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Geoff and Candy purchased Zen in Ireland less than 2 years ago and Candy has produced him for Eventing. Although Candy had not evented since 1995 watching her son Oliver going up though the levels in British Eventing the attraction was too great. Zen’s first event was the beginning of 2013 and by June he had a 2nd place which qualified us for Badminton Grassroots regional finals BE90 In August we competed at the regionals at Chilham and came 6th which then Qualified us for the finals at Badminton 2014.
This was the most amazing experience and great fun and a whole team effort from the Martin Family Geoff chef d'equipe, mentor and just keeping Candy’s head focused. Oliver head groom, lorry organiser and brilliant help with fitness work and encouragement. Also a great thank you to Chris Moyce British Show Jumping Coach.
Zen was a star did the most brilliant test a 6 year old could have done in those conditions, then a clear show jumping and an amazing clear inside the time cross country took us to 2nd place being the youngest horse in the competition.
Mounted prize giving in front of Badminton house and a cup for being the best over 40 rider was just amazing and the a press conference and to top it all our friends that we bought Zen from came over from Ireland to watch.
A great achievement for Martins Irish Horses
Thank you to all our friends for your support at Badminton it was much appreciated.
Lux Zen
and
Candida Martin
The Presentation at Badminton House
Candy and Geoff Martin have both loved and been involved with horses and ponies ever since they were children. They set up their Irish Horse business over 14 years.
Candy is a well qualified professional having reached advanced levels of eventing and dressage up to the Prix St George (International Federation for Equestrian Sports)and, as a BHS II riding instructor, (British Horse Society) has taught for over 20 years.
Geoff has a real sixth sense when it comes to understanding the temperaments of horses and ponies - a skill which comes in very useful when choosing just the right animal for future owners.
Candy and Geoff are particularly drawn to Irish horses and ponies who tend to have a wider and more varied experience, often including hunting. They also tend to be more sensible and less highly strung than some other breeds. The Martins' two main Irish suppliers have become firm family friends and over the years have come to understand exactly what kinds of horses and ponies Candy and Geoff are looking for.
The Martins run a caring family business where their horses and ponies are well looked after. They always have a small selection of superb animals with great looks and lovely temperaments with over 90% of them having been checked by vets in Ireland before coming into the country. All the horses and ponies are tried in schooling, show jumping, cross country and local competitions, hacking alone or in company and in road traffic.
Candy and Geoff enjoy a well earned reputation for their straightforward and honest approach to business: if they have told you that the animal you are coming to see is a 6 year old 14.2hh bay gelding with hunting experience in Ireland, SJ, XC, super looking with a lovely attitude, that is exactly the pony that will be in the stables when you come to see it.
The Martins cater for all riders - from children (all levels) to non competitive and competitive adults who wish to enjoy ponies and horses in hacking, hunting, affiliated and beyond.
This is our son Oliver Eventing one of our ponies purchased in Ireland, Ollie took Codie from just broken to Novice level BE and pony trials in 2 years and then unfortunately grew out of him.
Ollie is now eventing some of the horses we have purchased in Ireland
Oliver is competing our horses up to BE Novice level and has recently passed his Pony Club A test with Distinction and the BHS PTT so is now qualified and insured to teach all aspect of flat work and jumping.
Candy and Geoff have many testimonials from delighted owners, to view click on the testimonial link.
There are excellent trial facilities available on the premises and all potential buyers are encouraged to try any horse without obligation. There is a fenced sand school with show jumps, hacking, horses and ponies can be tried on the road to assess their behavior in traffic.
