5.0 Stars - 190 Reviews
I, Charlotte, started Dartmoor Carriages in 2019 and have loved every step of our little journey so far. I have had a passion for horses from a young age, helped and encouraged by my parents and others along the way. Making a dream and passion into a reality has been amazing. Ever since opening in 2019, I have developed ideas and diversified to be able to cater for all and to keep going through times such as covid. I feel I have a very well established business that has touched many people in a positive and happy way.
Charlotte will always strive to put the horses first along with her clients, offering high-quality and unique experiences with exceptional customer service. Always wanting to improve the business, look out for the ever expanding offerings Dartmoor Carriages keep diversifying with.
Missy hasn’t always been called ‘Missy’; she was bought as ‘Mistral.’ How I came about buying Missy was a bit of a fluke, I booked my eldest sister a carriage driving experience for her birthday and Missy happened to be spotted. She didn’t look like much in the stable and my sister thought she was okay but not great. I instantly knew I wanted her, chatted to the lady and made the decision to buy her.
Being only young and needing feeding up, she was quite boisterous and loved her food. I got her back to the yard and started with her straight away. After a few baths, a couple of weeks in, she looked so different. The training began.
I taught her to lunge and long line in the school – with and without a bit. We then took to the road in her bridle, just walking in hand. She took everything in her stride. This pony trusted me, and we bonded pretty quickly, although she still forgot her manners at times.
The next year, after being turned away for winter, we started back into work again, and she went to lots of in hand shows (and did very well). Then it was time to put the big girl pants on and back her to ride. It was the easiest thing ever! She was riding away within a few weeks and then we were off. I continued to long line and lunge. And then we pulled the tyre and pallets behind. She took it all on board, but was handy with her back legs.
I got her so far with the pulling, but I needed some specialist knowledge to know if she would go in a carriage. Mark Broadbent at Fenix Carriages to the rescue. We spent an afternoon with Mark, and Missy stayed for a few days. When she returned home she had grown and matured – which sounds silly as only a few days had passed, but she had changed and accepted that her back legs had to stay put.
I continued working with her and popped her in the cart. Away we went and haven’t looked back!
Missy is a moody-looking mare, but she is loving and trusting. I’ve never known a mare work so hard and enjoy it as much as she does.
Best find to date!
