At SPS Farm, we are especially proud of our long term relationships with our boarders and vendors.  They have graciously agreed to share their thoughts on SPS with you.

Beth Dunn and her horse, Kraft, have been boarders for 8 years
"I've been in horses for over 38 years and am very particular about facilities and care having been at some top stables.  I found SPS in the spring of 2000.  I was impressed from the outset with the immaculate facility, exquisitely maintained arenas with correct footing, and most of all with the genuine interest in the well-being of the horse evidenced by Carl and Fran. Unlike many boarding facilities, SPS always puts the well fare of the horses in their care first.  It provides an adult environment conducive to the positive progression of both horse and rider.  I can't imagine being anywhere else.  If anyone has questions about the SPS experience, I would love to tell them about mine!"

                                                                               Beth Dunn - ecdunn@greenville.k12.sc.us

About Beth - Beth is a senior-level IT manager currently working with the school district.  She has been riding and competing for many years in hunters, jumpers, eventing and now dressage.  She has been a coach, trainer and clinician in the Greenville area and in Augusta/Aiken for several years, and is now focusing on bringing her Trakenher gelding, Kraft, along in dressage.

Rowena Sim and her horses, Reino and Elora Daenan have been boarders for 7 years
"I moved my Friesian mare, Reino, to SPS Farm in July 2001 and it was the best thing I ever did for her.  The barn and surrounding environments are clean and kept that way.  Fran and Carl have all the horses' health and well-being as their primary concern.  Each horse's feed and supplements are individualized to what is necessary to maintain their condition.  Fran and Carl are also very quick to notice when anything is wrong with each of the horses, so you and your veterinarian are notified immediately.  When I brought Reino to SPS she was overweight, but now she is in the best condition ever and she's 19 year's old!  Because of the great care Reino receives, I did not hesitate to bring a second horse to board at SPS Farm.

From the human perspective, it provides a mature adult environment in which the rider can concentrate on her performance and interaction with her horse.  You can develop your riding skills at your own pace and in your own timeframe.  So whether you are a casual rider or a serious competitive rider, I do not think you can do any better for yourself or your horse than coming to SPS Farm.  I know that for me and my horses, I would not consider any other place.

About Ro - Ro is a recently retired general surgeon in Easley.  Her husband, Joel, is an anesthesiologist in Spartanburg.  Ro began riding in 1997, ultimately choosing dressage as her discipline and purchased Reino, a lovely black Friesian mare.  After a bout with lameness, Ro purchased Elora, and continued her training in dressage.  Reino is now fully recovered and is being ridden and competed by Carl.  Please feel free to email me if you have any questions about SPS Farm."

                                                                             Rowena R. Sim, MD - rrsim@hughes.net

Nicole DeMarco and her horse Romeo boarded for nearly a year

"I was a novice horse owner.  I had a green horse and Fran and Carl spent so much time making sure I and my horse were going to be safe.  They were always ready to help when I asked.  I never had to worry about the safety of my horse since they were very proactive in letting me know if they suspected there may be a problem.  Boarding my horse was a very special treat due to the unbelievable grounds.  They have amazing stalls, dressage ring, a huge arena and even a pool for me to use.  It was special for me and my Romeo.  I know anyone who is thinking about staying and boarding at SPS Farm will be very happy."

Morgan Curry and her horse, Buster, boarded for 4 years

"Carl and Fran have made an enormous impact on my life.  I have known them for about 10 years.  I started taking riding lessons when I was eight until I was about 12 when we moved my horse over to our house from their barn.  Fran taught me the fundamentals of taking care of a horse and how to get around them on the ground before I was ever allowed to start riding.  I worked off and on volunteering at their barn during the time we were boarding and for several years afterward. 

Watching my brother win powerlifting championships under Carl's coaching, I decided that I wanted to do that as well.  I was nine when I won my first national championship and set three world records.  Carl was such a wonderfully knowledgeable trainer and instilled discipline while being a passionate, but not overly intense coach.  I told my mom a few months ago that if my own father passed before I married, I would want Carl to walk me down the aisle.  Carl and Fran mean the absolute world to me and my family."

Ada and Drake Curry, Curry and Associates, CPA

"We've known Carl and Fran for over 10 years.  Our youngest daughter, Morgan, was very interested in horses and Fran was just the trainer for the job.  With much time spent and great lessons,  we owe Fran so much.  Fran instilled knowledge, wisdom, and genuine love for horses into her training ability and passed it on to our daughter.

Our son, Drake, had an interest in weight lifting and little did we know that it would give him the confidence he was missing.  What a joy it was to watch a boy afraid to try things, turn into a young man that blossomed in strength and confidence in himself.  Carl Summers became a great friend to our entire family, but even a greater figure to our son.  Time, time, time was spent in Carl's weight room.  Drake's character was molded.  He liked himself and grew to love the competition to become strong and to be the best he could be.  Carl took Drake to winning the Jr. Olympics twice, the World Championships and the national and state championships two or three times.  The friendship, trust and support of Carl made him a very important man in our son's eyes.  Today, Drake is a sergeant in the U.S. Army and just finished a 15 month tour in Iraq.  Now home on leave, he is spending time in Carl's gym until time to return to active duty.

Our family would say that there is no greater people to adopt in your lives other than Fran Pole and Carl Summers.