TESTIMONIALS

For most people, buying a horse is a very big commitment and ultimatley a long term relationship with a horse, something then that you should put a lot of time and thought into.

Also... for a lot of people deciding to breed from your mare, is a big decission and a lot to think about, how do you find a stallion to improve on your mare? will your mare be treated with the care and respect she recieves at home? the list can go on, and the more questions you can get answered the easier the process will be.

When I asked a good friend of mine to look at my website, and tell me from her point of view how I could improve it and make it more informative for viewers she came up with the idea of a "Testimonials" page, (thank you Tina).  So, I asked a few people that had brought horses from Millpark, or had sent their mare to be put infoal, to write something that summed up their experiences of dealing with these services at Millpark Andalusian Stud, in the hope that it may help people in making the decission to buy a horse or send a mare to stud a little easier, a little less daunting, or a little less nerve racking.

I myself have been in the same possition as you in the past, and know of all the concerns you have, so my aim at Millpark is to help iron out all those niggling things that concern you, we try to make the experience of your mare visiting the stud as comfortable, relaxed and as close to her usual home routine as possible.

I have been breeding horse's from the age of 15 years old and owned my first pony at the age of 5 years old, thats a fair few years under my belt now! Over the years I have delivered, and produced over 150 foals of my own and I have had the experience of putting over 240 mares infoal.

When we sell a horse, we try to match the horse as best we possibly can to the customers requirements, abilities and temperaments, a lot is taken into consideration to ensure that we have a good match that gives a long and happy future together.

 Please read through the following testimonials which I hope will answer some of your questions.....

WRITTEN  BY LYNDEN INGHAM

We heard about Millpark and Mandy through various sources, the Farrier, the Hunt, the pony club actually anyone locally who knows about horses pointed us in thier direction. 

The voice on the end of the phone was welcoming, friendly and invited us over to go and see what the stud was all about.  We were greeted by a range of wet noses and wagging tales that ran off in the direction of the boss and encouraged us to follow.

The yard is well set out - the stallions all in a row behaving impeccably and looking well groomed and content, Always a good sign when looking for the temperament of your foal to be.  We arranged for our mare to go over the day she came into season of which Mandy is quite happy to answer the phone to someone shouting "we are on our way".  Our mare took a dislike to the stallion chosen and Mandy with her wisdom asked if we minded trying another Stallion to see if it would help the situation.  The mare took immediatly and came back from stud happy, content and looking like she had been on holiday.  She produced an amazing colt foal who has the most fantastic temperament and loves people, he is very bold even at the age of 5 months.

Summary, What do you get from Millpark Stud and Mandy ?

a) A very warm welcome and friendly service

b)Extensive Knowledge that is not forced on you

c)Well laid out facilities

d)The best care for your mare at stud

e)Mandy is always there for her owners and never rushes you away - she understands what customer service really means.

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WRITTEN BY TINA CAROLAN.

I will never forget the first day I came to your yard to look at "Andalusian horses" as they were then called...Having spent some time before looking for a suitable horse to be able to take me to a higher level of dressage and having looked at Friesians, Morgans and Quarter horses I knew instantly the second I saw the "Boys" I had to have one of them.  You showed so much love and respect for your horses it was like coming home for me.  When I was a child I had a dream holiday in Tunisia riding a Barb horse called Mabruk who was so fantastic I never forgot him.  Learning later that the Barb is a descendant of the PRE it was no surprise to find him in your beautiful horses again.  You sold me my precious mare Karina XXXVI and "Millie" who have changed my life forever.  My beautiful Karina has produced two foals for me and I will always be grateful to you for selling her to me.  You are one of the most honest, hardworking and loveliest person I know and so dedicated to your horses.  I have over the years followed every one of your Stud news and it is lovely to see how much your stud has grown from year to year and you so deserve it!  I cried tears of joy for you when you won the National Championships with Neron it was great to see you out competing again!  I have enjoyed my visits to your place over the years and our chats about PRE's.  Your yard is like a peaceful little haven for enthusiasts and your horses visibly return your love for them.  You have parted from one of the most gorgeous creatures but you have gained a friend,  Thank you so much Mandy you always have a special place in my heart. 

