Testimonials |
Marissa Elliott
I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I rode for many years when I was young but life got busy and my dreams had to make way for reality. The passion never waned however and this year, after having two wonderful babies in two years and trading my professional life for motherhood, my husband wisely observed that I would need to fulfill myself going forward and would be all the better at my new job if I remembered to be a person as well as a mom.
Enter Chrislar. I stumbled on it almost at random and I honestly can’t believe my luck. To say I recommend this farm would be a gross understatement. I challenge anyone to find the equal of Chrislar in any way - staff, facility, horses and even clientele all have this way of making you feel like you were born to ride. They quite literally ‘had me at hello’, Vicky making me feel comfortable and welcome from the very first phone call. I could spend an entire page just raving about Vicky as instructor. I’ve watched her with the small children and it makes me want to bring my two year old up for a ride as I know how well looked after she would be. Vicky has the unique ability to really cater to the individual needs of students and to understand not only their riding goals but how they will best learn and grow as human beings. She quickly realized I am an intense person with the propensity to take myself too seriously and so she makes me laugh while challenging and teaching me in the same moment. As a teacher myself, I know how rare a gift this is. Now that I’ve progressed to group lessons, I have made new friends with women who, like me, have learned the value of taking time for themselves and know there is no better environment in which to do it. I would like to thank Chris and Vicky and everyone ( including the fabulous horses) I have crossed paths with at Chrislar. You are responsible for the radiant face I come home with after each ride that my husband refers to as “priceless”. Thank you for a dream come true. Joan McDevitt, Sales Manager, Horsemen's Yankee Pedlar "Your ears must have been burning yesterday. I was sitting with a client of mine going over some ideas for her advertising. (Nancy Ciesluk of Cerulean Farm in Millis) I was telling her about you and what a wonderful ambassador of the Morgan breed you are and over-all great (horse) person. So here I am, going on and on about you when she gets up from the kitchen table and walks over to the counter and comes back with your business card! She told me how kind and supportive you were at the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Equine Advisory Committee meeting. What more can I say.......a friend in need is a friend indeed. I'm telling you Chris, they're going to have to erect a statue for you one of these days." A note from Angie & Keith Haenel, Bedford, NH 
Rachel Berry How do you spell FUN? Well, in my dictionary it is spelled CHRISLAR! My daughter Melissa and I have been riding at Chrislar Farm since 2004. Chris, Larry and their talented staff have made our time spent at their facility some of the most positive and rewarding riding and showing experiences ever! The staff takes time to individualize lessons enabling students to achieve their goals and encourages them all to participate in activities ... everyone feels "at home". We are encouraged to ride and progress at our own ability and comfort level and have never been rushed. The lesson horses are "top notch" for any level rider. Although we don't have a horse of our own, we have had the opportunity to ride and lease many different horses, creating unique experiences for both of us, and challenging me. We have been invited to participate in such events as horse shows and the Fidelity Jumper Classic where I rode Chris's Friesian in Fantasy Costume to thousands of spectators. My daughter has flourished under the direction of the Chislar Staff, becoming a confident, happy young lady both in and out of the saddle. I couldn't think of a better place to spend our free time, sharing our horse interests with everyone there. Thank you Chrislar for creating such a happy, supportive and FUN place for us all!!! |
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Kevin Solimine
Kevin has been a loyal client and close Friend of Chris & Larry since 1978 when he responded to a Chrislar ad to purchase his first horse. "The friendship we have kept over the years is like Family. We all support and help one another in and out of the show ring. I have had the opportunity and have enjoyed taking an active part in the growth of the Farm and my own growth with horses over the years. Of course, I always remember Chris telling me that the first horse you purchase won't be the only horse you’ll ever own." Kevin has competed successfully Nationally in the Harness Division at major shows for many years and has made many friends across the country along the way as a result of the show ring experience. Kevin enjoys helping out at the Farm and helping students with their horses and THEIR HOMEWORK!!! |
