Wellgreen Farm Testimonials.......

Hi Marjorie and Richard,   Thank you for hosting a wonderful clinic that brought me so much education on riding my horses. I didn't take any notes but while in bed Sunday night my mind exploded with info from Larry and I had to keep getting up and writing them down.   Everyone there was so nice and thoughtful, staff and attendees of the clinic; Marsha is a dear.  I would like to spend a couple days there on vacation and ride your trails and at the park down the road (when It's cooler). The weather really held out for us.  The ride home was non stop, no traffic or road closures.   Thank you soooo much for calling Maryann on finding her note book.     Hope you enjoy the pictures.  Let me know if you can't open them.  I'll make prints of the girls with Cash and send them to you to give them.  They are a sweet group of girls.   Take care and ride safe.   Geri
Marge - thank you for making it possible to attend this very informative clinic.  On the 3rd day, the woman who manages and trains at the barn where I board came with me.  She's a confirmed quarter-horse person, but trains in a similar respectul manner as Larry does and she came away with some new ideas.  Since I have a TWH, wanted her to see how I want to work with my horse.  I enjoyed all of it...including the pink 'facility'.   Please add me to your mailing list for other events/clinics.   Sincerely, Linda Marcus

Marj, Thanks for the clinic.  You and Richard did a great job.  I put the book you loaned me in the room with the coffee pot and I squared up with Marcia on the lunch money I owed.  Bob

 

 

Marjorie Gilmore is a knowledgable horsewoman who truly cares for her customers and horses. Rider safety is her number one priority. She is a true equine professional and a delightful person.

Good morning Marj, Just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful learning experience for myself and for my horse.  Yesterday I did the ground work you showed me before I rode and just have to share with you that I got VERY good results with backing just putting steady pressure on the bit.  I'm sure the start you gave him on Saturday made all the difference, but he willingly backed up 3 or 4 steps with hardly any pressure at all, AND when I asked in the saddle, leaning forward, legs slighly backward, got one of the nicest "willing" backs he has ever given me.  Honestly I felt like I wanted to jump for joy! I'm sure you know the feeling:)  Did the yielding of the hind quarters and shoulder, watching for him to cross over and got a little stuck, but then worked it out.  I should have practiced that with you before I left.   I need to get the side reins, will be ordering them today so I can work on the lungeing.  After the ground work, I got on and just worked on the same things in the saddle and he was soft and responsive.  Worked on using my seat and legs only, doing serpentines and we did get sticky at parts, but taking baby steps, not expecting a miracle.  But the best part is....asked for a gait and tried to just ease him into it using my seat (forward pelvic tilt, like you taught me) and lo and behold...he GAITED and did not pace!!!! Now, you might wonder how I know this since I am trying to develop a sense of feel to know the difference, which I think I have improved since our lesson Saturday, well, I had my husband watch so he could tell me right away if it was a pace, but he said definitely GAITING!!!  The coolest part is I think I knew even before he told me because I was using my seat to move along with him, not just sitting there and I am sure that made the difference.  I moved like a pendulum, and I honestly think I felt it!!!  I felt like I was on cloud nine!!  I kept him going, he wanted to break, and after he went a little farther, I stopped him and rewarded him like we talked about.  Did it two more times and quit with a good ride and alot of praise.   So THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I feel like I am on my way to being a better rider and partner and not just a passenger.  I know we have work ahead of us, but I feel like I now am on the right track thanks to you and your teaching skills.    A light bulb has gone on!!!  Yay!   Thanks again for everything! Will stay in touch, Janet  

 

Learning how to correctly care for horses has come from you, as has learning how to train and better ride them.
Having you so close to us has been the biggest blessing. Holly Villhauer

 

 

It sounds like you are doing very well. You were an excellent teacher for me...I learned so much during the time I was taking lessons with you and I'm sure your current riders are learning very much also! Good luck to you! :)
 
Jen 

 As far as your teaching/training business...there is a definite need.  Just my one session with you has helped me so much and I am sure there are many more like me out there.  I think I am not alone in thinking that riding a "trotting" horse and going to gaited was going to be a piece of cake.  I just stopped riding and went along for the ride which started a bunch of my problems, and I am sure that's the way most people ride. and I am also sure that you see it all the time.  I for one, am glad you are dedicated to learn and to teach those of us who are trying to be the best we can with our horses.   Let me know about this Friday.  I can certainly try for another day if it doesn't work.   Thanks so much! Janet
     


 Wellgreen Farm Testimonials........(need we say more)

Hi Marj,

Lacy did say she enjoyed her lesson yesterday. I know I have said it before, but I need to say it again because I don't ever want to take any of this for granted, I am so thankful for the opportunity that Lacy has each week to be at your barn with you, Richard and the horses. Even though Lacy has been a good kid overall, you all are having a positive impact on her life. Not only is she learning how to be a better rider, but I believe she is also learning some valuable life lessons along the way. I know as parents we are trying to do that here at home, but it is nice to know that there are others out there who do care about your child and do reinforce what your child is learning (hopefully) at home... so Thank You!

