"EQUINE MATCHMAKING" TESTIMONIALS
Discover your competitive edge through superior horsemanship

6/5/08

Alex & Leon;
Even though I have many more days to be here, wanted to try & tell you how much the experience so far has exceeded every expectation I had. The expectations were great to begin with, but what I am getting out of it, plus the flat out fun each & every day was something I never guessed would be.

Talking to people at home I have used this analogy: Imagine going from Camden SC to Paris.

The challenge for all us lucky people with Leon on the podium is to step up to the plate & try not to let him down in performance. Apparently Leon is unable to say anything remotely negative & boy do I need that influence in my life at this particular time. I have worked with many many teachers, albeit English, a few of which I would consider great in all respects but, I am totally honest when I say I have never experienced anyone with the gift
& ability that Leon possess. There are people who can teach but are not at all horse savvy, some ride, some don't. Then there are those who are classic riders but are unable to impart their knowledge since most of it is sheer "feel" which they can not translate. Leon has it all. On the video I have & in person, I watch his hands which make me think of a surgeon's hands. Beautiful.

The hospitality & camaraderie is unending & I look forward to the remainder of my visit which, without any doubt is only the first in what I truly hope will be a longstanding relationship with both of you.

I won't even touch on my feelings for Flash as that would take another page & with your schedule I doubt you have any time at all for email.

Thank you, thank you,
~ Marilla Van Beuren from Wellington, FL.

Leon is honestly the most effective, and kind trainer I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Working with him for several months straight has put me way ahead of the competition and I have been able to get a behind the scenes look at the man Leon truly is. His honesty, practicality and genuine concern for the horse and rider allows him to match riders with the right horses that not only take the cutter to the pay window, but also keeps the horse sound, happy, and healthy. Working in his barn was such a pleasure because I got to see horses and riders become partners before my very eyes, and then go off to bring home checks at the shows.

Leon matched me with my first show horse, completely within all the specifications I asked for and more specifically, she was within my budget. Leon always has integrity and is attentive to your needs as a rider. I since have sold my mare and I am looking to move up, obviously having Leon help me find another good match. I wouldn't dream of working with anyone else.

~ Jenna Otto
Wyoming

Hi Leon and Alex ,

As you know we love Bodee. Up here, everywhere Ken goes, he is a “super star,” and I tell you no
lie Alex, everytime Ken comes out of the show pen, people come up to him and say what a
nice horse, and we tell everyone how proud we are and who we got him from, if you have anyone
who wants a reference you give them our number.

Ken and Karen Mix
Calgary, Alberta

"In 2004, I attended a Leon Harrel clinic in Pagosa Springs. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It changed my life, and I purchased a horse from him that very weekend. I’ve been extremely pleased with the quarter horse gelding Summer Soda (Pecos) that I purchased from Leon. He’s a great overall ranch horse that can do anything I ask, including sorting hundreds of pairs in one day or a hard week long cattle drive. He’s used for competitive cutting, team roping, sorting, and team penning. And I confidently let my 6 year old grand daughter ride him. Great horse! Thanks Leon!!”

Richard Beal
Santa Fe, New Mexico.

I have had the privilege of attending 3 clinics with Leon Harrel. From my first visit in Temecula and subsequent visits in Bend, Oregon and Calgary Alberta I have been impressed with the level and intensity of instruction from Leon. From novice to experienced rider, beginner cutter to seasoned weekend warrior, the pointers and tips you receive from a master like Leon are second to none.

Leon’s personal touch and patience interacting with students of the sport of cutting are unparalleled to any thing I have experienced. After attending my first clinic with Leon, I purchased one of the horses from the program that he had paired me with. Best investment I could have made and I have received numerous compliments from my peers in the sport here in Canada on how my skills have improved over the past year. I highly recommend to any enthusiast to take advantage of the vast experience Leon has to offer as it will only improve you skills.

Don Smith
Calgary, Alberta

I purchased a wonderful 5 yo gelding from Leon and Alex in 2006, and 3 months later, I went to Las Vegas, won the Amateur Division, and took home a check for $65K after it was all over. Leon was right there every step of the way for me. I have gone on to win many more championships and checks since then with Red, (Million Oaks), and he has been 100% sound and healthy since the day I bought him. I would not hesitate to go through Leon again when the time comes to move up. I enjoy the peace of mind knowing that his genius was behind this perfect match, and I’d trust him to do it again.

Charlie Eade
Yuma, AZ

Terry Randall and "Cat's Curly Kitty"

There is no question that I have one of the best cutting horses around. Kitty has been an absolute joy to own and show. In the past 18 months, we have won many shows and year end awards. This year we did very well at the World Finals and the Western National Championships. Leon and I actually owned Kitty together for a while and then I bought her entirely so that I could start to show her myself. I was not sure that I could handle such a high powered horse, but Leon was very encouraging and helped me to get comfortable on her. He always said we were a good match and that has proven to be true. In the initial purchase and the buyout, Leon made sure that I was fully informed about the horse and the deal. I was treated totally fairly and paid a high, yet, reasonable price for a great mare. I could not be happier with Kitty and with my business dealings with Leon. I have always enjoyed learning from Leon and look forward to maintaining a long relationship with him.

~ Terry Randall