TESTIMONIALS PAGE

2011 Stud Season

Archie has passed on all the positives that a mare owner could hope for in a
sire. I first saw Archie as a 3 year old and was so impressed with
everything about him, his lovely temperament and wonderful conformation
stood out a mile. Then I saw him loose jumping and thought 'wow' he will be
an amazing sport horse sire, so I decided to get in early and im so glad I
did!
I now have a wonderful irish sport horse, O' Neil Of Hanstead, My 6 year
old, out of a TB mare by Archie.
O' Neil has inherited that very friendly and trainable temperament. He also
has the lovely rhythmical paces and is very well put together with a kind
eye and handsome head. He jumps beautifully and will tackle anything that is
asked of him. O' Neil currently has 65 BD points. He is a joy to own. Natalie Aldridge's TB mare Tia mare was Archie's first mare in 2004

Hi Rita, just to say how excited we are to have 2 mares currently in foal to Archie. Obvioulsy Qwincie has been difficult but with Archies impecable service and with your extra special help we are looking forward to 2 Amorous foals in 2012. Many Thanks Julia Bilsland

Thank you so much for all your help and advice you gave to use with regard to both of our mares. Coming to visit you and meeting Archie was the best move we made. The whole process was hassle free I cannot thank you enough. Archie is such a sweet heart his temperament his manners and handsome looks. I do hope that our foals inherited all of his qualities. Thank you again for your first class professional service. We look forward to using Archie again in 2012. Sally King and Brian Comb

This has been a new venture for us, we have bred quite a few foals including one by AI but have always taken the mare to stud and left her there for varying lengths of time.
Last year we had all sorts of difficulties with the lorry breaking down and decided to never travel our mares great distances again. We turned to ‘Distance Online Stallion Choosing’ for Daisy.
We started by entering ‘Irish Draught’ into the search engine as our previous foals from our near TB mares that were by stallions with Irish blood have been the best so far.
Archie has the advantage of having a name that begins with A but we did look at all the websites for all the stallions we could find. His excellent website and Facebook page gave us all the information, pictures and videos we could want so we took the plunge and arranged AI with Rita and our vet without ever seeing him in the flesh!
All arrangements worked easily, Daisy took 2nd time of asking and we now await the result due in June next year with great anticipation. Jane Bell

Dear Mrs Jennings, I would like to congratulate you on a most professional service with chilled semen from Archie. It has restored my faith in chilled semen. The box arrived at 8.55am (you had been on the phone checking if it had arrived 5 minutes before) and our vet arrived at 9.00am, as previously arranged. Ian the vet opened the box and looked suprised. "what is wrong" said I. "Nothing is wrong, I am impressed with the packaging and syringes, rather than messy bags, and semen is still well chilled". He wasted no time putting it into the mare and now 16 days later, 9.30am this morning, Ian scanned Earnpark Roisin in foal. As soon as the probe entered the mare up came a large black blob on the screen. Thank you Mrs. Jennings for a successful and stress free event. We now have a very excited Post Lady who cannot believe she delivered a foal in a box! Long may you and Archie continue to offer such a successful service and your commitment to promoting the Breed. Mrs Anne Addams-Williams

Just to say a huge thank you to you and Archie for all your
help during the embryo transfer process. It has been a very exciting
time and thanks to you (and the team at Twemlows) an extremely smooth
process. We searched for so long to find a stallion for our very
special mare, but as soon as well laid eyes on Archie, we knew it had
to be him. He was 'the one'! Thankfully everything is going to plan and
we have now had a confirmed heartbeat scan of Niamh the recipient mare
who is due home to us this week. We were amazed to be told that the
flush and transfer happened on the first and only try and could hardly
believe it. We eagerly await the arrival of our Star/Archie foal and
can't speak highly enough of the service and semen provided to us by
you. Thank you again Rita . We will keep you regularly updated with
news of our embryo transfer pregnancy. From Elaine Bannister and
family.

" We just want to say a huge thank you to Rita for all the help she has
given in getting out Archie baby under way. The service was second to
none,
with Rita always being available to answer any questions we may have had.
The delivery arrived as promised saving us any added stress on the day
it's
self. When we went to see Archie we were made to feel most welcome and it
was lovely to see him so chilled out in his field - a perfect gentleman.
Once again many thanks. Nikki & Sarah Philips."

