Testimonials

 

Wilma & Indi

It has been several weeks now since I took my Friesian mare (Indi) home after you started her under saddle.  I have to say I am very pleased with the out come as she is excellent to ride and extremely co operative, there have not been any bouts of bad behaviour and she is very gentle and respectful. I understand that there may be times that she may try me out so I also thank you for your offer to help me at any time that she may choose to become a handful. That gives me a lot of encouragement and helps me to be hopeful for a long lasting relationship with her as I feel she is the horse I want to stick with for the next twenty years.

Indi seems to have a lot of respect and this would indicate to me that you have treated her well and also with respect having taken her gently through the necessary stages of her education. I enjoyed watching you both work with her and also how well she performed for you under saddle, this was a joy to watch and I am glad I have some very fine video of you both working together.

I also want to thank you for the work you did on my Andalusian mare (Valley) who is quite a handful and very arrogant. You have made a big difference in her behaviour which in turn has made her a more pleasurable horse to handle and ride.

Thank you for your offer to help me in times when and if I have any difficulties in the future, it is wonderful to know you are close by to help and I am sure you have not seen the last of me because I look forward to attending your up and coming clinics. I will stay tuned to your web site. Thanks again  Wilma. 

 

Di & Zinger

 

Thank you so much for the wonderful work you did with my 3 year old filly Ziggy.

I am so glad I took an acquaintances recommendation and bought her to you for training. It was  undoubtedly a huge decision. When I was seeking knowledge and advice on what to do with a pony that was thrust upon me, everyone who has ever been involved in anything equine had an opinion. It was sometimes hard to know which way to turn.

I thank both you and Amanda for your wonderful work and I intend to keep you fully informed of Zigs  progress. I am considering buying myself a lovely unbroken Friesian X, and if all goes to plan, I will be bringing her to you for training too.

Thanks again for your knowledge, kindness and compassionate horsemanship.

Nikkela Wood

I cannot speak highly enough of Mark! His training methods were exactly what I wanted to be used on my horse. I didn't want her to be "broken" I wanted her to be started properly.

I bought my 2 1/2 year old Clydesdale filly Jessie back in February 2011. She was previously started in chains as her previous owner was into harness pleasure work. As I was not after her to pull anything I was after a riding horse I choose to get her started again as I wasn't exactly sure of the extent of her previous training so decided it would be best to get her trained by Mark from scratch.

Mark was excellent with her. He listened to her and progressed as she was ready. Horses can become sour so I was happy Mark knew when to push her and when to call it a day so that she was happy and willing to cooperate with him and what he was asking of her.

Mark was more than happy for me to come and visit her and did a great job explaining everything and I could just tell that he was getting through to her and succeeding in her training.

The end result I now have a horse with a great foundation that she will carry on throughout her life. Mark is consistent with his training and instills great manners.

I look forward to follow up lessons with Mark as I think it is important for him to train me to work with my horse that he has worked with himself.

Thanks so much Mark!

Jess & Harmony 2011

I would like to give a big thanks to Mark Jones and Amanda at Marelle Lodge for their fantastic job on re-educating my Appaloosa mare Harmony.  I purchased her in April this year from Tasmania and was told she was broken in. When she arrived to me she was very good to handle on the ground and so sweet natured, she let me bridle her and saddle her up but when i went to get on her for the first time she nearly put me through the stable wall. On the second attempt she let me mount up but wouldn't move forward when asked and had no idea what steering was, she had no mouth at all. I knew Mark was excellent at what he did as I had previously taken my last horse to him, a 17.1hh clydie cross named Chatan(TRex). When i had him at home I couldn't even put a bridle on him, but after taking him to Mark for training, he is now doing show jumping trials at Werribee. 
When Harmony arrived at Mark's, she was very weak in her back legs as she hadn't done anything for the past 18months with her old owners, besides have a foal 6 months before I brought her and that would've added to her weakness. For the first couple of weeks, harmony would sit down like a camel, her back legs would get tired and down she'd go. It scared me at first to hear this but after being told it's just to do with the weakness of the muscles in her back legs and she'll get stronger, I felt better. After 7 weeks with Mark Harmony is a changed girl, she has the softest mouth and is so responsive, she gives to my hands and moves off my legs with just a squeeze. She is much stronger in her back legs and can work easily for over an hour now. I am so pleased with the results and all the time spent with Mark and Amanda has really paid off for me and Harmony. They taught us both alot and I'm looking forward to going back for more lessons and learning some more about western performance.
           THANKS SO MUCH :)