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WRITTEN BY KAREN KING OF THE WAR HORSE STUD.

I met Mandy 7 years ago in 2001 quite by chance through a friend of a friend of a friend. I always thought owning a spanish horse of my own would always be out of reach, till I visited Millpark Stud.   It was 160 miles and when I arrived I looked at all the pure bred foals and all the youngsters but just couldn't make my mind up.  I new very little at that time but had discribed to Mandy what I liked, I like them big, wide and built like a tank! and if only they came coloured!, with that I was led up to a small paddock where there were 5 yearling fillies... and oh my god! there she was, a blue and white filly just as I'd discribed, with the most beautiful head and expressive eyes, "Mill Urraca" was my first.  I went all that way for a pure bred and came home with the horse of my dreams, my new coloured part bred Andalusian.   Mandy offered a life time of help and advise and we became great friends, the rest is history!, Since then I've brought from her at least 7 more pure and part breds, she put me on the right path for sucsessful breeding and now I have my own herd.  So now all the War Horse foals are from or out of Millpark mares and I'm so proud of them all.  I couldn't have done all this with out the help of my friend Mandy Wheatcroft and having so much patience with me still to this day bombarding her with endless questions.  For every thing Thank you. 

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WRITTEN BY ELIN MCGOWAN.

My name is Elin McGowan and I'm a new breeder,  Finding a reliable place to take your precious mare to stud can be a nail biting experience.  My mare Gresca is very special in my opinion and only the best will do.  I was very fortunate to find that at Millpark Andalusians with Mandy Wheatcroft, I visited Mandy on the November before I took my mare to her Stud.  I was shown the stallions and was really spoilt for choice, I chose Vanidoso as I felt he would best suit my mare, his temperament was nice as were his looks and with impeccable breeding.  Everything looked well organised and peaceful and Mandy obviously loves her horses.  I took my mare to Leicester (7hr. drive from Lleyn Peninsula) it was a hot day and I'd got lost in Leicester and was vowing that I would never take my mare anywhere again.  Mandy had a loose box ready for my mare's arrival, after a little look around and a shower for Gresca after her hot journey my mare settled down and was quite at home, and I wasn't feeling so guilty about travelling her across country.  Gresca was kept at grass livery with a few of Mandy's youngsters and thoroughly enjoyed her stay, after the first covering she was infoal, I was amazed, this in my opinion is a good sign for an unstressed horse.  Mandy kept in touch to let me know how Gresca was doing, I also visited her once when I'd gone to a showing clinic near Leicester.  Past experience had made me a bit warey but I needn't have worried, Gresca had just been scanned and was 23 days in foal, she completely ignored me as she headed back to her friends in their large paddock,  I left Gresca there for 3 months because of the distance for her to travel home, and I had seen she was happy, this gave me peace of mind and a happy mare who was none the worse.  The stud is peaceful and well run, Mandy is an experienced breeder who understands, loves and takes very good care of these fine horses and I will be happy to make the same journey again next year. 

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WRITTEN BY JOE GIBBS OF THE BELLADRUM ESTATE.

The process of breeding horses has the potential for many reversals of fortune, but in Millpark I have found that the odds on success have been kept as high as possible through their exacting standards of care and thoroughly professional services. 

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WRITTEN BY AMANDA CHANDLER.

It was through Mandy that I became involved in the Spanish Horse,  I had seen a photo in a BAPSH magazine of a Dun part bred colt,  I arranged to visit and was met with the most beautiful sight I have ever seen in this country.

Mandy introduced me to her breathtaking stallions, then out to view a herd of free running yearlings, I will never forget this sight, to see the horse I was to choose in a free and natural state was a remarkable and magical experience.  Mandy gave me so much sound advise and support.  This introduction led me to buy a 2 year old gelding a year later, we have since brought 2 more colts from Mandy and am presently in the process of purchasing another, very special, very rare colt, which has been a hugh decision making process for us, in which Mandy has been endlessly helpful, informative and very tolerant!