 

Cheryl

Thank you Cheryl for your very kind email that touches our hearts.  This business is our passion and it's emails like yours that reinforce that we are on the right track. 

When a student like your daughter Lacy comes along, it makes our job of teaching so much easier. She is always happy to be in the barn and we have noticed how she is starting to warm up to us; talking a little more and opening up. :) But we know she didn't start out here and without that incredible foundation that you and your husband have given her, she wouldn't be the wonderful young lady that she is. :) Good job!!!

She had a wonderful lesson last night and she soon found results with everything she asked of Bien. She learned to negotiate with him by letting him have some say in the relationship while riding. Yes, it is a life skill that she is learning that we can't force him into anything (he is way to strong) but we can make suggestions that make Bien think about our request. It may appear to Bien and to Lacy that he is getting away with some things but then she puts him right back where she wanted him in the first place. And in the end we will win. I told Lacy that working with horses is sometimes like loosing the battle but not the war. We want to pick our battles and while Bien won't ever hurt anyone, for him, he just needs to know he has a voice in the matter.

Lacy will always be one that wants to work things out through the art of negotiation. The beauty of her lessons is that she is learning how to do that with horses and this will carry over in ever aspect of her life. You are so smart to see it and recognize the change in her. :)

When raising our two sons, I always commented on how it takes a village to raise a child. But I believe that we all have an obligation to teach young people and mentor them along life's highway, negotiating the turns, the hills and the valleys. But the best part of it is that I'm not the one doing the teaching. It is the horse that teaches our students; and I am just the facilitator along the way. :) So while Lacy is riding around on her sports car (Bien), I'm just there to give directions. LOL!

Thank you for your confidence and trust in us and our programs!  Sincerely, Marjorie & Richard

 

Thanks so much Marj! Yes, way too hot this week! All I did was to go over late each afternoon and do the trailer loading with Stoney. I felt it was important for him to do that while Richard’s work was fresh in his brain! On day 2, Stoney only needed the sending exercise 4 times before he decided he’d go into the trailer! By day 3 of the exercise, Stoney went right on to the trailer without having to be “sent” in the “C” pattern. On day 4, I had him go on and off several times, making him just sit in the trailer with me petting him each time.  I gave him yesterday off…(I was busy). Today, I am going to load him, and then take him for a short ride.  Tomorrow I will begin the mounting block exercises! I’m going to have my son Erik also do the mounting block exercises with our other horse Gidget. She also is terrible at standing quiet to mount.  Man, I LOVE it when I can use great teaching methods from wonderful trainers like you, Richard, etc., and get great things done for my horse! This is so fun! Hope you are staying cool! Thanks again!

 

-Elizabeth Nuss

Marjorie, the best day of my life is the day I walked through your barn doors, nine years ago and purchased Comienzo from you!!! 

Sandra Murphy

Hi Marge!   Are you recovering today? You did a great job organizing everything. I am really impressed with Mr. Whitesell.   Marsha Warsaw

Marj Gilmore is the person who sold Comi to me 9 years ago and she and I have stayed in constant touch. She is reducing her herd and I can assure you of this: no matter what the horsenality is of these prospects: these horses have been well cared for mentally (natural horsemanship) and physically. I know Marj and how she does things and I am absolutely confident in the quality of the care. You may or may not be a match for one of their horses and if you are not, she will tell you so.

Wellgreen Farm is located in Downs, IL...near Bloomington-Normal. Not far from Chicago or from here even. The contact info is in this email and if you are even remotely interested (or know someone who might be), I urge you to give Marj's information and website to them.

Murph recommended! Comi recommended!

Sandra Murphy

     

Thanks for the info Marj, not sure if we’ll be able to make that at this time. I am definitely saving my $ for another Clinton Anderson clinic with you and/or Richard. Looks like you are “on fire” busy these days! How wonderful! Your website is awesome!  I hope to schedule a clinic with you for maybe 3 to 4 days again if possible. I can be free from July 15th through 24th, then I’ll have to check my schedule for another time frame where I have a block of days free. Let me know if any of those days might work for you for a private clinic with me? I would most likely board Stoney with you again during those days, but commute back and forth to your farm.  We can decide whatever you have time for, whether you think we should do 2 or more hours per day. Whatever you feel would be best. I can’t begin to tell you how much your December clinic did for myself and Stoney! The Clinton ground work has gone pretty well, but I’d like a “tweaking,” and possibly like to learn more of his ideas and skills. With your help, I’m sure we’ll eventually have him trained into a wonderful horse! Thanks and take care.

 

-Beth Nuss

 

Hello.

