Sent: Sunday, November 16, 2008
Subject: Baron Von Star Kingdom

Hello~
Just over a year ago, I bought Von Star from his original owner in Vermont. I lost my 24 year old in February of 2007 and couldn't get myself beyond the grief to find another horse. A close friend had seen him advertised and insisted that I make the 3 hour drive to go see him. When I first met him, he was huge - really 16.2 - To be sure, his owner loved him very much and he certainly was never abused. I tried him on a trail ride - as a 5 year old, he was virtually untrained and very gawky and uncoordinated. Still, I was taken by his kindness and willingness to try for me. So in one of the most spontaneous moves I've ! ev! er made in my life, I drove back up with a borrowed trailer a few days later, had him vetted, and brought him home that same day.

In this last year, my boy - affectionately known as Nemo - has filled out, muscled up, and gained confidence. He's becoming the dressage partner of my dreams. I just love this horse. Now that he's showing what I thought I saw glimmers of a year ago, he is a sight to see! Starting lateral work, cantering with ever more balance, and trying so hard that he will occasionally do piaffe or passage steps while he's trying to figure out what I'm asking. He is simply stunning.
Lately, I laughingly say I need a lock on his stall, so many people want him. Just yesterday yet another person asked me where I got him, and I told them about your farm.

He particularly likes children, and every child in the neighborhood who visits the barn where he's boarded wants to visit Nemo. He's the favorite. In fact, recently one boarder brought her autistic nephew to the barn to see the horses. He was unreactive until he met Nemo. The child was enchanted with him, as he followed the boy up and down the fence and lowered his head so that the boy could touch and pet him. And, the little boy started talking! Asking questions about Nemo, and saying how much he liked him. The family was in heaven. Nemo has that presence about him.

Although I did not purchase him from you, I wanted to write and thank you for my boy. He is a treasure and I hope that we will have many happy, healthy years together. I've attached a couple of recent pictures for you.

Again, thank you for creating my incredible boy.
Janet L.