Mandy has given me the confidence to return to her as she always gives me time and consideration in, what to me, is an emotional decision, as I very rarely part with any of them,  However, even when it has been necessary, Mandy has helped me with this too, and we have successfully conducted part exchanges to the benefit of both myself and the horses involved.  Mandy has a great deal of patience, and I know, that with everyone, she gives the benefit of her enormous wealth of wisdom and experience.  Through Mandy over the last eight years, I have gained, not only someone who I completely trust and respect in relation to these incredible horses, but also, a friend. 

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WRITTEN BY RACHEL MACLENNAN BAIRD

I have been in contact with Millpark Andalusians for many years now, and, have brought several horses from Mandy - my first was in 2000.

Mandy sells horses as though they were friends, and is more than fair on price and arrangements.  As a result of the friendship that has resulted from this, I also "allowed" her to have my mare when she was ready to go to stud. She was very special and needed extra care due to a serious accident as a youngster.  I had been looking for a stallion and a stud that I would trust her to - Mandy was a natural choice.  When she came home, she was every bit as fit and well as she had been when she left here.

I continue to hold Mandy in very high regard, and she is always my first call when looking for horses for either myself or others.

WRITTEN BY SIOUX GARDNER

    In 2006, I set out to investigate buying a new lifelong equine partner.  Having decided to purchase a weanling, I found on paper, the breed description of "Andalusians" best met my criteria - but I had never had the privilege of meeting one in the flesh!

Millpark Andalusians are located conveniently near to me, so a quick phone call to Mandy confirmed what I thought about the breed - very people orientated, trainable, brave...and the over all stamp of a horse that appeals to me.  She invited me to come and look!

Mandy was exceedingly welcoming - entertaining me and my friend for a full mornings tour of the stud, the youngsters and the brood mares.. and those fabulous boys.  Mandy is very knowledgeable, and once she had a full understanding of what I wanted from my future equine partner was able to tell me exactly which of her youngsters would suit my needs, and equally importantly which would not due to their temperaments/expected conformations and my wish to both ride and drive.

During our morning, Mandy explained all about the genealogy of the breed, and specific equines at her yard - what she was looking for in her breeding programme.  She was very reasuring in her knowledge - leaving us in no doubt that she really knew her stuff!

Having decided on "Mill Magia", I returned a couple of times to visit and then following a vetting became the proud owner of a PRE.  Millpark Andalusians were very easy to contact and deal with, supporting me all the way - even when the vet arrived unannounced at the yard!  There is quite a bit of paperwork to go through when purchasing a PRE - all the Spanish as well as the English forms to fill in.  Mandy took care of all of this, and everything ran smoothly.

After about 6 months, Mandy brought back my filly's full sister, and invited me over to see her.  A full year older it was interesting to see how my girl might look in a year to come- same unusual Dun colouring - complete with dorsal strip and leg barring.

At the time of writing, my filly is now two and a half years old, she is everything Mandy assured me she would be.  She is currently around 15.2hh kind, easy to train, and the friendliest equine...always willing to leave her grass and come for a bit of attention.  She is very inquisitive, shavings bags are a particular favorite and always up for a new challenge.  Nothing seems to faze her.  I have no doubt that she is the perfect equine for me!

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WRITTEN BY LYNN DRAKE

My PRE mare Carinosa went to stud to be covered by Neron XII at the end of April 2006.  She stayed there untill the end of July, I have nothing but praise for the standard of care that she received while at stud and her condition on collection.  I decided on Neron for his superb bloodlines which complimented my mares, though I was really spoilt for choice.  The result in May 2007, was a filly "Rosita", Having bred three foals, this filly, is undoubtedly the best foal I have bred, her conformation is superb and head exceptional. 

I have decided to start showing again after a break of 12 years, and this is mainly due to having bred such a super foal from Mandys stallion.

It is wonderful to have in the Spanish Horse Society such a knowledgeable and dedicated person such as Mandy.  She is an encyclopedia of breeding and bloodlines,and her advise is always honest and impartial. Thank you Mandy and Thank you Neron!!

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WRITTEN BY JULIE BRADBURY

I first met Mandy at the Spanish breed show in 2003, I arranged to go and see her at

Millpark Stud to have a look at the foals she had bred that year with a view to buying one.