Thank you for all your help in getting Isobel my 14 year old maiden mare in foal. I couldn't believe my luck when i visited Archie, he really does tick all the boxes having stunning looks, temperament and movement. I did wonder if he was really a stallion as he was so laid back and friendly but no doubts about that now as Isobel was scanned in foal on the first attempt. The vet even commented on Archie's semen saying it was " high quality and lots of it!". I know Minster vets have used Archie several times and they also commented on how easy it was to contact you and the semen always arrived before 9am the following day. Since this is the first time for me and Isobel your advice and professional yet friendly approach has been invaluable. It is very reassuring to know you are always available to answer my questions and give advice. One thing i never worried about was the service i would receive from the Avanti stud as it was obvious from meeting you that you have a passion for breeding and every Archie foal is important to you. A big thank you to yourself and Archie, i hope he realises what a special boy he is! Michaela Nelson

2010 stud season

Willow is fantastic , has a lovely temperament and is so confident, she walks in from the field on the lead rope, has her feet picked up, loves being groomed and insists on being towel dried if she gets wet!! We moved Ella and Willow home on Wednesday . I was very nervous about travelling them, Though I was amazed how wonderful Willow was- she went straight up the ramp not even batting an eyelid, stood on the lorry as if she owned it , had a drink then watched the scenery go by out of the window!! she actually travelled better tham her mum Ella. So she seems like a mini Archie. Then we had to walk down the side of the golf course to get to the field-Ella was prancing and snorting , Willow on the other hand was taking it all in and walking beautifully on the headcollar.Willow has started to move!! in the last two weeks she has come up in front and is moving from the shoulder to get elevation and length of stride, she floats! A couple of show producers have seen her and commented on her 'class', saying she is nicely put together, moves straight as a di and over all has a fantastic temperament. We can see Archie in her and I am on my way to getting my dream, my very own Archie. Mark Brown

The first ever Stallion Showcase GB run by the Light Family of the Brendon Stud was held at Addington Manor Bucks. on the weekend of the 5th and 6th Feb 2011, I was very excited when Archie was invited by Shirley Light to parade . We arrived early on the Sunday morning and made our way to Archie's stable, only to find ourselves stabled next to Samba Hit III and Carousel! who stand at the Touchwood Stud. These where the caliber of horse we would be parading with. 54 horses were present over the two days, with the Showjumpers on the saturday and Dressage horses on the Sunday. Needless to say 'Team Archie' were very nervous all except Archie himself he too busy eating his hay, at the thought of parading along side the 'Big and Famous Boys', but we need not have worried, everyone was so friendly and welcoming, the whole atmosphere was great. Archie ridden by Charlotte Currer rode into the Arena and proceeded to parade to a very attentive crowd, at the end they received a big cheer, I do not mind admitting it did bring a tear to my and the rest of the teams eyes. Archie was a star in the Arena and in his box when at one stage there were about 10 people in his stable with him, and he was still eating his hay. HorseDeals Magazine and Horse Breeders Magazine both did reports on the parade and Archie was one of a few stallions to get a review in both Articles, when you think the amount of lovely stallions that attended this makes me very proud of my Boy. Horse Deals wrote that Archie "stole the spectators Hearts" and Horse Breeders Magazine wrote "Archie has his own fan club from the sound of the cheering in the arena when he came in-and not suprising he is a gorgeous boy, with shedloads of presence, and a lovely type.

Christy is looking really well and Florrie (filly foal) is already up to tricks and running circles around Christy. I am looking forward to seeing how she grows (Florrie) and how much she ends up looking like Archie. Thank you again for letting us use Archie, he is such the perfect Stallion. Iona and Ben Garstang

I have a very gentle laid back ID/ISH that is 15 years old. In the past she has shown a strong maternal instinct so I decided to let her have a foal to see if she could pass on some of her wonderful temperatment.I got a book and as instructed I started looking at stallions.I saw Archie on line and decided to contact Rita. I should have bought a lottery ticket that day as I struck gold because Rita was so helpful and informative. Rita was not 'pushy' but suggested that a visit to Archie might be helpful. After my visit I was even more determined to use Archie for my mare. His attitude, temperament and stunning looks just blew me away. My Ellie took first time (Towcester Vets) but unfortunately lost the foal between 20 and 30 days. She was then inseminated again and her foal is due in May. Rita's help and support has been second to none and she will listen to concerns and queries at any time. Any concerns I had about putting my Ellie in foal at what I thought might be a bit late in life for her were listened to and talked through. Rita is a diamond. I am getting really excited as the time draws near and I am sure when the foal does put in an appearance Rita will share my joy as well. I would recommend this experience to any 1st time 'granny' as long as Rita is there to help and advise. An excellent service, thank you Rita and Archie, thank you so very much. Bonnie Barham and Ellie

