For the past 3 years, Irish has been and incredible companion and the perfect horse for me as a beginner rider. We've enjoyed trail riding and fox hunting together. While he's capable of being up front and jumping, he's equally happy staying back and riding at a more measured pace. He's been the perfect horse for me, and I look forward to continuing to grow together.
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- Peter R. (MA)
I found Ian after 3 failed attempts to purchase a horse.
From our first phone call, throughout our meetings, Ian took a lot of time to understand my needs as a rider, and what I am looking for in a horse. This is how I found Evan, the best horse I can ask for, calm, brave and funny, willing to learn, a true barn favorite. Although he was pretty young when I got him, he has the temperament of an old soul.
I couldn’t be happier.
-Nily A.(MA)
Before I visited Ian, I explained what I was looking for. He listened carefully, asked questions and then arranged for me to try three horses, each of which had the characteristics I described. I chose Brazen, and I am completely delighted with my horse of a lifetime! He is brilliant, very safe, loves jumping and always tries to do his best.
- Karen M. (MD)
She is my heart horse. I’ve been blessed with lovely horses in the past, but this one is THE one!
-Sarah W. (NY)
I reached out to Ian as I started my search for my next horse. As an experienced, but cautious, adult amateur, I wanted to find a horse that would allow me to continue to ride, have fun, and be safe. After taking the time to find out which qualities in a horse were important to me, Ian sourced my lovely Irish mare, Frankie. Working with Ian, the import process was seamless, and allowed me to proceed with confidence. My mare has been everything that Ian was sure she would be for me and my riding - safe, super smart, and willing.
- Patricia G. (CT)
We couldn't be more grateful for Roo. From the moment he arrived, he's been a blessing - brave, kind, and full of personality. Many thanks to Ian for making this long distance purchase happen. Ian Michaels is professional, transparent and he communicates well. I highly recommend him.
- Joy B. (CA)
I purchased a horse from Ian for an older adult amateur client, there are not enough words to express how loved this horse is in our program! But for those looking to buy for clients or themselves, Ian is honest and his horses are exactly as described. His years of experience both as a rider and a vet paired with his integrity make him someone I would often come back to for sourcing horses.
- Hailey H. (Trainer, NY)
"Buying a horse is about a lot more than writing a check” said Ian to me, a first-time wanna-be horse owner, new to riding at age 69. Ian kindly led me through the thicket of my ignorance, always with immense kindness and patience. And found me my magical partner, Benson The Wonder Horse. There really are no words to express the joy Benson brings me (almost) every day! Priceless. Just priceless.
- Pam J. (CT)
Our expeirience with Equinox Farm has been nothing short of a fairytale. Ian listened, cared and took the time to understand what we needed. Estrella is everything we could have hoped for - beautiful, athletic, sensitive, and incredibly smart. She has bonded deeply with my 14 year old daughter and taken her to the next level as a rider and partner. I would wholeheartedly recommend Equinox farm and Ian to anyone looking for their perfect match, and when the time comes for another horse, there is no question where we'll go. Ian, from the bottom of my heart - thank you.
Amy S. (NJ)
My horse is amazing! 8 years old now, I've had him for 4 years and he loves to hunt where he can lead or follow. He loves to jump, is brave and curious, and always makes me laugh. He has a forever home with me!
- Kimber M. (MD)
I bought 5-year-old Valor, an Irish Cob, from Ian Michael in 2022 to be a first flight hunt horse. Valor has matured into a spectacular hunt horse, as well as anything else x-country. I consider Valor to be my horse of a lifetime and I have recommended Ian to several friends.
- Andy S. (VA)
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Working with Ian was a fantastic experience. He truly understood what I was looking for and found me a perfect match. Callie has exceeded all expectations, and together we’ve had an incredible journey. She introduced me to hunting safely with the hilltoppers, and her talent allowed us to progress to sometime leading first flight just a few years later. Callie is the envy of most everyone in the field and is the barn favorite at every barn we’ve been to.
-Dave D. (NJ)
Ian, using his intuitive skills for matching horse to rider, found me the perfect hunt horse to re-start my riding life after many years away. I purchased Wexford, through Ian, directly from Ireland. This horse has proven to be one of the most wonderful horses I have ever known. An extraordinary hunt-ride for myself and friends as well as a therapy horse, hunter-trials winner and hunter-pace expert. I own many Irish horses and have dealt with many Irish horsesellers and Ian is ultimately my preferred person. His gift for finding that special sparkle is remarkable. I am so grateful to Ian and all he has done for me. I am always interested in who he has in his yard and will surely buy from him again.
- Macy R. (MA)
My horse Bally is lovely, he makes me smile everyday.
Chris P. (MN)
I purchased Casey from Ian 2 years ago and couldn’t be happier! She is sweet, kind and willing to experience new situations. Ian picked the perfect horse for me!
-Cindy L. (IN)
Thanks to Ian and his team I found my perfect partner for fox hunting, eventing and dressage. Ian does a thorough job of matching horse and rider and is extremely honest and easy to work with!
- Victoria T. (PA)
I had such a nice experience purchasing my fox hunting mare from Ian. She was exactly as described—well started, sound, and with a lovely, willing mind. Ian’s professional style and honesty made the process smooth and enjoyable. From my first ride to now, three years later, I couldn’t be happier with my new partner in the field.
- Susan D. (NJ)
Ian is wonderful to work with. He helped us find the perfect match for our daughter moving up from a pony. He was patient with my daughter when she wanted a second visit ensuring she was totally comfortable with her choice of partner.
- Denise G. (MI)
Ian has a gift for sourcing horses with kind, genuine and willing temperments. This is why I have trusted him to find great partners for multiple clients of mine.
- Nancy L. (Trainer, PA)
Ian is great to work with. He is honest and upfront about what type of rider will suit each horse he sells to ensure success.
-Amber M. (Trainer, NJ)
Dr. Michaels has a keen eye for horses - rideable, with a good brain, and quality. He is also great at matching horse and rider. My only regret is I didn’t find his program sooner.
- Amelie M., DVM, DAVDC-Eq (NJ)
"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 H. (CT)
"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 M. (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 B. (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 C. (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 C. (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 C. (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 A. (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 B. (NY)
"Ian was great to work with. He gave an honest assessment and made the purchasing process stress free! Thank you Ian for pairing me up with my forever foxhunter!"
- Donna D. (WV)
"Working with Ian, who was so kind and supportive, was a breath of fresh air. He was patient with me and let me try lots of different horses. Nobody else does that. And then he kept Toby after I bought him to give him a little more time to settle before I brought him home. I am so grateful to Ian for helping me find Toby, my perfect match!"
- Laurie S. (NY)
" I had been looking for an athletic Irish Sport Horse that could become a very competitive eventer and also a top level field hunter, and I found him at Equinox. Ian has good connections in Ireland and seems to consistently find nice athletic horses that are safe, sound and have great attitudes. I also found the buying experience to be transparent, fair and trouble free. "
-Mark T. (VA)
Ian seems to have a knack for matching the right horse and rider. I would recommend anyone looking to purchase a horse to contact Ian. I'm having so much run eventing again with Yogi, an Irish Cob I purchased from Ian. My daughter jumped him the other day and said "No wonder you are always smiling when you ride him - he makes you feel like you are flying!"
- Laura S. (PA)
"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 T. (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 M. (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 C. (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 D. (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 A. (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 S. (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 H. (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 S.
"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 M. (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 G. (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 K., DVM (NY)
"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 B. & Juliet G.(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 A. (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 D. (MA)