Mandy was very welcoming when we arrived, the yard clean and well laid out.  All her horses looked very well cared for.  We went on a tour around the establishment where she showed us all of her youngstock and gave us information as to their bloodlines.  I chose a weanling called "Mill Joyero" who I have been delighted with both in his temperament, his paces, and his achievements at the Iberian shows.

I was given a lot of advice by Mandy as to the correct tack and dress needed to compete in, as at the time I was a complete novice.  Overall I have come to find that Mandy is a breeder with a genuine interest in keeping the future of the Spanish horse alive and at an affordable price in the UK.  I am already thinking of returning for my second youngster and know that I will be totally happy with any purchase I make.

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WRITTEN BY SUE TAYLOR OF SILVERBROOK ANDALUSIANS

Mandy Wheatcroft, who originally imported my 3/4 PRE bay mare, "Lucera of Millpark" (Lucy). Mandy is really responsible for catapulting me into the world of breeding PRE's.  We had Lucy put in foal to Mandy's stallion "Mejicano XXIX" and happened to mention that we were having trouble getting Lucy shod.  Mandy very kindly said we could take Lucy over to her farrier for shoeing.  On one of these trips, Kieron, now a convert to Spanish horses (or maybe brainwashed!), mentioned that a gelding, also there for shoeing, looked like it could carry him.  Mandy's words are indelibly etched on my brain, "I've got something better than that round here!" she said, scooting off towards the stallion stables.  We hurried after her, There in a stable stood "Macedonio-Mac", a fantastic (if slightly rotund!) Cardenas stallion, and of course, it was love at first sight.  We explained to Mandy that we couldn't really afford him and had nowhere to keep him.  When we got home we realised that we might never have the opportunity to buy a stallion of his quality, breeding and temperament again.

So, that brings me to the next person to thank, which is Sally Lister, of the Brackenspa Stud, she agreed to stand "Mac" there, in spite of not being a fan of Spanish horses at the time, and supported us in our first tentative steps at stallion handling, although, this turned out not to be a problem, as Mac is so easy going.  Everybody at the stud, which is also a large livery yard, can't believe he's a stallion.  He certainly is every little girls dream horse, and we're frequently told that he's perfect.  Which, of course, he already knows!

Then we needed some purebred PRE mares.  Obviously! So it was back to Mandy's, where we purchased her lovely, three year old filly "Mill Sigilosa", (secret), sired by Gastador XII, Out of Mill Estupenda, who is by Euclides.  Secret was graded last October and backed early this year and is now in foal to Mac for 2009.

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WRITTEN BY SARAH DUMA

This is the first foal I have bred with storm and I spoke to and visited a number of studs before I found Mandy at Millpark.  From speaking to her for the first time to visiting the stud I felt very comfortable, and on visiting the stud I was very impressed with how relaxed and happy all her horses are.  Mandy was very knowledgeable and was on hand to offer advice before, during and after Storm's time at the stud and I always felt very happy and confident in all my dealings with Mandy and the stud.  Storm lives at home with me and so sending her anywhere was a big decision and I visited her during her time at the stud and she was very settled, in fact I'm not entirly sure she was that keen to come home she was having such a good time! 

When I found out that it had been successful I honestly think Mandy was as excited as me, and it is good to know after all these years that she is still so enthusiastic about what she does and she genuinely cares about the people and the horses that she deals with.  If I breed from Storm again I would definitely go to Mandy and I would recommend her and Millpark to anyone.

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WRITTEN BY SUE HUMPHREYS

My name is Sue Humphreys, and I've been buying Millpark horses for 8 years.  The Stud owner, Mandy Wheatcroft has always been helpful and honest about her horses and whether she thinks they'd be suitable for me.  My first purchase from Millpark Andalusians was "Mill Normando", Norman as we call him a 15.2hh partbred gelding, he is Andalusian cross Irish draft cross shire.  He is an amazingly loyal horse who has took me round show jumps, cross-country courses, dressage tests and the showing ring having success in all disciplines.