 Jenny & Flame 2011

After years of helping my family  breed arabians I finally bred my first foal a beatiful colt by fame maker out of my shakla kahn mare.  Needless to say he quickly became my pride and joy and believe me nothing is to good for flame.  I decided to qeld him as a four year old and start his saddle career whatever that was going to be, my nine year old already ear marking him as her future horse.  With this in mind came the task of finding someone to break my boy in, someone who would treat him well and not destroy his personality who would not only do the right thing for my horse but who would also produce a horse that both myself and most importantly my daughter would become partners with (if she gets the chance).  After speaking to several people and doing my homework I decided to send him of to see Mark, a decision I have never looked back on.  Not only has Flame turned into an amazing saddle horse but one I know will have a great future in the show ring as well as being an incredible friend to the whole family.  Mark and his faithful side kick Amanda (very tongue in cheek she is his right arm) are amazing, from the moment you arrive you are made to feel welcome and to watch them ride is just awe inspiring.  I am now sending my daughter to Mark for riding lessons as well as her very naughty welsh mountain pony Ricky or affectionately called fat albert by Mark knowing that the dynamic duo will create an amazing horsewomen out of my daughter.

 

  Heidi & Pharaoh 2011

I bought my Beautiful Boy (Pharaoh a 15.3 Clydie Cross) last year in November 2010. He was 4 years old and had been found at a Knackery auction 6 months earlier as a bag of bones by the lady I bought him from. He had already come a long way with the lady by putting weight back on, but the Lady chose to sell him as she had too many horses under work and he was just going to be too much work for her.

I loved him straight away, he was just so sweet and lovely, but he had problems, and I knew I had bitten off more then I could chew. He was bossy, stubborn and didn't understand that I needed space as well. He had also managed to kick me once, not to mention a bit of pigrooting and rearing in there too. Now I was a good horse woman, but that was about 15 years ago. So here I was with a young uneducated horse that had problems and no idea on what I should do, let alone having enough confidence that I could still ride an educated horse.

So I went hunting for help and found Mark via the internet. His philosophy and training methods sounded great, just what I wanted for my Boy. So I called him up and was able to discuss what we both needed. He was great, easy to talk to and understand. So I booked us in.

I went up to visit him after 2 weeks and I couldn't believe my eyes. He had made what I thought was a 100% turn around. He was calm, relaxed, responsive and happy to work. It was a beautiful thing to watch. At this point I realised that I had better have some lessons too just to catch up. So I booked in to have a few lessons on one of their school horses. It was great. Mark was so encouraging and easy to understand, and didn't make me feel silly. All my prior riding knowledge came back to me and Mark gave me some great tips to make things easier and instructed me in what I needed to improve. I must say it was amazing to be back in the saddle again.

When it came time for me to ride and have a lesson on my boy I was ready. He was just amazing. I knew then that I had made the right decision. First in buying my boy, and second, in sending him to Mark and his lovely Staff.

The day after I brought him home I had my first ride alone. All went well and I was so proud of both of us. It felt like we had come miles, improving leaps and bounds.

Thank you so much Mark and Amanda for all the work you have both put in. He is the horse I have been dreaming of for all these years.

 

Rachel and Charm 2010

Until Mum and I sent my beautiful girl Charm to Mark at Marelle Lodge, I always thought no one was really taking me seriously. At 11 years of age, I wanted to ride my 4 year old the right way. We were looking for someone to provide training for not only my horse, it was also about training me to be a better horseperson. And that’s exactly what we got at Marelle Lodge.

Charm was initially broken at age 2 and in September we decided to start the next journey of her education with Mark. I have been riding since age 7 under different instructors and I look back and think that people often confused me with what Mark has taught me so easily. Both Mark and Amanda have taught me more about the frame and collection of riding than anyone I have been coached with before. They have also taught me to keep it black and white: simple message but I didn’t actually know how to do this until I had some lessons with Mark and Amanda.

For my horse I can see her development, which has also helped me as a rider: I never understood until now that she travelled through the bit. Her nose always rooted outward, and she was either forward or resisting pressure all the time. It seems so much clearer now, and I understand my horse’s needs far better. Her carriage has improved and I now know how to give Charm much clearer instructions. She has progressed from a horse that was on a little trail ride with me on her back to a horse in training that has learned to listen and understand what I want from her. I have learned to take control, not allow her to control me.

