Reviews
Over
Thirty Years
of Excellence
In business for over 30 years, we hold our horses—and our service to you—to a premier level of excellence. What began in 1995 as passion for training a single pony has grown into a blessed, full-time family endeavor. Every equine partner is hand-selected and guided through a rigorous, time-tested training program—complete with specialized groundwork, trail exposure, and our signature “retention break”—to ensure they are safe, willing, and finished with crowd-pleasing tricks. We stand firmly behind our horses with one of the best soundness guarantees in the business. Rooted in faith, family, and a commitment to quality, we are dedicated to matching you with a trusted equine partner that your family will cherish for years to come.
Steel
Lance
I bought my draft cross, Lance, from Buckeye Acres Farm two years ago when he was five years old, and he has been an absolute dream. Duane and his team did an exceptional job training him – I have never had a better trained horse.
Lance excels at everything I ask of him: dressage, light jumping, western, and trail riding. He has a great mind and is incredibly reasonable – he doesn’t spook at things that would normally set other horses off. He loads perfectly in the trailer and is happy to load every time. He loves traveling and thrives on the variety of going to shows and events all over. He’s reliable, beautifully trained, and turns heads everywhere we go.
I’m an apprehensive rider due to a serious accident years ago, and Lance has brought me back into the horse scene. I couldn’t be happier – he’s given me my confidence back and made riding a joy again.
A special thank you to Ben, who delivered Lance to me with such care and professionalism. The 2.5-hour drive from Ohio went perfectly, and Lance arrived in excellent condition.
Two years later, Lance continues to be everything I hoped for and more. If you’re looking for a well-trained horse and a team that truly cares about their animals, I can’t recommend Buckeye Acres Farm highly enough. Thank you, Duane and the entire Buckeye Acres team, for connecting me to the horse of a lifetime!
— Julie
Dusty
I am a farm estate manager for a private farm in Virginia. I have seen all the types of dealers, trainers, and backyard horse sellers and, as most know, buying a horse is never the straightforward process everyone hopes it will be.
More often than not, horses are misrepresented, overpriced, masked with drugs, or have hidden trauma. You can find the diamonds in the rough by weeding through ads and going on a wild goose chase for authenticity, or, instead, you can go to Buckeye Acre Farm.
I have been in the industry for 35 years. Rode jumpers, trained reiners, outfitted in the rockies, taught lessons, and had broodmares. I was harnessed with apprehension, well worn and earned, when I walked in to Duane’s barn. “No way these horses are worth what they’re asking” – was all that was in my mind – because lets face it – the market is crazy right now. I was surprised. I was pleased. I was converted. Praise be to honest horseman and hard work, they’ve done the time, they’ve put in the work. and they’ve advertised them truthfully.
The best part? If you go and see that horse you’ve got your eye on, chances are there’s two or three more just like him, but better, that you’ll have to have an inner tug of war over. I guarantee you will find something you like there. You also wont feel that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach – “what have I just done” when you say YES to the BEST horse you’ve seen in a long time.
Yes they are pricey. Yes they are nice ass horses. Yes they stand by their word and promises. Yes they are worth it. We bought three. Dusty, Sunset, and Paddy. The process is seamless, easy, and comforting. Duane for President.
— Tivoli
Rawhide
I am the proud new owner of RAWHIDE! And I couldn’t be more excited about what a perfect fit he appears to be me and my family.
As an older guy, I was looking for an “ ultra-safe” horse. I had previously purchased from one of the popular online auction sites with a horse that I received was “not as billed”, so I was very skeptical and cautious this time around….and I have to say , Duane is the most patient and kind gentleman that loves to talk about horses. He answered ALL my questions (about several of his horses) in a very timely manner via text messaging. He asked all the right questions about me and what I was looking for in a horse, so that he could ensure a good fit – not only for me, but for the horse as well and that really impressed me. Now on to RAWHIDE….. Although I am not NEARLY as good a rider as his trainer (Jeremy), Rawhide was everything he was advertised to be! The sales video that Buckeye Farms put together for Rawhide, was right on the money; they spent a great deal of time showcasing Rawhide’s wonderful temperament, personality and many skills. I have ridden Rawhide in the ring several times and have enjoyed 2 long trail rides, and he was excellent – I felt extremely safe, which was my number one priority. Once I purchased Rawhide and transported him home, I had some general questions about him and his harness. Duane returned my call right away and we had a pleasant 30-minute conversation. Moreover, I am planning on visiting his lodge later this month for a “driving lesson” since Rawhide rides and drives. I very rarely write reviews, but my experience with buying Rawhide was so great – not only with Duane, but with his terrific trainers and staff at Buckeye Acres Farm. I am a VERY satisfied customer!