After trying to find a horse for my 12 year old daughter (Rhianna), I decided to take the trip from our yard in Bristol up to Leicester to see what Mandy had.  Mandy had a young mare called Lacaya, we brought her back, broke her in and then proceeded to win at everything she put her mind to.  Rhianna took her to the 2006 BAPSH Championship show where she was the winner of the 5/6 year old mare class and she then took the Reserve Champion mare and also gained 2nd. place in Novice ridden mare, a very successful weekend.  The little mare qualified for the Championships of Great Britain show jumping weekend where she only knocked one pole over 6 classes, she always did well in the dressage arena, and had many wins at Riding horse classes in English showing classes.

When I was diagnosed with arthritis in my back I then had to retire from jumping Mill Normando so I made another trip up to see Mandy.  I was looking for a dressage/all-rounder horse for me, I caught sight of a 2 year old bay colt called Mill Gotico, Tico is now 6 years old, he has done derby jumping, fun rides and he has been recently registered with British Dressage as he was the 2008 Unaffiliated Willbeard Dressage Champion with Rhianna.

At 15.1hh Rhianna had sadly outgrown Lacaya so we needed to go up a size, I got on the phone to Mandy and told her what I was looking for and she suggested a beautiful grey gelding called Buleria, "Bing" had been a bullfighting stallion in Spain before Mandy brought him back, he was covered in scars but my daughter fell in love with him straight away.  Whilst trying him out Mandy showed us his tricks, Piaffe, Passage, Spanish walk and he did much more. Bing was a pure dressage horse and he loved his job, he won test after test with the judges always asking about him after the tests and always writing lovely comments about him.  But sadly after winning his first few Novice tests, he broke his fetlock out in the field and had to be put to sleep.  But he is still with us, my daughter wanted to keep him so we kept his ashes when he was cremated and he's now in the tackroom.

A phone call to Mandy and Mill Tirador arrived, a stunning two and half year old colt that was standing at 15.3hh at that young age.  Once he was 3 years old Rhianna now 16 backed him this summer and is hoping he'll be a future dressage star.

I'd just like to say thank you to Millpark Andalusians and Mandy Wheatcroft for producing these amazing horses, Rhianna and Sue Humphreys

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WRITTEN BY TIM BRINDLE

My initial contact with Mandy and Millpark Andalusians came about when I brought a young PRE that Mandy had bred.  And a fine horse he was being true to type in all respects.  So when the time came for me to buy another Spanish horse I contacted Mandy with my "shopping list" of requirements, and in due course she rang me from Spain to tell me she had found what I was looking for.

Time was short and I had only Mandy's description to guide me, having not seen the horse I trusted Mandy's judgement and did the deal, so to speak.  All the details of payment and transport where taken care of by Mandy and my horse "Cairel", a PRE stallion, arrived.

He was exactly as Mandy had said, beautiful conformation, fabulous movement and temperament, absolutely stunning horse in all ways, I have been involved professionaly in the equestrian business all my life and have some twenty or more horses at any one time, I can say in all honesty "Cairel" is the greatest horse I have known.

All in all I would say the help in finding, buying and transporting Cairel that I got from Mandy was excellent, I find her knowledgable, honest, helpfull, astute and professional, and would have no reservations in recommending Mandy Wheatcroft and Millpark Andalusians to anyone who is looking for a quality Spanish horse.

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WRITTEN BY CHLOE TRUSWELL

Mandy from Millpark Stud has done everything possible to help and educate me on Andalusians and all that goe's with breeding, buying and owning this fantastic breed.  At first I was intent on rushing blindly in to own my "dream" Spanish horse, HERE Mandy put my feet firmly on the ground by explaining the worth of good blood lines and conformation - rather than getting the first "Spanish" horse you come across.

Due to this I have my lovely very well bred halfbred filly, which Mandy helped me find. THEN when I wanted to put my mare to a Andalusian stallion again thanks to lots of great advise and never ending help, phone calls and lots of questions.  My mare went off to Millpark Stud, where I was kept very well informed of what was going on,a phone call every evening explaining what had happened that day.  She was really well looked after.  As I have had a bad experience with a stud a few years ago, all of this made me realise that you really need to look in to things properly, and spend time finding the right stallion, Stud and also someone who will give you straight answers, all of which Millpark have done and more, for me and my horses.