Charm is happy, well fed, well cared for just like the other horses up at Marelle Lodge, and I have seen Mark and Amanda caring for all the horses as if they were their own.

More than anything else, both Amanda and Mark have encouraged and taught me to have courage and confidence that I can do it, and believe in myself. Mum now also agrees!

I am very happy that we chose Mark to help us, and one thing for sure is that I want to learn so much more from Mark in the future. Thanks Mark & Amanda

Emma & Doc 2010

I was recommended Mark by a few friends who had had amazing results from him in the past and have continued to go up for clinics. Being fairly new to horses I was uncertain of what to expect when taking my dominant quarter horse up for training, but it was definitely the best decision I could have made. I was always made to feel welcome by both Mark and Amanda who are a pleasure to be around and their skills with the horses are amazing. It was great to watch them work with any of the horses.
Mark always made the lessons with my horse fun and never making me feel silly for making a mistake. In contrast, Mark was happier if a mistake was made by either Doc or myself, so as to correct it straight away and learn from the mistake.
Not only did Mark train Doc but he trained me in the use of aids, corrections and rewards in order to continue the amazing results obtained up at the stables when Doc returned home which has so far proved very useful. The patience that they have with the horses is truly amazing. They make sure that all the basics are fully understood before moving onto the next step to obtain the best results with no shortcuts taken.
Doc is now much more responsive and even more of a pleasure to ride. I intend to keep going up to Mark so as to further the bond that he has created between my horse and I. To anyone who is considering sending their horse up for training, you will not regret sending them to Mark and Amanda.
Thanks to both Mark and Amanda and I'm sure I'll see you soon.

Kate, Peter & Flash 2010

Two years ago we started looking for the perfect trainer to break our boy in after being in the black Saturday fires. Flash was definitely one scared horse. Choosing Mark and Amanda to break and educate Flash was the best choice we could have made, the way they work with the horses and their amazing techniques are an absolute pleasure to watch. The horses are broken in the most softest way possible, the patience Mark has is amazing and I have never seen anyone work with horses the way they do. Flash is now one of the most responsive horses I have ever ridden and is an absolute pleasure to be around. Thank you so much Mark, Amanda and Family for all the time you put into Flash and myself.

 Luciano & Dozer 2010

Mark I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your outstanding service, patience, time, attention to detail and your back up service with re-starting and re-training Dozer.
A 4 yo 17 HH Arabian Warmblood potential Dressage Star, who was a dominant and unruly youngster that had not learnt boundaries and limitations.
Not only did you attend to my particular needs and Dozer, but the rapport we built in the process was great.
Dozer is coming along extremely well and hopefully 'Dressage with The Stars' in 2011 is a real possibility now.
I was at my wits end with this very talented but headstrong youngster. How lucky can you be? I stumbled across Mark on the Internet and was very impressed with the information available for me to peruse and also other client's testimonials. So I gave Mark a call and after our chat I thought, if Dozer was ever going to come to the party this was the guy to sort our problems out. I sat on it for a couple a weeks. During this time we had a couple more phone chats and emails. So I decided this was the man for Dozer.
How refreshing to come across someone who is up front, understands you and works with you and your horse to achieve a positive result. Down to earth, generous and extremely knowledgeable - a real Horseman and nice guy.
I certainly would recommend Mark Jones to anyone who has a difficult and or tricky horse, or needs a horse started or trained to ring Mark and have a chat as I did, you won't be disappointed.
Thank you once again Mark.

Luciano D'Elia
FEI Dressage Rider , Coach, Judge and Instructor.
Wallan, VIctoria.

 Rachel & Emeniece (Emma) 2010

Simply Amazing!

My horse frightened me, and I'm sure I was terrifying her. Her whole body would tremble and her eyes would bludge, we had become a dangerous combination, I knew it was only a matter of time before one of us became seriously injured. Riding her was like riding a camel on roller skates head in the air a leg in every other direction, and that was at a walk, we didn't dare trot and goodness don't mention the C word. This was not going to work in with the dream that I had of eventing and dressage days. 