— Christopher
TT Blue Stormy Badger
I purchased my horse, TT Blue Stormy Badger (Laddy) from Duane Yoder of Buckeye Acre Farms fall 2025. After driving 5 hours (from Canada), I went to visit the farm, meet Duane and see his horses. Duane was extremely patient while I selected 5 horses to trial. After trying them, I selected my favorites and prioritized them for bidding in the Best of The West Auction. It was so refreshing to speak to a horse trainer/seller who takes such pride in his horses. Honest, almost to a fault, Duane will tell you all the details of his horses. He has a very high standard for the temperament of horses allowed into the Buckeye training program. They spends months putting the foundation training on their chosen horses. The end product is a sane, sound mount with a solid foundation. Although only 4yr, Laddy trailered 7 hours like a pro on the way home, willing to graze and drink on route. He settled in his new home barely blinking. We had him out on trail rides his 1st week home and he didn’t put a hoof out of place. Patient and calm for his 1st visit from the farrier, the vet and the saddle fitter. Buckeye horses are not inexpensive, but you are getting a top level safe horse from an honest seller with an impeccable reputation. I will definitely purchase from Duane Yoder of Buckeye Acre Farm in the future.
— Claire
Doc
Duane, Elam and team stand behind their horses and are as up-front and honest as you’ll find. I had visited the farm back in 2022 when searching for my first new mount in 15 years and though I didn’t win the horse I had my eye on that year in Vegas – I knew at some point I’d be a Buckeye buyer. When the time came for my next purchase last Fall – I stopped by their stalls at the Santa Barbara Premier Sale and was greeted with familiarity, kindness and ZERO pressure. After seeing Doc, I knew I needed to bring him home to Northern California.
He has been just as advertised. You can rest assured that you aren’t being sold anything beyond who that horse is and what they can do. The team at Buckeye has continued to be incredibly helpful beyond the purchase with any questions and follow-ups. No need to look any further – buy the horse!
— Tina
Jerry
We had an excellent experience purchasing a horse from Duane and Buckeye Acre Farm. Communication throughout the process was clear, prompt, and straightforward. The horse was exactly as described, with no surprises, and the pre purchase veterinary exam was perfect.
Shipping to Florida was handled smoothly. The driver, Glendon, was outstanding, very professional and accommodating. We are located on a narrow road, and he went out of his way to arrange a different trailer so he could deliver the horse directly to us without issue.
Overall, the experience was seamless from start to finish. Duane and his team were honest, reliable, and easy to work with. We are very pleased and would highly recommend them!!
— Ana
River
I recent bought a horse from Buckeye Acre Farms sight unseen and I could not possibly be happier. It was a wonderful experience working with Duane and his family through the process, they were helpful, friendly and ready to answer any questions I had. The horse I bought ( River ) is exactly everything they said he was. These people are honest in their advertising and really put in the work to produce quality horses. The horse I received from them is quiet, safe, incredibly well trained and an absolute sweetheart. I highly recommend this ranch, if you’re looking for that one in a million horse.
— Natasha
Denali / Loki
I recently purchased two beautiful ponies from Buckeye Acre Farm. I am in my 60s and was looking for healthy, well trained and safe as possible ponies. Buckeye has overwhelmingly fulfilled my wish list with two beautiful ponies of my dreams. It’s wonderful to be part of the Buckeye Acre Farm family. They are honest and always there to help. I very highly recommend looking to Buckeye Acre Farm to find the right horse or pony for you.
— Susan
Max / Nevada
I have sourced two horses from Buckeye Acres for a client that needed super safe family horses. One horse was purchased February 2025, the other November 2025. Both horses have been a pleasure to ride and work with, vetted clean, were completely as advertised, and wonderful additions for my client. The folks at Buckeye are truly the salt of the earth and bent over backwards to accommodate my schedule to view the horses. They also insured all the vet work my client wanted done was completed in a very timely manner. They personally delivered one of the horses and arranged the shipping on the other. Overall a wonderful experience, and I will definitely be coming back to Buckeye if I’m in need of a safe, pretty and well represented horse!
— Mariah
Tango
I bought my horse, sight unseen from the Premier sale in Ocala, March 2025. I have been following Buckeye Acre Farms forever and dreaming of owning one of their horses. I wanted to wait a little before reviewing to make 100% sure but every time I do anything with my horse he is perfect. I have my 2nd heart horse, which I never thought was possible. BUT we are so bonded already. He is so amazing and fun! The work and foundation these fine people put on my horse will always be greatly appreciated. I love knowing I bought my favorite guy from Buckeye and that they are always there if I need them! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
— Kristin