I couldn't recommend the Stud, Mandy and their professionalism any more to any one, whether first timers or experienced breeders. And thanks to Mandy for being there for me.

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WRITTEN BY MRS M REEDER

I was pointed in Mandy's direction by a top dressage trainer who had seen Mandy at one of his training clinic's years before, saying how she had stood out from the rest of the group he was teaching and that she was highly dedicated to the PRE horse, so off I went to meet her at her Millpark Andalusian Stud.

I can only explain it as a deeply moving, emocional and humbleing moment when I first saw her working with a stallion.  Out came what to me was a fierce, fire breathing giant of a stallion, every muscle twitching in antisipation of what he was about to do, but he behaved around Mandy as if she was a fragile china doll, with the most immence respect for her, watching her ride this stallion was quite magical they did all the advanced movements so smoothly working as one, I hardly took a breath in case I missed something.

Then what I just could not believe was Mandy's incredible kindness towards me, I cried as I explained that I had witnessed something so out of my reach and I felt I was waisting her time as I only had and old welsh mare to put in foal, she was so interested in my mare and new all about her bloodlines, having bred some welsh crosses herself, she then insisted I had a sit on her stallion, she lead me around talking to me untill all my fear subsided and I found myself in pure heaven as she asked her horse to gently and slowly go through the advanced movements, while she worked him in-hand with me on board.

It brings tears of joy to me everytime I remember that day.  I never did manage to put my mare in foal as we had a terrible road accident, my mare was put to sleep and I am now unable to ride again, But I thank Mandy from the bottom of my very soul for giving me the chance to have wings and fly that day, the memory is so vivid and your kindness unforgetable, I would send anyone wanting to put their mare in foal to you.

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WRITTEN BY BOZENA BIENKOWSKA

When I was looking to buy my first PRE broodmare, I spent a long time trawling though the net and talking to different sellers, My novice status in the Andalusian world put me at a great disadvantage.  A good and very knowledgable trainer and friend suggested that I call Mandy Wheatcroft, he believed her to be not only sympathetic and honest but a true horsewoman.

I have since brought 2 beautifull mares,the first Quirica a classical pure carthusian, having given me 2 stunning foals by Martillo II a yeguada Militar stallion, the second Salinera of Carthusian lines too with the gentlest energies.  I am looking forward to running her with my 3rd. and most recent purchase from Mandy, an exquisite stallion called Golondrino XX.

Golondrino is mostly Carthusian lines, from the great line of Bilbiano III and Destinado II, and from the yeguada Militar line of Maluso, the grandsire of the 1996 success Evento.  Salinera shares the lines of Bilbaino III and Maluso, with strong Carthusian lines.  Quirica a true princess of the Bocado lineage has Bilbaino III, Destinado II and Furioso in her ancestry.

Incredibly I brought all 3 unseen, and each was just as Mandy described them, I like to count Mandy as a friend, and I always feel comfortable asking for advise.  I am very pleased with my beautifull horses and I think that is in no small way due to Mandy being able to match a horse to a person,  so cheers!  and keep up the good work.

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WRITTEN BY DONNA SMITH

Well just a few words to tell you that Vanidoso has settled into his new life in Dubai, after the long journey and a week in quarantine, he has a lovely stable with lots of NEIGHbours!!I think finally he has got used to me but I do spoil him a little.

He is such a beautiful horse and has impeccable manners for a stallion. Dani is more than what I expected, I'm really pleased with him, he moves like a dream I couldn't fault him in any way!!

I must admit buying a horse I've never seen was quite a new experience for me but you reassured me and explained everything I needed to know about Vanidoso.

I'd like to thank you for your honesty, and all your advice, you have been great people to deal with and very professional keeping in contact with me throughout the weeks whilst arranging for the vet, transport, saddle fitting etc.

Vanidoso and I will keep in touch and send you some pictures Thanks again Mandy.

