Jeff Lutes 
Radio Network Owner
 

 
My husband and I came to Standfast Arabians in February 2007.  I had owned and shown Arabians in the past but had been out of the "horsie world" for nearly five years.  I was anxious to return to riding but wanted to make sure that my experience would a pleasant and encouraging one.

I remembered hearing the name Terri Braithwaite from my past show days so I "Googled" her on the Internet.  Standfast Arabians popped up and I made the telephone call that would return me to a world I both loved and missed. 

My first conversation with Terri was encouraging and inviting.  She very kindly allowed me to ramble on about my past experiences and in her own quiet way, determined what I was looking for and how she could meet my needs.  My husband had very little previous riding experience, so I wanted his introduction to the Arabian breed to be a positive one. 

Terri has an incredible knack for matching a horse and rider.  We talked about what my goals were and put a game plan into play on how I would set about to accomplish them.  I was matched with a horse that has both developed and challenged my riding skills and who I am continuing to learn from each time I ride. 

I was most impressed by the positive atmosphere in which to train and show.  The coaching and mentoring which Terri provides instills a great amount of confidence in each of her horses and riders, and is tailored to suit the individual.  It was an awesome experience to return to the show ring knowing that help was never any further away than ringside! 

The other thing that really struck me about the farm was how warm and friendly the people were and how much they all love their horses.  I was welcomed and accepted immediately and have made many wonderful friends in my short time at Standfast Arabians.  I was so surprised (and impressed!) to see many of my fellow riders from the barn come out and support those of us who were showing, even though they themselves were not.  It was just so wonderful to have so many helping hands and encouraging people to cheer us on - an amazing experience! 

I cannot begin to thank Terri enough for all that she has done and continues to do for me as a rider and (hopefully soon) horse owner.  Her love for the animal, the breed and her constant desire to reach higher and farther, are a constant source of inspiration to all her students and boarders.  Her parents play a very integral part of her journey and it is inspiring to see a family share a love for something they are all so committed to - it is rare in this day and age. 

My husband and I look forward to a long and happy relationship with Terri, her family, her boarders and her horses.  I count it a privilege to ride under her expert instruction and look forward to wherever the road may take us.

Faye Lutes
 

I highly recommend Standfast Farm and Terri and to anyone who is looking for an excellent boarding facility, a capable riding instructor, a superior horse trainer or a reputable person to find a horse that’s just right for them.  I can say this with confidence because I’ve experienced all of these things at Standfast Farm over the years I’ve been there.

When I first met Terri, about 20 years ago, she was in her mid teens and I was in my 30s.  I needed a place to board my half-thoroughbred mare.  A friend recommended Standfast Farm.  I’m very thankful she did. 

My mare had just come back to me after a 2 year lease.  Unfortunately, she had developed some major behaviour problems while she was away.  I was an intermediate rider with over 15 years of English instruction (flat, jumping, dressage).  I loved to study and I thought I knew quite a bit about horses.  I soon discovered that Katie’s problems were beyond my abilities to correct.  In fact, she was beginning to frighten me.

I’d gone hacking with Terri and watched her schooling her family’s Arabians.  It was very apparent to me that, although she was less than half my age, Terri was a much better rider and more knowledgeable about horses than I would ever be.  Once my ego recovered from this blow, I enlisted her help.  Thanks to Terri’s patience and expertise, I had many more years of enjoyment riding Katie

The Braithwaites took great care in choosing their foundation stallion, Three B Kazim, and the other stallions that have come after him.  Terri, Glenice and Glen explained to me that they research the bloodlines very carefully. They want to breed quality performance horses with great temperaments, as well as beauty.

I was very impressed with the spirit, intelligence and gentleness of Kazim.  He passed these qualities on to his offspring.  I watched them mature into people-friendly, sensible horses.  I told everyone that my next horse was going to be “a Kazim baby that was Terri trained”.  This way I’d be sure get the horse of my dreams!  I wouldn’t settle for anything less.... and I didn’t!

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Ever since my 7 year olds first riding lesson with Terri, she was almost hooked.  The idea of spending time helping out at the stables and riding horses sounded great!  Until a horse pooped!  Terri said, “There is your first job.”  Jessie found out very quickly that she wasn’t kidding.  Jessie’s eyes were wide open as she realized it was not all fun and games.  Terri is highly respected and is a huge role model in her life.  Terri has instilled responsibility, hard work, dedication and the meaning of striving for a quality of excellence.  Through superior training and much blood, sweat and tears of consistent, positive direction given effortlessly and endlessly by Terri, Jessie, now eleven, shows her appreciation for being given this wonderful opportunity through sharing the same passion.  She is now hooked for life.

I sometimes think Terri has a horseshoe up her butt because how many people actually get to live their dreams.  As a parent, I would like to thank Terri for honestly having Jessie’s best interests at heart.

Sincerely your friend for life,
Cheryl Mersereau