Testimonials 2025
"When I went to Ian's, I was looking for a horse with a motor. Ian showed me Daphne, a girl with a motor, and it was love at first ride. She is perfect for me.
I can't thank you enough Ian."
- Linda (NY)
"When I came to Ian, I had a clear vision of the horse I was hoping to find. From day one, he was dedicated and thoughtful, and somehow delivered exactly what I’d dreamed of. Cormac is steady, kind, talented, and full of heart. I can’t recommend Ian Michaels enough—his eye and instinct for matching riders with the right horse are truly exceptional."
- Kelsey (CT)
“I can’t speak more highly of Ian. He truly found the perfect fit for my family, not once but twice. He listened closely to what we needed, and found fun and safe partners for our younger learners! I would recommend him to anyone.”
- Ju-Lie (NY)
"Thanks to Ian, I now own the greatest horse I’ve ever had the honor to ride! Her intelligence, bravery, athleticism, willingness to learn, endearing character, and beauty continue to amaze me. Ian has an impeccable eye in choosing horses. He also has an uncanny ability to match the right horse to the customer. I trust Ian implicitly, and highly recommend working with him."
- Gretchen (NY)
"Basil has been such a wonderful addition to my barn. He has become a “everything” horse for me. When I first bought him, I was living on an island on the Cape, and we had to load him onto a barge that had a makeshift stall and a ramp with no rails. He barely looked at it and walked right up the ramp. I move him around a lot and he’s unflappable. We Trail ride and go out for hacks in the summer where he totally relaxes and loves to go in the water. But he will go from that experience to the hunting scene at the drop of a hat. He’s extraordinarily athletic, but the thing that makes him so special to me is his temperament. He’s such a character. His smart and sweet and just lovely to be around all the time! I’m so lucky to have him!"
- Christy (MA)
"My experience purchasing my Irish Sport Horse, Rathcoole Rock N Roll Kid “Max”, from Equinox Farm was outstanding. Ian truly cared about finding the right match—not just making a sale. His honesty, professionalism, and knowledge made the process smooth and enjoyable. I was able to try multiple horses, jump in the ring and the XC field, and go on a hack. It was a personalized experience that ensured I was matched with the right horse for my goals and ability.
Max is high quality, athletic and brave young horse that has been a pleasure to bring up the levels of eventing. "
- Melissa (NC)
"Ever since I was a little girl all I ever wanted was an Irish horse. When my friend Aiden told me about Ian and his beautiful farm it was like stepping into my fantasy. The day of my appointment Ian had easily 15 horses to choose from, all relaxed and ready to go. I rode 6 and chose Clea a 5yo RID! It just made so much sense as soon as I got in the saddle. Clea has taught me so much as a rider and a partner. Super smart! Super talented with an incredible disposition. Everyday I am thankful for her being in my world."
- Lysbeth (NY)
Love my horse! Beautiful jump and attitude. I’ve purchased 4 horses from Ian and never been disappointed. He knows how to match horse to rider.
- Jacqueline (NY)
"Incredible horse we got from Ian Michaels. She is the best horse EVER!! I love her. And he was incredibly thoughtful in helping us choose a horse. My daughter is in heaven."
- Christine Finck (A very happy and thankful mom) (CT)
"After a bit of bad luck importing a misrepresented Irish horse on my own and trying various unsuitable horses in the US, I saw Ian’s ad for an experienced all-arounder cob and got straight in the car to go try him. In a matter of months, Lorcan has taken me from a timid first-time hunter to first flight and winning our regional hunter trials. He is very clever, extremely brave, and will do anything for me. Everyone wants to buy my “pony” but I could never let him go. Lorcan is a treasure and I am so very grateful to Ian for finding him."
- Caroline Tall (MA)
"I needed to retire my hunt horse of 15 years. I decided to contact Ian Michaels, Equinox Farms, because my friend purchased a wonderful horse from him 8 years ago and is still enjoying that horse today.
Ian's description of Fishstick was spot on. His sweet demeanor and how he would perform in the hunt field. Fishstick is a remarkable horse and just what I need at this point in my life. Ian has a keen eye for a horse's ability and brains.
Ian structured the day in such a way that we had the opportunity to evaluate if Fishstick was the right mount for me. I am so grateful to him for finding Fishtick, a horse of a lifetime!
Ian has an understanding of his horses and a passion for the Irish Horse."
- Mary Milgrom (MA)
"Ian has a sixth sense about matching horse to human. He took the time to understand exactly what I needed and ended up finding me my horse of a lifetime!"
- Julia Clive (MA)
"Great experience! Ian was very good at selecting a few mounts for me to try, all of which fit my job description. I was able to ride out, jump cross country, and hunt before selecting my partner, and she is everything I wanted!"
- Paige DeLeo (NY)
"Working to find my perfect all rounder with Ian at Equinox was quite an enjoyable experience. Benjamin is not only adorable, but one of the sweetest most willing youngsters ever, a real gem."
- Lorrie Abrams (CT)
"Ian was an amazing and careful partner in our search for ‘the perfect horse’ for our 11 year old daughter. Lancelot has proven to be just that elusive ideal: A warm, wonderful, athletic friend for life. "
- Kern Schireson (NY)
"My wife and I drove up to look for one and we came home with two — one for each of us. We will be getting all of our horses from Ian from now on, and I will recommend him to everyone and anyone who is looking."
-Peter and Melanie Hitchen (MD)
"There are some people who used to be called match makers. Ian is this sort of person who has a keen eye for potential and talent in horses and instinct as to whether the match between horse and human would be a good one. Peter, age 3, Welsh Cob, and I have hit it off, and I am a happy and proud owner."
- Lindsay Shea
"Teo is my 4-year old Cob from Ian Michaels. He is the bravest and funniest horse in my stable and has a HUGE fan club in our Hunt Club. At only 4, he has inadvertently become the calming influence for young thoroughbreds being introduced to hounds for the first time."
- Kimber McCreight (MD)
"Ian went above and beyond to find me my perfect matches — both of my hunt horses are from Equinox, and I couldn't be happier!"
- Catherine Gentry (NY)
“Ian was very trusting and professional throughout the entire process. I am thrilled with this big, brave Irish Sport Horse! As both a veterinarian and an importer of sport horses, Ian has a keen eye for conformation, athletic ability and brains. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and I now regularly send my clients to look at his sale horses as well.”
-Johanna Kremberg, DVM (NY)
"Love my Teaz! I’ve looked for years and Ian finally found my perfect hunt horse. Couldn’t be happier."
- Jacqueline Bittner
"Ian was lovely to work with. He was honest about each of the horses and if he thought they would suit what we were looking for. He structured our visit in a way we could get a true sense of each horse's personality. We went to just find a horse for me and ended up with one for my mom as well! Overall a great experience and we couldn’t be happier with Tinder and Eddie."
- Annie Bishop & Juliet Graham (VA)
"Ian, Paul, and Calvin were outstanding hosts during my time trying horses at Equinox. They made me feel at home and ensured it was a fun and safe experience. Ian was honest in his descriptions of the horses and whether they were suitable to my needs. He responded quickly and helped ensure all went smoothly from start to finish. My new horse from Equinox is everything I could've wanted, and more! So happy to have found him and Equinox!"
- Theresa Andare (MI)
"I can’t say enough good things about Ian. He is certainly not your typical horse seller. He was fabulous to buy from. He helped me to feel more comfortable when I was nervous about purchasing, due to past bad experiences, and when my circumstances changed, he took the horse back and issued a full refund. He knew his horses well and represented them honestly."
- Wendy Derby (MA)