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Norma Gibney How do you measure success? Each person has their own concept of this. My idea would be to try something that at once seemed impossible and have it become a reality. Not too many people achieve this, but I have! Am I lucky? yes and no! I am lucky in that I just happened to land at Chrislar Farm while looking to take my first formal lesson. At the same time, it wasn't luck that steered me to a wonderfully intelligent, kind and beautiful horse. It wasn't luck that I went from local shows to the A Circuit all in one year. These triumphs that I have found were under the direction of Chrislar Farm! By the time I realized, gee these people really know what they are doing, I was arriving at a Regional Show in Syracuse NY! The sharp eye for the rider/horse pairing that seems second nature to Chris Cassenti took me here. Her wisdom and observations and training skills are now apparent to me! Am I lucky? No, It wasn't luck! The staff is awesome too. All of them. I have come in to Chrislar to find my boy, clipped, healthy, shod, exercised, blanketed, and happy! They have done all of this and I never had to ask and they do it as well! The staff mixes the direction with other fun events like Costume Class, Winter Tournaments, and this year a Disney Themed presentation for all to enjoy. In my travels this year, I have met many people who let me know I am in good hands, that both Chris and Larry and the whole staff have their hearts in their work and fire in their bellies! That's what I mean when my triumphs weren't from luck, but from a sincere team determined to make my experience with them a winning situation! Oh Yeah and by the way, this first year showing my boy Johnny (whom Chis paired me with) I won the USEF HOTY REG 1 Morgan Hunter Pleasure Amateur Champ. To Chris and Larry, I say thank you and to all the staff I also say thanks for making my dreams come true! |
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Ann and Pete Smith of Triagn Farm Morgans in Ocala, Florida say: "We purchased our first Morgan from Chris in 1982 and we now operate a modest Morgan breeding farm. It was this introduction to Morgans that opened all doors for me and with continued Chrislar support/ consultation and a lifetime friendship. The infectious spirit at Chrislar invades your whole life experience. Not only do they care for your and your horse at horse shows, they insure that you are "enjoying" this thing called "Horse Show Fever"! At Chrislar Farm, everyone seems to have this addiction and just can’t wait for the next show or next show season!" |
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Janis and Charles Jenkins, whose
daughter Katelyn started in the lesson program years ago
and who purchased a Morgan Horse from Chrislar, are most impressed with the meticulous
care and upkeep of the barn and horses.
"Chris and Larry have always encouraged us to take on new challenges
and try new things"
While Katelyn competes regularly at the Major Morgan Shows across the country,
her mom Janis enjoys heading up the "Rising Stars Morgan Youth Group" at the
farm and Chuck enjoys working around the farm with Larry. The entire
Jenkins Family is totally involved in Farm activities and enjoys the extended family!!
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A renewal of Life and Friendship (from Camille Lovasco):
Dear Chris, Larry, Staff, Clients, Students AND OF COURSE, all the horses at Chrislar Farm: There are times in life when a devastating loss can turn your whole world upside down and it becomes very difficult to find peace and happiness within each day. I feel compelled to let you all know what a major role you have played in helping me achieve the goal of renewing my life. Chris, I am so truly grateful that we were able to reconnect this past year, thanks to our mutual friend Patti. It has been so exciting to get caught up on our lives from many years ago to now. You know how much I observe and what I continue to see over and over, is the professionalism that is displayed whether I am watching Chrislar Staff at a horse show, training different level horses at the farm, the care given to each horse, or the instructors giving lessons (including getting me back in the saddle again), is remarkable. Everyone has what it takes to make it successful and also enjoyable. You all go the extra mile!!! I absolutely love watching the smiles on the students faces, from the youngest on up to us further along in years. I always knew horses were healing, but; just as important, are the horse people associated with them. I extend a heartfelt thank you to all for allowing me to be a part of the "Chrislar" extended family. I can’t even put into words the joy and happiness I experience when I am there. I wish everyone continued success. When you do the best you possibly can, then success comes with it! To all who feel as I do, and those who would like to, "Ride baby ride." Camille Lovasco Georgetown, MA |
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Chrislar donated a signed and numbered UVM Valcour Peter Stone Model to the NEMHA silent auction. Joyce Libby, the winner, was so excited and let Chris know Valcour would be proudly displayed... I want to share with you that I am now the proud owner of #333!!! He will be displayed proudly in my home on a mantle, on my wall made specifically for him. Along side of him in a frame will be the facts on the model which you sent along with him. Thank you for your generous donation. Being a Morgan lover myself I am so proud to own this. | |
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