We would just like to say thank you for all you have done for us over the last few years. I would just like to say the Archie is at the very top of our list of all time favorite Stallions.I cannot wait for our Archie Baby due 2011, and from here on would like to have at least one foal due by him every year. Archie has it all, presence, substance and movement not forgetting fertility! I am very jealous of you for having the perfect stallion and wish him all the best for his future and look forward to seeing him in action again where ever it may be.It has been so nice on our visits, we have always been made to feel like one of the family and what a great family it is too.We must be due a visit soon, looking forward to the home cooking. Thank you Simon Arnold and Sarah Pulford Simsar Stud

I have a 15 year old mare that I suddenly decided had the right temperament and breeding to breed from.I spoke to my vet Ann Gibbs about it, she scanned my mare and that was it! Ann recommended Avanti Amorous Archie - she said that Rita, his owner could not be more helpful! how right she was, Rita collected within the hour for us, delivery was as promised, by 9am the following morning. Polly has now been scanned in foal with a heartbeat. Rita could not have done more for us and has also offered ongoing support and advise which I can assure you I will need as a first time 'Granny'- thank you so much. Debbie O'Connor and 'Polly'

I have owned my mare since she was weaned, but last year, at six years old she went lame and by spring this year(2010) I had come to realise that it was unlikely she would come fully sound. She has such a lovely gentle nature but is also very intelligent and easy to train, and having watched her develope from a foal I certainly did not want to sell her on with a doubtful future as a 'light hack'. It would have been heartbreaking to put her down, so I began to investigate the possibility of producing a foal from her. In April it was confirmed that her lameness was not genetic and she was cleared for breeding by my vet, so then began the task of chossing a Stallion. I went to see a couple with great credentials, but it turned out that both had lameness issues and I wanted to stay clear of that! I browsed through lots of Stallion listings when Archie caught my eye. I had not considered a pure Irish Draugh, but I did some research on the breed and it seemed that I had been reading about the perfect horse... sound, intelligent, great temperament and easy to keep - no wonder they are the perfect breed for police horses! So it had to be an Irish Draught! I thought it would be sensible to look at a few RID sires, but I have to say none of them came close to Archie in looks and competition record. I had not heard of an Irish Draught excelling at dressage and associated them more with show jumping, so I thought that Archie would be sure to produce a real multi-purpose horse. My husband and I both arranged to see Archie and we were both delighted - I dont think any of his photos, lovely as they are, do him full justice! He has great conformation and movement and as gentle a nature for a Stallion that I have ever seen. In addition his stud fee is very reasonable and Rita is most helpful. I was new to AI and was warned by the vets that sometimes they have a mare ready to inseminate, only to find that the stallion is away competing and unable to provide the semen, so all the preparation is wasted! Rita assured me that during the stud season, that breeding, not competing was her priority and she was true to her word. I decided to take my mare to Towcester Vets whom Rita recommended, and they organised all the semen collection from her, so that there ws nothing for me to worry about at all. My Mare is now expecting her first foal July 2011 and we are all excited to see the new arrival. I can thoroughly recommend Archie and Rita, and all being well, I hope to use their services again in the futures. Naomi Mudie

Dear Rita, Thank you so much for sending the good semen from Archie, first time ever Silver has gone back in foal with a foal at foot (foal at foot colt foal by Archie) Gail and Stephen Payne Hawklands Stud

Thank you for making getting my mare Jenny in foal so hassle free. I cannot wait to show my new addition next year.It was my first time at the breeding game and you helped me so much with your advice and patience, also for being so accommodating with your time, allowing me to collect the semen so that I could get the timing just right, this was vital as my mare was a maiden 20 year old and she took first time, amazing the vets who were blown away with the fertility of Archie's semen! It was a pleasure to deal with you and I hope we can keep in touch? I couldn't recommend Archie enough as a stallion, not only is he such a Handsome Boy but his temperament is out of this world, better than a lot of geldings let alone a stallion.I chose him initially because of his excellent breeding lines both on his dam's side as well as his sire's. After making the first phone call to you I knew that Archie was right for my mare and you were the kind of person I wanted to deal with, friendly and professional.Thank you so much Rita, not forgetting your gorgeous boy Archie. Bridgette Smith. foal due 10th May 2011

