Testimonials
Robin Scovil
As I’m sure many horse owners in the show
circuit (and likely other disciplines as well) can attest
to, the path toward recuperation and recovery for our
most adored creatures can be confusing, misleading,
and often quite expensive. Owning not one, but two,
somewhat fragile mares, I’ve tried just about
every trick in the book to keep them comfortable and
happy (injections, supplements, even underwater treadmills).
After all of that, I can confirm that a good old fashioned
trip to the mountains has proved to be the best remedy,
and both of my experiences at Mimi’s facility
in Roaring Gap were better than I could have imagined.
Chester Bar's lead horseman, Roger, has been working the property
for all his adult life, and his energy and know-how
certainly assured me that my horses would be under fantastic
care during their stay. The sprawling, mineral rich
fields and mountains that compose the pastures there
did wonders for both horses; They developed better ground
manners, a relaxed attitude (my nervous mare even grew
out her former excuse for a forelock!), improved soundness,
and thanks to the hills, my horses were fit and ready
for work upon their return. All of these improvements
really just fortify the point that a horse always will
do well when you let him or her just be a horse, and
that’s what Chester Bar is all about. When their
show days are done, in thanks for all of their great
service to me, I will return them to Mimi to live out
the rest of their days in the tranquility of the blue
ridge mountains.
Larry Robinson
Polo Player/Ex-Hockey
Player
Chester Bar is the only place I would send my
horses because I know they will be well looked after.
This year when we arrived for summer turnout they didn't
get off the trailer and their heads were down eating
that beautiful green grass. If you worry about your
horses like I do this is the place to go.
Peter Orthwein
I have retired 2 of my polo ponies at Chester
Bar Farm. Gus and Invasion
have been well cared for and Mimi regularly sends me
pictures of my happy
retirees. I recommend Chester Bar Farm as a home for
retired polo ponies.
Mike Ferro
Ferro Enterprises, LLC
After years of visiting and using Chester Bar's
services, I can say that the combination of climate,
altitude, topography and unsurpassed attention to detail
makes Chester Bar the nation's premiere horse retirement
and turn-out facility on the East Coast.
Allyn Maix
Choice of Champions
International
When you have a horse that has been a member
of your family, as my mare has been since she was 6,
retiring these precious animals becomes a very serious
thing. There was no question in my mind where my girl
was going, the only place for her was Chester Bar Farm.
This was one of the hardest things for me to do, but
my mare deserved the very best.
As soon as she arrived, Edie was received by the
farm manager Roger Maines. This mild mannered man
puts you at ease right from the first phone call.
"We have your horse, she arrived safely and is in
our barn. She has been drinking water and is munching
on hay. Her eye is a little puffy but dont worry I
will treat it and wash her fly mask. We will keep
you posted". My mare arrived with with an irritated
eye and had just recovered from an ulcer. My vet bills
were in excess of $1,000 and now she is out of my
care. I would have panicked but Roger calmed me and
somehow I just knew it would be okay. Not only did
they have this cleared up in a week but I was kept
informed of all progress!
My biggest concerned was her integrating into the
herd. This is a horse that went to colic surgery from
separation anxiety. So you can just imagine I was
a bit concerned! She arrived, was placed into a barn,
observed and then gently integrated into the pasture
without a hitch. This is a mare who wouldn't last
longer than 2 hours in turn out and would be running
the fence line hysterical to get back into her stall.
The property is more than lovely, the horses have
whatever they need to be well maintained and if there
is anything questionable they bring in the vet without
hesitation. It really is horse heaven.
Retirement without stress and worry is what Chester
Bar Farm offers you and your animal. Within a short
period of time I was told my girl had a boyfriend...
a big lovely 17 hand ex-jumper. I have pictures of
her in the pasture and I call and talk to Roger just
to hear the latest update. What more could an owner
want?
Last but not least, Mimi Gracida, the owner of Chester
Bar Farm, has been involved with horses her entire
life and, like myself, they are her passion. I am
privileged to know her personally and that's why I
entrusted my lovely mare to her. I knew she would
care for her as if she were her own.
Thanks, Mimi, Roger and Chester Bar Farm for peace of
mind and a wonderful home for my mare who just turned
20.
Tiffany Devine
I sent my horse, Jessica, to Chester Bar in
July 2010 for retirement. They treat her like a queen!
She's 25 years old, has liver disease and a hernia,
and she looks better than ever. It's one of the best
decisions I've made for Jessica!
Nat Messinger, MD
A few years ago we retired our horse to Mimi
Gracida's Chester Bar farm where he enjoyed several
months of excellent, loving care, until he died at the
age of 29. We are happy that we were able to make our
beloved horse's last days so pleasant for him.
Mimi and her manager, Roger, saw to his every need
and kept us informed of his status 'til the very end.
We shall always feel grateful to them for the way
treated our horse.
Emily Marschok
I have been fortunate to have sent quite
a few horses to Chester Bar. Some for retirement and some
for rehabilitation. They all have flourished with the
knowledgeable care and wonderful strong grass on the
farm.
Martha Mogren
Manager for Peter
Orthwein
I wouldn't consider sending my beloved polo horses
anywhere but Chester Bar Farm! It is the best place
to rest your tired horses! Great grass and miles of
hills to walk up! I've got two retirerees there and
send our polo string every fall. They come back amazingly
well rested and happy. I have been going there for
over 15 years and am so thankful to Mary and Roger
and Mimi for looking after my horses as if they were
their own!
Bryan Baldwin
Meralex Farm, Brandon,
FL
I have been a client of Chester Bar for over
12 years and have been very pleased by the wonderful
care that they provide for my beloved retired show
hunters and ponies. The farm is beautiful, with large
rolling pastures and the staff is first rate.
Dell Hancock
The horses at Chester Bar always look happy and healthy.
It shouldn't be surprising what with the abundant grass
and nice environment they live in.
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