Complaint Review: Troika Drafts - Hebron Maine

I feel that Vicki and Frank certainly do know what they are doing. I volunteered at their farm in exchange for training in how to care for a shire draft. Since the age of 10, I have had dressage training and have been around numerous breeds of horses. I am presently, 61, and I do not ride anymore, but I have been to a lot of horse farms and seen, how the horses were trained,cared for,feed and watered, but most importantly how various barns and stalls were kept clean. In my very close observation while volunteering at Troika Farm, both Vicki and Frank kept their barn meticulously. Each open straight stall was cleaned out almost after every horse defecated. Each enclosed stall was also kept immaculate, consequently there were little to no flies in the barn. It was such a pleasure to be at the farm and Vicki and Frank did everything they could to educate me about Shire horses. The first day I arrived, I had never been near horses than were bigger than 16 or 17 hands high. I was amazed how big these animals were. I always because of my riding training knew my way how to handle myself around horses and how not to spook them. Well, on that first introduction to the Shires at Troika, Vicki brought me out into their biggest field, which but the way was void of wet and muddy areas. As we entered the field, all the Shires started to trot right up to us. I have to say that I did start to get a little nervous because I had never had a group of large horses run towards me in an open field. As the horses got up to us they stopped and gently came up to us so I could pet each one. 2 yearlings came up to me and one was a filly and the other a colt. They took their heads and nuzzled right under my arm pit and just loved being cuddled.

I was so impressed with their breeding program and I was lucky enough to see several colts and fillys a couple of days after they were born. Frank and Vicki have the most magnificent stallion stud. The stallion's father was shired in England. He was a mega champion of English Shires. I only wish that I still lived on my farm in Livermore, Me just so I could go visit the farm and see some of my favorites.

I moved from Maine in 2004 to a much smaller home. We had 60 acres in Maine which was a lot of grass to mow. I hope if Vicki or Frank get to see my note that I just want to express how much I appreciated their professionalism and their caring and friendship. I wish them both nothing but the best life has to offer with all their beautiful horses.

Also in closing, Frank and Vicki brought a small few of neglected shires that people had owned but for one reason or another the horses were underfed and neglected. I saw how Frank and Vicki took care of these horses and brought them back to excellent health and weight.

One thing about Troika Farms is no horse goes hungry of thirsty. The horses got all the food and fresh water they could handle all days. I know because one of my duties in getting to know how to care for them was to give them plenty of hay,grain in the morning, and lots of fresh water. My tasks with these very well cared for horses was nothing but pure joy. It will be one of the best memories of my life.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Mynahan