I came across Mark's website and gave him a call. The rest is glorious history (I say glowing with pride. This was a good decision) within weeks Mark had developed a line of communication and trust with her and she was blossoming. She was working in frame and in self carriage. Words can not explain how beautiful she is to ride, it's how you would imagine the perfect horse would be; light, responsive, a pure pleasure. I sometimes feel she is to good for me to ride.

Lessons with Mark and Amanda taught me how to correct our mistakes and how to reward her.

My horse and I are now a safe combination, we have a clear line of communication and she trusts me.

Thanks Mark and Amanda, you saved us both, we now love being in each others company.

You will not regret sending your horse to Mark. Mark is a horse enhancer. Your horse's own personality will develop, they won't be beaten. If you want your horse to reach its  true potenital, be a pure pleasure to ride and simply amazing, send your horse to Mark - it will be the best equine investment you ever make.

Thanks again

Ania & Gally 2010

 I am an eventing rider. Well-respected eventing coaches have labelled me as a "keen" and "gutsy" rider.  My ambition is to get to the very top in my sport.  I have been riding for over 20 years, I was having regular lessons with a dressage coach, but I felt I was getting very little improvement in my horses.  Furthermore, their behaviour on the ground was getting rapidly worse.  When I raised this issue with my coach, she brushed me off with "Just get on with it!"

When I bought my new 6 year old thoroughbred, things went from mediocre to tragic.  So I came to Mark for help. Mark had previously broken in a horse for me and also taught me how to prevent my thoroughbred mare rearing.  So I had faith that he could fix Gally's problems too.  When I arrived at Mark's with the horse, Mark asked what he needed to fix. I had to be honest - well, the only thing this horse doesn't do, is he doesn't rear.

Mark's approach is gentle, firm, fun and full of rewards.  Horses learn to respect him, but not fear him.  Horses learn to work with him and that he can be trusted, because Mark makes it black and white for them. When a horse does the right thing, it is rewarded. When a horse does the wrong thing, it is encouraged to do the right thing through gentle methods.

Mark's approach is step by step, he builds a solid foundation and only when the horse understands the principles does Mark progress to the next step.  Mark rewards them for every "try". Horses feel comfortable in this environment and they want to think and learn.

Mark also involves the rider, as all horses need to go home at some point and be ridden by their rider. He is keen for the rider to start being involved as soon and as much as possible.  Mark makes lessons fun for both horse and rider and teaches the rider how to work with their particular horse - step by step.

Gally has now finished his education with Mark and has come home.  He still has the same character, but now has manners and is a much nicer and safer horse to ride. Gally sometimes has to be reminded that I am the boss - but Mark has given me some gentle tools that really work. I now feel confident, safe and in control, both around and aboard my horse.  I now feel that I can train this horse to go out and compete and I am confident that when we do go out to compete, it will actually be "fun".

Thanks a Million Mark, I'll see you soon for more lessons!!

Larissa & Merlin 2010

I bought a new horse, he was a 17.3hh Warmblood and was quite green. I felt confident when I rode him before I bought him and we were going smoothly with everything on track. We were going to pony club, out with friends and everything was going great. Slowly he started to show signs of bad behaviour that gradually got worse with time, so we sent him for some training for a period of 5 weeks. He came back and we seemed to be back on track. But as time moved on he developed even worse habits, bucking, kicking out and refusing to move. We got other people to ride him but no one could get on top of his problems. After spending lots and lots of money, we thought that the only thing left to do was to move him on. But I loved him so much I couldn’t bring myself to sell him. Finally someone recommended Mark to us. We gave him a call and sure enough Merlin was going to Mark's within the next week! Our first lesson was only after one week of him being in training and already the improvement was amazing! So I continued having lessons and with each lesson the improvement progressed. 

On the last day before we took him home, Mark held a Horsemanship Clinic. We went through lots of groundwork and great techniques on showing your horse that you’re the boss. We then continued with this through our riding. I found the clinic very informative and enjoyable.

Merlin has been home for 2 weeks now, we're riding him 3-4 times a week and even had our first competition together. Merlin has completely transformed, it feels like riding a different horse! We go through daily groundwork and Mark's techniques while riding. I now have a horse that is very respectful of me and I feel safe to be around him. But I know none of this could have been possible if it wasn’t for the help of Mark and his assistant Amanda. I thank them heaps for the amazing amount of help that that gave me through the weeks of his re-training.