How did Courtney help you find a horse that was truly the right match for you?
With the luxury of being in Ireland and trying many horses at many stables, and even going to see some that were at the local shows, Dana had the time to really feel each horse.. and learn a lot along the way. Her confidence improved, her riding improved, and she was able to judge a nice quality horse with a lot of support from the team! Some Courtney ruled out right away.. she listened to them jog! Some our trainer who was with us ruled out. Dana sat on many!! Courtney did all the legwork to make the trip easy.. lodging was arranged, dinners organized, driving routes mapped out, schedules planned.

Tell us about your horse—what made you choose them, and what do you love most?
Harper has a kind soul and a great brain. He loves to jump, took to cross country like a duck to water and even excels in the dressage ring. Eventing is complicated and the horse/rider partnership was most important to us. The first time we saw Harper under saddle we saw how genuine he was. We watched him being ridden and Dana said “I have to sit on that one”. You know that special feeling that everyone talks about when you know something is right.. Yeah, that happened! 30 horses by that time in our travels she knew he was special. We asked to take him cross country schooling and at 5 he had never done that before. He loved every minute of it, hopping up banks, down banks, logs, water.. everything they had there. We knew then that he had to come home with us.

What have you and your horse accomplished together so far?
Harper was 5 when we imported him. and having been an accomplished show jumper, needed some training in cross country and needed to be introduced to the dressage arena. They started at Beginner Novice and Dana eventually worked her way with him to run him at Modified at all sorts of venues in both Area 2 and 3. She ran him twice at the Waredaca Classic 3 Day event. That was a true highlight for both her riding him and me grooming for them. She won “best conditioned horse” on him the first year that she rode him there! I have taken over the ride and have been eventing at the intro level with several dressage shows to add some variety. I tend to have show nerves, but he doesn’t mind at all. He is such a steady eddy. He is so chill anywhere he goes and always knows that is job is to take care of me.

What are your future goals as a team?
Future goals for Harper and me… after a colic surgery we have spent a lot of time doing rehab and conditioning work with him.. I have spent many hours guiding him through stall rest. But he has been the perfect patient. He was so genuine that I could manage him on every outing without a shank or being drugged. He is that levelheaded. I have enjoyed bringing him along and feeling him getting stronger every day. Future goals are to dance around in the dressage arena! I am fortunate now to be riding under the guidance of Missy Ransehousen and Sharon Best at Blue Hill Farm and am having the time of my life with this wonderful horse. He really loves to jump so we will play with that for fun but I’m more suited to the flatwork now. I love learning a lot and am enjoying discovering all the buttons that Harper has!

What has being part of Courtney’s program or community meant to you?
It’s fun to watch the leaderboard and see the other Excel Stars succeed.

Any advice you’d give to someone considering working with Courtney to find their next partner?
If you have the time and resources, I would highly recommend that you go with Courtney to Ireland to search for your next horse! We saw many quality horses and learned a lot through the entire process. It was surely the trip of a lifetime and an experience with my daughter that I treasure greatly!

Thank you, Debbie, Dana (and Harper!), for sharing your journey. From finding “the one” in Ireland to growing together through training, showing, and recovery, your story is a beautiful reminder that the best horses aren’t just talented—they’re the ones who take care of us, teach us, and make every ride feel special. We’re so happy to have you as part of the Excel Star family!

Every horse shopping journey looks a little different, but sometimes the right partner finds you when you least expect it. For Lauren Sumner, the search for her next horse came at a pivotal moment in her riding career—and even while recovering from surgery, she trusted the process and took a leap of faith. That leap led her to Duke, a talented young Irish Sport Horse whose kind heart and star quality shine brighter with every ride.

What led you to choose Courtney when it came time to find your next horse?
My family and I chose Courtney because she has been a reputable and successful broker of horses of all types and levels. It’s not easy to be successful to that level and length of time in this industry with sales. And while we had not worked together before, I felt very confident in picking her to help us with what would be our biggest investment yet into my personal horse and career. Whether it’s success you see online, or the horses you see at competition, it’s very clear she sources exceptional horses.

