the definition of W.E.E. in action! It’s not just my horses, it’s all the horses, all the mules, and all the living creatures at the ranch!
I cannot say enough good things about these folks.
Janet Caminada, CO
Ruby has settled in and is just what we had hoped she would be. You would likely be alarmed at her rather matronly shape – I am – but she is standing knee deep in grass this year and has, well, blossomed. Eating lots and not working very hard has led her to believe that humanity as a whole is quite tolerable. She is often the first one to meet us now and is rewarded for her efforts with a treat, some scratches and bug spray – all of which she seems rather fond of. As a riding mount, she is amazing : light mouthed, soft sided, willing, alert, sure footed, great ground manners and plenty of go. In short, Ruby is just what you said she would be. She will be headed to the mountains for a 10 day pack trip with Dave in early July and it is a relief to me (and I think to Dave as well) to know that Ruby is joining the string as a very well broke and good natured addition.
Dave and I comment frequently about how pleased we are her and how grateful we are to have found you and Ruby. We absolutely plan to contact you for our next long eared ride. We had looked long and hard to locate a quality mule and trainer and we found both when we found you.
I have attached pictures of Ruby and me just south of our house enjoying a pretty day.
Many, many thanks,
Julie and Dave Horsch, WY
I recently purchased a young mule colt from West Elk Euine ( Katherine Browne). My experience was excellent. I have bought and sold horses and mules in the past from long distance ,( I live in Tennessee , Katherine is in Colorado). She sent the appropriate contract , she assisted in all local vet work, including vaccinations and castration locally before pick up . I had to wait a few months too pick up this young mule , until weaned, She stayed in close contact with updates and pictures. She was a pleasure to work with. She also assisted in loading upon pick up. I would give this Lady a 100 score! Excellent person and excellent horseman.”
– Dana Duff, TN
“I bought Turbo, a 6 year old dunn john mule from the West Elk Equine in July of this year. I had just lost my quarter horse mare that I had for 15 years. I was devastated. My husband had purchased a mule 3 years ago and I decided that I wanted a mule also. I began my search on Equine.com and found a mule for sale that caught my eye, and after reading the ad, caught my heart as well. The picture was of this beautiful light colored dunn mule with stipes on his legs. His face was beautiful and the eyes were soft. Then I read the ad. The ad described this mule as young, gentle, and loves attention. It also said that this mule was calm and had not spooked at anything. I don’t remember anything else about the ad, but knew I wanted to get more information. After a couple of conversations with Katherine, I knew I wanted this young mule. I had just started a new job here in Arizona and could not go to Colorado to check him out. So, my husband (Bill) went. He left early on a Thursday morning and arrived at the ranch in the early evening. Bill spent a little time with Turbo, saddled him, and rode him. I was so excited I called him, before he could call me, to find out if Turbo was everything the ad, and Katherine had said he was. Bill said he was everything and more. I told him to bring him home. The next morning Bill loaded Turbo in the horse trailer, and brought him home. I couldn’t wait to meet him. Bill arrived back in New River at our home around 6 that evening. I was there, along with our special friends, and a box of Vanilla Wafers that Katherine had said he loves. He walked into his new home like he always lived here.
We have taken Turbo on numerous trail rides, and he has never spooked. He loves taking the lead, but is comfortable no matter what position he is in when trail riding with other mules and horses. He has had bicycles and people come straight at him and has never shyed away. He has walked through water and brush of many kinds and has never hesitated to go. He is truly everything Katherine said he was and more.” – Rozanne Parker AZ
“Katherine: I just want to write a note to tell you how much we love Samule- He is everything you said he was and more. As you know Jeff had been looking for a mule for a very long time and he is a very particular customer. They are the perfect match for each other and he is a great addition. Jeff has ridden him almost every day, work him with cows and we can’t wait to take him to the Mt. I also love riding him but need a ladder to up get in the saddle or at least a good boost. You were great to work with and I hope to do so again in the future.” –Julia Spring CO
We purchased Lyra’s Golden Comet from Katherine when she was only one month old. Some people might think we were a little crazy, but after seeing Lyra in a post and speaking with Katherine the first time I knew she was exactly what we were looking for in a weanling. After some great conversation, we sent Katherine a deposit and made arrangements to pick her up in 4 months. Katherine did an amazing job of keeping us up-to-date on her progress, personality and how she was growing. We got pictures and fun videos. They kept us posted on all Lyra was doing each week. They spent time exposing her to all of her surroundings on their ranch, from walks through the chicken yard, water filled irrigation ditches and over the back deck of the house. Katherine did an excellent job of imprinting her and went above and beyond in keeping us involved even with the distance. We drove to Gunnison to pick Lyra up in mid October. Now mind you, we live over 1,100 miles from West Elk Equine, so this was going to be a big undertaking, as I didn’t what her shipped by commercial transport methods. Katherine again went above and beyond, setting up the vet check and getting all her papers in order so we could transport her across state lines. When we arrived Lyra was out with her mom, and surrounded by corrals of mules and other horses. Lyra was not the least bit shy or nervous having us around and enjoyed every minute of the attention. Another indication of the great imprinting job they have done. All of their horses and mules looked for attention, again showing us what a great repiore they have with their horses and mules. Katherine and other family members made us feel so welcome, allowed us time with Lyra before loading and openly shared their plans and dreams with us for their Ranch. We pulled out of their driveway, with Lyra safely and easily loaded into our trailer, there were tears of joy and sorrow. Lyra’s long trip home and the transition she has had to make has all gone so smoothly. I feel it is all due to the great job that Katherine did with her while she was in their care. She is an amazing filly, strong, loving, and so much personality. Lyra has adjust to all the transitions like a trooper, and this was only possible because of all the time they spent with Lyra.
Katherine is honest and open, something you don’t find easily in the horse industry. They do what they say, and follow through with everything they do. Katherine is amazing, gracious, all giving folks, and played a great part in the blessing we received when we got to make Lyra part of our family.
Wishing them many blessings now and into the future.
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Sandy and Keith Sorensen, ND