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WRITTEN BY SUSAN SALLOWAY

     I have purchased my first youngster from Mandy, a lovely yearling gelding.  Atento's approach to life and his ability to trust are a reflection on Mandy and Millpark Stud.

He has been reared in an enviroment that nurtured fundamental principles of trust, fairness and tranquility.  Atento has impressed others who have met him with these qualities.

I, too, have only encountered honest support and encouragement from Mandy, I cannot recommend Millpark highly enough!

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WRITTEN BY SUSAN BARROW, DUBAI

     I was recommended to look for a good PRE Andalusian horse through Mandy Wheatcroft, because she is starting to get a very good reputation here in Dubai UAE for sourcing great horses.  I am now the proud owner of an eight year old stunningly beautifull stallion, who came to Dubai through Mandy.

I have ridden all my life - Arab horses, Warmbloods, Irish thoroughbreds, relatively easy horses and some with difficult temperaments, and I can honestly say that I have never come accross such a lovely horse, in all way's.  He is everything I could hope for, fun to ride, nice paces, sensible to hack, a potential dressage winner, kind with people and great around other horses.

He is at livery in Dubai and he has become a real star here in the stable, not only with my friends but with everyone who handles him, from the farrier to the feedman, I am also totally thrilled with him and hope never to part from him. my sixteen year old daughter feels the same way about him, as do'es my husband.

I have no reservations in recommending Mandy to potential Spanish horse owners.

UP DATE:  Just wanted to drop you a line, he has come through the summer very well as I moved him to a really fantastic livery yard and he has been treated royally.  I can honestly say that I am totally and absolutely in love with him and he is the nicest, kindest, cleverest horse I have ever had the pleasure to come across.

I now ride him with virtually nothing in his mouth and his dressage moves are coming on apace.  We also do something different every day apart from schooling, he loves a bit of natural horsemanship and he enjoys hacking out in the desert.  He spends an hour a day out at grass, despite the climate, because he goes at 6 in the morning, then goes out in a sand paddock for a roll in the cool of the evening.  So I do try and get him out as much as possible, despite the heat here.

However, the heat will abate in the next few weeks and then we get about eight months

 of lovely weather.

I am hoping to do a bit of competition on him this season.  He obviously has a head start when he enters a dressage ring because he is so handsome and he loves all the compiments, from friends and from the flirtatious looks of most of the mares here.  I am not particularly bothered about winning prizes but he seems to like the discipline of school work.

I spend more on his hair, feet and teeth than I have ever done on myself and he loves all the attention.  He also loves a massage, but who doesn't?

Sorry I know I am gushing, but I couldn't have hoped for a more fantastic horse.  I have ridden all my life and swore that I would never buy another horse, but just ride other people's at this stage in my life.  But he is an absolute joy every day.

So thank you for giving him such a good start in life.  It certainly shows.  He doesn't have a bad bone in his body and he is becoming so affectionate as our friendship progresses.

So keep up the wonderful work Mandy - a fantastic horse all round.

Best regards

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WRITTEN BY SHELLEY HALL

I was surfing the net when I came across Millpark Andalusians, after looking at the web site I saw a colt that caught my eye instantly, I emailed Mandy, asking various questions and after several emails and sleepless nights I picked up the phone and made "the call".  What a lovely lady that greeted me, we talked for ages, about horses off course and at the end of a great conversation I arranged to go down to see Mandy and the Millpark Stud.

On arrival to Millpark I was greeted with a very warm welcome and instantly felt at home, all of my reservations and fears instantly disappeared.  Mandy showed me around her stud with the same enthusiasm and excitement as expressed by myself.  The boys were superb all with temperaments and presence to die for, I could have taken them all home, then Mandy showed me the colt I had arranged to see.  After looking at him and explaining to Mandy more clearly what I was looking for I decided he wasn't for me.  I then asked to see the other foals, on walking through the building I was met by a lot of inqusitive heads all wanting to have a look at the newby.  Being faced with such a choice let alone the correct choice.  Suddenly right at the back of a group of foals I spotted him.  Mandy introduced us and then trotted him round for me, he was the one, with no question of doubt.  I went over to see him and took some photo's, he followed me round with a relaxed familiarity and I knew there and then that I had found my first and very special PRE.  Throughout my visit Mandy was great and answered all my questions and with her vast knowledge never forced but willingly given I was there for a good few hours and not once did she try to hurry me.