"Lets breed a foal" said my best friend,who is also my vet. Questioning the sudden enthusiasm to breed a foal, the responce was -"I have seen an absolutely stunning Irish Draught Stallion, his name is Avanti Amorous Archie and he would be ideal for our Irish Cob mare (Duchess)" I have been fortunate enought to own two pure bred Irish Draughts geldings over the last 25 years, both were lovely horses and very much missed after their passing. The idea of breeding a foal gained momentum and I contacted Archie's lovely owner, Rita Jennings. Admitting to Rita that I was clueless regarding the breeding of horses, she could not have been more helpful. Rita explained the breeding cycle (AI was to be used for Duchess) and took me through all the procedures that would be needed. The next step was to discuss the idea with my Duchess, who is best drescribed as a sensible Irish Cob around 15hh with a fabulous temperament and a leg at each corner, handsome rather than pretty is being polite. No nonsence Duchess came straight into season and I was on my way to meet Archie and Rita. Duchess ws not impressed at being left behind. A very warm welcome awaited me at the Avanti Stud, and Archie is a family member rather than just a stallion at stud, There are no stallion bits and chains here, just a stunning, happy relaxed horse who ambled over to us for a pat. Most horses have a good point or two, But Archie has a full house of good points. He has sustance and quality, he moves straight, up through his shoulder and over his back. He has perfect conformation with excellent length of rein. Factor in his competition record and his outstanding temperament and the result is a perfect horse. Duchess was inseminated the same evening and again the following day and has just had her second scan (heartbeat). Much to our delight she is in foal. Throughout the process Rita has been so helpful and we are looking forward to May 2011. Ann May

We are thrilled that our two RID brood mares that we chose to breed to Archie took first time by frozen semen, they will be the first Archie foals to be born in the USA (in2011) and we can hardly wait! Rita was fantastic to work with which made the whole experience stress free. Being A stallion owner ourselves we understand the importance of offering a great service, good communication and a friendly manner. Manu Forti Farm highly recommends Rita and her lovely stallion, the frozen semen was of excellent quality. Hopefully someday we will meet Archie and Rita in person! Thank you Rita and Archie, Simone and Doug Mackay,Wichita, Kansas,USA

www.manufortifarms.com Home of RID stallion Touch of the Blues

After having to change my plans and go down the AI route, with the age of my mare (16) and the injury she had substained I decided that a high fertily and high quality stallion was important to me. Having been recomended by a reputable dressage trainer (Mr. Edward Johnson) of a local stallion that fitted the bill I went to meet Archie. Words and photos do not do Archie justice and I cannot recommend enough that before making a decision on an Irish Draught stallion that you go and visit Archie and Rita. Not only does he have the most amazing light and correct paces, his behaviour and attitude to life is the most relaxed in a stallion that I have seen. His competition record speaks for itself and the amount of recomendations from breeders, studs and people who have seen him in the flesh are innumberable. On top of this you could not ask for a more helpful stallion owner who has a proper understanding of the mare owner breeding for pleasure, and the next 'star'!. I can only hope that when the little pitter patter of tiny hooves hit the floor next May (2011) that the foal takes his wonderful temperment and attitude to life like Archie. Lauren Larter

On the 14th December 2009, an Irish sport horse colt was born in South Africa, bred from frozen semen from the British bred RID stallion Avanti Amorous Archie. BSH Stud imported the semen from the UK at the end of 2007 and BSH Adventurous is testimony of a long, arduous but successful process of introducing a new bloodline into the very limited Irish Draught gene pool in South Africa.BSH Adventurous was bred from a 13 year old TB mare 'Pardon Gale', and from the moment he was on the ground, he distinguished himself from the other foals we have bred in the last 8 years.Calm and confident, he was quick to rise and drink and easy to lead out the first time. One can read over and over about Archie's temperament being passed on, but seeing it for yourself gives it new meaning. We are very excited about this new addition to Irish Draught Blood in South Africa and Adventurous' arrival has already sparked new interest in other breeders over here. Yvonne Flavell and Isobel Van der Stoep BSH Stud, South Africa

I have been breeding mostly part bred Irish Draughts in New Zealand since Laughtons Legend was imported to NZ from Maggie Spreckley in 1988 and Colmans Touch from Robin and Margaret Cook 1998. More recently I have been looking for different genes to add to our gene pool in NZ when I discovered that Avanti Amorous Archie RID was available by frozen semen and having seen his Sire Crosstown Dancer on an overseas trip I was delighted to be able to use him here. I now have a very nice 2 YO filly which won her class at our Royal Show in Christchurch against some big good looking colts and geldings. The English Judge told me she out moved them all. I have a Laughton mare currently being inseminated so I am awaiting news of her being in foal. Two other mares owned by another breeder, one a pure bred have already had positive foal tests at the same insemination station. Along with another Irish Draught enthusiast here we have been able to purchase Avanti Amorous Archie semen from Rita and will market it next season. We are nearing the end of the breeding season in NZ. It has been a real pleasure and great fun working with Rita via email and everything has run very soomthly. I hope it won't be long before we have several of Archies offspring competing in NZ and maybe increase the fortunes of our eventers in the UK. Best wishes to everyone in the UK who believe in and promote this fabulous breed. Lesley Spence Christchurch NZ ( all 3 mares are in foal)