I wanted to thank you for the awesome clinic.  It was very educational and a lot of fun being with other people who love their horses as much as I love mine.    

Again thanks for sharing your knowledge!  This has been such a rewarding experience for me. 

Shana

Shana Ames-Maurer

 

Marj,
I forgot to say thanks for doing the 6 week class for us.
It was good to see the videos, talk about them and the book, and then practice the techniques. I really need to work with this stuff regularly...I just can't remember it all otherwise.

Holly Villhauer

Hi Marj,
I am sorry I haven't given you an update yet.  We have been so busy at home and work.  She is doing really well.  The day after we brought her home from your barn, our friend came over to help us work with her.  She did really well and he was very complimentary of the training you guys gave her to that point.  He and I both rode her that day.  He cantered her for short spurts several times.  She did not like it but complied. He has been coming over every 2-3 days to help me out.  He has started 8-9 horses this year as Western Pleasure horses and thinks she is at the top of the list.  We are very pleased with her.  We went for an 8 mile trail ride last Saturday with four other riders.  She behaved very well.  Towards the end of the ride Don, or friend, rode her and had her cantering on the trail!  In the ring we are working on simple lead changes now.
 
She still has her moments occasionally but nothing too bad. We are very happy with what you guys did with her and will keep you posted on her progress. 
 
Thanks!

Mary Jo Sellers

August 31, 2010

Thanks Marj! What would I do without you!? 

-Courtney Villhauer

 

Hi Marj, I'm so glad you are putting together the series of six workshops!  It is something for us to do this winter, to keep learning, when we can't go outside and work with our horses oursevles.  Could you do this every year?  I'm always learning something and I appreciate your doing this for the group!  We have such a nice bunch of people in our group and I'm really enjoying them as well!  Good Job Marj.!  Thank you for doing this for us!!!  Judy Henderson

February 1st, 2011

I'm glad to have found your farm and I was really drawn to your heart and passion for horses and people.

Thanks again!
 Linda Grabbe

     

 

From the website, it looks like you have a great place, and certainly, based on what I read in your tribute to your Father, your love of horses is genuine - you have it in your own "pedigree" and in your heart.
 
Thanks for taking the time to sending this last email and God bless!
 
-Alina Fernandez
 

Marjorie,

 I wanted to thank you, your husband, and your wonderful crew of helpers for all the time you spent teaching our Scouts on Saturday. I feel this was a huge step in their preparation for our cavalcade this summer and I’m really glad we used your farm; you all did a fabulous job! After all the e-mails over the last several months, it was also very nice to meet you in person. My sincerest thanks, Dan Sandgren

Troop 101

Marj.

My daughter has been taking lessons each week from you for over five years and in all that time, you have never given her the same lesson twice.  She always learns something new! 

Amy Engelhorn

Bloomington, IL

Marj., I was watching how you handle yourself around horses and was so very impressed at how naturally knowledgeable you are with horses. I am probably not describing it correctly but it is an ease in dealing with situations with them because you have been challenged and persevered and learned. The more I see you interact with them, the more I am struck by that.   I had a great time period.  I love to work with you. You inspire me to do more than I think I can, plus I have such a good time to boot.

You have so much depth, but you are very low key.  Because of that, I  think many people do not understand how much you bring to the table:  the tremendous environment that you have created around them to give them the best chance to succeed and the generous way you give in such a way that the recipients don't realize just how much they are getting.  I respect you immensely for that.

It's much more than just having knowledge, you create an environment where you provide support for people to achieve.  You do it in such competent and unobtrusive way, they don't know how much you are giving them. 

Nan Hamilton

I would just like to say that our (my son Jason and I) experience at Wellgreen Farm has always been great. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. The horses are superb, and the farm and areas that we ride are peaceful, scenic, and safe for both horse and rider. I've told so many people about the Wellgreen Farm, and I hope they will come out for a visit. They'll never regret it. We look forward to making riding a part of our summer this year. Keep up the great work you folks do, and like I always say to Marj, "HAPPY TRAILS To All!!"
                                                                                   
Ron Winner
Gridley, IL

 

Hi Marj,
      Glad to hear that Roy has a new home. Although I will miss him, I'm
glad to know that he is in good hands with new friends. It was a pleasure
riding him. He and Happy are both great horses, but then again all of your
horses are. You can tell that are treated with love and that they are all
special. Had it not been for horses, this great country wouldn't be where it
is today(is that good or bad, ha ha). When you get pics of Roy, could you
send some to me? Looking forward to riding again! Happy Trails. Ron

"I originally came to Wellgreen Farm to volunteer services for the Well Child Foundation.  I was immediately impressed with the care and expertise Wellgreen provided to the clients of the Foundation and the Farm.  I now own a horse and stable it at Wellgreen. The Farm takes excellent care of my horse in their well kept facilities. I enjoy going to the Farm not only to see and ride my horse, but also to see the children having fun with their
lessons. Each time I go I learn something new about horses and riding from the experienced staff.  They are like family. 