I have now owned Mill Esplendido for 2 months and what a pleasure he is to own, he is excellent to do in every way and great with my two children especially my 3 year old, when she goes to stroke him he puts his head down so she can reach him and he laps up the attention he demands from everyone that visits.  I have to keep reminding myself that he is only a yearling as he has been so sensible and laid back from the day we brought him home.  I could not recommend the breed and the breeder highly enough.  My first PRE purchase experience will stay with me forever.

I would personally like to say a big thank you to Mandy for all the help, advise and confidence she has given me and we will definitely see her in the near future for the next addition to the family, I just wish I lived closer to her as I feel I have made a true friend, THANK YOU.

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WRITTEN BY NICOLA BLACKMAN

 I first visited the stud earlier this year and was shown around by Simon.  We were introduced to the stallions all of which were stunning and impeccably behaved.  We were then taken around a field with mares and their foals and they all had such lovely temperaments.  The foals were brave and inquisitive and the mares were so relaxed.

When I visited the stud for a second time I met Mandy.  Both Mandy and Simon are two of the most honest, down to earth, genuine people I have met.  The horses are all beatifully cared for and are so relaxed.  I explained that I was looking for a youngster to bring on to do dressage and it was during this visit that I met Mill Tirador of whom I am now the very proud owner.

Mandy and Simon have been so patient, helpful and kind.  I have never felt like I have been rushed or put under any pressure.  As I live locally, they have allowed me to come and visit Tirador pretty much every weekend to get to know him.  Simon has given me some lessons and he and Mandy have been nothing but encouraging.

I cannot fault the level of service and care.  Without a doubt I would recommend anyone who is looking to buy an Andalusian or who is interested in them to contact Mandy.  She knows so much about the breed and I know that if I ever have any queries, she would be willing to help.

Thank you so much Mandy and Simon, for your complete honesty, kindness, and help and encouragement and for Tirador. I'm very glad I met you both.

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WRITTEN BY LINDA LARRSON

Out here in Dubai, I have heard such wonderfull things about Mandy Wheatcroft and Millpark Andalusian Stud, via the grapevine here, Mandy has a superb reputation here as a top stud for Pura Raza Espanola horses.  So I made contact firstly via email, then chats on the phone and I am now planning to visit.

Mandy has given me a wealth of knowledge on the training of this breed, which has impressed some very imoprtant people here, I have gained so much through her, she has answered every question with openess and honesty, it's like having a personal trainer on hand, and she has never tried to rush me and has always followed up to see if I have had the results with the horses progress.  The new's of this wonderfull lady is passing around Dubai like wild fire, I feel sure that there will be a lot of customers from Dubai prefering to purchase horses from Mandy's stud direct, as her name is a guarantee of a superbly bred and trained horse, second to none.

I have encountered many problems along the way with PRE horses that have not had a good start in their education, but Mandy has taught me how to work through all of these problems, I look forward to working with horses Mandy has bred and produced herself, then I will have been totally spoilt, and will never want any other than Mandy's horses.

Thank you for being such a wonderfull person, I didn't think people like you existed

 in the horse world, you have treated me like a true friend.

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WRITTEN BY JULIE BARTLETT

Early in 2009 I started looking for a stallion for my Arab/Trakehner mare, I wanted one that moved well enough for pure dressage, jumped and of course was beautifull.  When I walked into Mandy's stable block and saw her lovely horses I new I was in the right place.  I chose Mill Gravitar because he is every thing I wanted plus very calm.  My mare made herself at home straight away and stayed all summer.

The first time I visited the stud I fell in love with another stallion Mill Rescoldo saying I want one like that, two weeks later Mandy phoned me saying she had a yearling that she thought I would like, so I had a look when I dropped my mare off, liked what I saw and Mandy said are you taking him with you? so I did !. I have never had a Spanish horse before but Mill HIdalgo always makes me smile.

What a lovely stud.