Thank you for sending such good semen from Avanti Amorous Archie. Our mare was inseminatedon her 3rd day of season, 17 days later scanned in foal,scanned again 10 days later still in foal , great results for a difficult breeder. Thank you for your help. Gail and Stephen Payne of Hawklands Stud.Liver chestnut colt foal

2009 stud season

Thank you very much for the efficient service and hospitatilty over the past 12 months. We currently have a stunning colt foal, son of the proud Diamond Lass and hopefully she is back in foal to Archie. Brian and Debbie Temple of Plum Park Stud.

Very very helpful, a 1st class service, my 1st time using Avanti Amorous Archie and hopefully will use him again. Looking forward to my foal next year. My mare took 1st time of being inseminated at 15 years young and scanned at 14 days and 29 days in foal. Thank You very much for your help. Debbie Budd. Filly foal

"Choosing a Stallion to use on my home-bred mares was the easy bit. Archie's looks, movement and temperament made him the obvious choice. And then it got even easier: great semen, on time, everytime! I was so delighted with the three Archie fillies in 2009, there was NO hesitation in aiming for some more in 2010. Thanks Rita - you and Archie are stars!! " Janet George of Indigo Irish Draughts 1 filly and two colts so far...

"After viewing many Stallions to put to my mare, I was recommended Archie and Rita through a friend - saw him and instantly fell in love and I KNOW it's going to be the perfect foal. Put him to my TB mare who is 15 years old and she took 1st time and stayed in foal - vets were amazed and said Archie had brilliant semen! 1st class service from Rita and I'm so looking forward to my foal next year. I would 110% recommend Archie to ANYONE wanting to put their mare(s) in foal - absolutely amazing horse and same goes for his owner - thank you so much for making my first time such a good experience - Sara and Molly" Miss Sara White . " Spring 2010 My 16 year old TB mare 'Molly' gave birth to a georgous bay filly 'Belle Amore' (just what was ordered) at 370 days. She is a big strong foal who is bold but very laid back and takes everything in her stride. At only 4 days old she was leading in and out from the field like a pro with her headcollar on with no problems at all. Archies laid back attitude to life has certainly come through to her, she is amazing and I could not have asked for more! Perfect, thanks so much Rita and Archie"

Over the course of several months looking for a stallion to put to my filly Willow, I was directed towards Rita and her wonderful Stallion Archie. I made a visit and was really impressed with Archie not only with his presence but with his super temperment and kind nature. Willow has had her 45 day scan and took first time. From start to finish the whole process went like clockwork and thats down to Rita, she is professional, friendly and extremely helpful. Many Thanks Janet Venni

We have just had our second foal by Archie out of our RID mare and they have both got his kind nature, calm temperament and stunning good looks. Rita is a star and could not be more heplful in making the whole process go smoothly. We would not hesitate in recommending Archie to anyone wanting a good solid foal. The only issue is that we are now overstocked but cannot bring ourselves to part with either baby! Thanks Rita Nick and Linda Wain

'I always knew I wanted to use a RID Stallion on my ISH Mare, it was just finding the right one. As soon as I met Archie, his manners, temperament and good looks told me I'd found the one. Being a 1st time breeder, I found Rita's help and advise an absolute godsend! My vets were amazed that she took on the 1st insemination as this was her 1st foal at 13 years of age. I am now the proud owner of a beautiful bay colt, who has Archie's temperament and laid back attitude to life. Thank you Rita and Archie' Jenny Long

In December 2011 Jenny wrote after sending her gelding 'Robbie' to Andrew James for backing;Hi Rita,

Andrew is best money I’ve spent! Attached 2 pics of me hacking out Robbie 3 weeks after arriving at Andrew’s, he’s been such a superstar I’ll probably pick him up Christmas Eve.Just as well he’s not a bit bigger or I may have had a fight to get my horse back! Andrew commented that Archie throws a nice stamp of a horse, with a nice attitude to life and an easy trainable nature with a little bit of attitude which gives him the edge! He’s already popped him over a couple of 2ft logs to see his jump style which apparently looks promising! I’ve got a young girl on the yard who is going to do some dressage and hunter classes this summer so will keep you updated.Bought Horse Deals – love the 2 page spread – makes me want to put my mare back in foal to Archie again next year????............Jenny Long