I would highly recommend Wellgreen Farm to anyone, young or old, who are interested in learning more
about horses and/or riding from a caring and experienced staff and facility."

Steve Himmell
Bloomington

Testimonial

"Since I started riding at Wellgreen Farm a little over a year ago, it's turned into my second home."

"This Autumn I was going through a really tough time, and for a while I was out of school; it was an emotionally trying time. My Wellgreen family was there for me 100%. When I couldn't be in school, and I needed a day to clear my mind, Marj would let me come out to the barn and spend the day riding, sweeping, helping out,and talking (or not, depending on how I felt.)"

"No matter what the situation is, good or bad, Richard, Marj, and Lindsey have always been there for me. This past year or so has been one of the best of my life thanks to my Wellgreen Farm family. (Horses included!)"

~Sarah, Age 15
                                                                                 

Dear Marj, We are happy that you have come into out lives. We enjoy your friendship and your teaching about horses. We have learned a lot from you and know there is much more to learn. It is good to share about what the Lord means to us and what He is teaching us too. I always find that talking about such things is very uplifting. God is good to bless us with christian brothers and sister! We wish you and your family a blessed and prosperous New Year!

........Mary Lou Farnsworth

OH MY GOSH.....if this doesn't sum you up Marj., nothing ever will....I think this message was meant especially for you and I just had to forward it on again so you could read it it one more time.  I hope your Mom enjoyed a wonderful birthday this past weekend.  have a wonderful day and know how much you are appreciated.   Hugs, Jan   (see below)

"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." --Clarence Buddinton Kelland, writer

We all teach by example, standing before a host of observing students who will silently leave our presence to go forth and teach others. We owe it to the world, therefore, to make certain that what we teach empowers others to live fully. May your life always be a lesson in living the best life possible.

Testimonials:

Dear Marj,   In church the other day the minister was talking about people who have made a difference in our lives and how God uses situations and people to touch our lives and I thought of you and just wanted to let you know and thank you for letting God use you and Wellgreen farm to touch my heart and my life...my time their at Wellchild and with you there, will always have a special place in my heart!!  I have been blessed that is for sure!  :)   Love and hugs, Kaleigh 

 

 

 

"I am enjoying learning from you and it is very theraputic and enjoyable for me at this time to begin working with horses with someone who is so very knowledgeable and understanding...and seems to understand as much about people as you do horses...it really makes a difference for me at this time.  I do appreciate your patience and look forward to learning more.  You are an excellent teacher and one I enjoy listening to and I take a new awareness with each lesson, and I walk away with a better feeling of confidence that I can learn.   Thanks for making a difference for me and sharing in this new adventure..."  Effie Norton

 

"For what it's worth. I believe you have a great deal off character, courage, strength, & love in your heart. You are an admirable person."  Nan Hamilton 

 

 

 

"Just a note to tell you all is wonderful with Roy. I have been riding him every day and he is being just what I expected and everything you said he would be. He is talking to me now when I come into the barn. Every time I say "OH ROYBOY" he answers back like he's saying "O LEIGH BABY". He is more beautiful than I thought he was. I promise I'll send you some pictures of him and his pasture pals. He and my mini, Mighty Mike have become real buds. Poor Pony boy seems to be left out. Roy is worth a million as far as I'm concerned. Thank you again for putting my story on your website to show how wonderful your horse really is! Well it's beautiful out and I'm going for a ride. I really look forward to doing that after so long. Thank you and God Bless!" ~ Leigh

 

 

 

We have learned so much from you....
and not just about horses and horsemanship.

Night
Holly

 

In January of this year, my dream of having a horse again after 20-25 years came true.  I jumped right in as most novices do, and went out and bought myself a young horse for an "old" novice!  After a couple of months and the "I love my horse" stage, I realized my horse and I needed help and that the place I was boarding her (before coming to Wellgreen), could not provide me with that support.  So after one very trying night, I told my husband that I was either selling her or I was getting help.  I knew that the selling part was out of the equation because I really did love that horse, so the search was on.  I came across Wellgreen Farm on the internet when I put horse training in the google search....imagine that!  Right away Marjorie made me feel very comfortable and welcomed me and my horse to their farm.  I couldn't believe the friendliness that I've encountered from Marjorie & Richard as well as the other boarders.  They have all been more than willing to share their knowledge and provide the support I needed.  I can't tell you enough how comfortable I feel having my horse at Wellgreen as I know she is well taken care of and happy!  I'm enjoying the time I have Ginny here and the friends I've made at Wellgreen!  Having said this, I would highly recommend bringing your horse to Wellgreen for boarding care and/or training!  Sincerely, Donna Chin