Complaint Review: Katherine & Michael Smith - Dixie Horseman Transport - Shire Farms

in August of 2004 I bought a horse from Katherine & Michael Smith,trading as Dixie Horseman Transport. The mare was represented as being totally child/husband safe,push button w/show & jumping experience that could be ridden Western or English. I was told she was 7 years old.It took almost 3 weeks for her to be delivered from NC & I live in Virginia-about 4 hours away.

I kept getting one excuse after another for the delays.

When I threatened further action, I got a call & my mare was delivered 2 days later. She arrived filthy, w/ numerous bad cuts that were in various stages of healing, her hooves were horribly long, which caused her to trip while walking & hadn't been tended in a very long time.

She had obviousy been abused as she has trust issues & has issues w/ her face & head being touched. She was NOT child/husband safe at all. The first time I rode her, she reared up on me.

She needed LOTS of work & time to regain trust of humans. I lost her Coggins & attempted to get Katherine to send me another one after talking to her but she never sent me one, so I doubt it was a legit Coggins to begin with.

I had my vet do one so I'd know it was legit.

When my vet checked her teeth, I was told my mare was betwen 10 & 11 years old,not 7 as I was told. My husband & son can't ride her unless I ride her first & tire her out. I will keep her & show her that the human hand can be a loving one so that she never has to endure abuse & neglect again.

The Smiths need to be held accountable for what they have done & continue to do to this day!

Anne
Chesapeake, Virginia
U.S.A.