How did Courtney help you find a horse that was truly the right match for you?
Initially, my mom Stephanie was the one to reach out to Courtney about possible young horses. She sent us videos and information on a few, based on my needs. We were very unfamiliar with how the whole process would work, and what to even look for in an Irish horse to be honest. I’ve grown up with Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds. We did want something with Thoroughbred blood, and not super large. I am petite and better suited to a smaller and sporty type. I think she really hit the nail on the head with Duke based on the information we gave her. Because I was laid up at the time from ACL and meniscus surgery. We bought him off video as I was still on crutches. That’s a lot of faith to put into someone, when you can’t sit on the horse yourself. But the timing was right for us and we’re very grateful he’s turned out to be the best match!

Tell us about your horse—what made you choose them, and what do you love most?
Ultimately, I fell in love with Duke’s videos. I liked how uphill he was, seemed more petite (although he’s grown!), and his free jump video was incredible! I’ve also always loved a dark horse with two hind socks. He and my other horse have matching stars and hind socks. So they’re very cute traveling to competitions together! I don’t know too much about warmblood breeding. I was aware that Diarado (his grand sire) is a very sought after line. I mostly went with my gut based on videos and pictures. I’ve had a lot of luck buying great Thoroughbreds sight unseen, so I was ready to pull the trigger!

Once I had him in my barn, it was a dream come true. When I was finally able to ride, I swung a leg over and he was perfect. Besides how talented he is, I love most that he is safe and kind. He loves a good cuddle. And he loves to play in the water. I enjoy letting him be a baby, play in the creeks on our hacks, and help him though all his new adventures and experiences. I have been enjoying these formative years building a partnership with him.

What have you and your horse accomplished together so far?
This year Duke and I have really settled into our partnership. He has won several events in the past year. And most recently he moved up to Novice and won his second attempt at Seneca Valley Pony Club Horse Trials. We are most looking forward to the 5 year old Championships in October. This will be a new experience for me and I’m very proud and grateful for the opportunity!

What are your future goals as a team?
My future goals are to continue building a great partnership with Duke. I have competition goals, but I think they are secondary to the trust and experience you build with a young horse. I believe he is capable in helping me achieve my dreams at the upper levels. But I’m also very happy to listen to him and let him tell me what pace he needs and what he enjoys most! My goal is also to continue developing my own skill as a horsewomen and trainer. I’ve learned a lot transitioning to producing a warmblood when my previous experience was in Thoroughbreds. It’s a much different process and I’m growing with him. And I hope to represent the Excel Star brand in a positive light with our partnership!

What has being part of Courtney’s program or community meant to you?
The best part of purchasing from Courtney is how amenable and accessible she made the process for my family. My mom, grandma and myself have worked very hard to create an opportunity like this. And she made the process easy! I also love that I’ve been able to take lessons and get advice in helping produce Duke. I wanted to be sure I’m doing right by him as he would be my first Irish Sport Horse. I have really enjoyed my lessons with Courtney, not only in helping me with Duke. But I’ve also been able to get help with my Advanced horse Pepe, who is full Thoroughbred.

Any advice you’d give to someone considering working with Courtney to find their next partner?
My advice would be to DO IT! If you have the opportunity to purchase a horse from Ireland, or from her program, you should feel confident you will get what you expect. If I could, I would buy a dozen more! But I am more than happy with my one little Irish Horse.

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your story. Watching your partnership with Duke unfold has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to cheer you on as you head to the 5-Year-Old Championships and beyond. Here’s to many more adventures, blue ribbons, and creek splashes together!

What led you to choose Courtney when it came time to find your next horse?
My trainer had connections with Courtney in the past and a few people in my horse circle had used her to find their horses, all with nothing but great things to say. I was a little nervous about having someone I’d never met horse shop for me, but these personal recommendations and Courtney’s guarantee encouraged me to pull the trigger.

How did Courtney help you find a horse that was truly the right match for you?
After speaking with both myself and my trainer about my experience, needs, and wants, and watching videos of my riding, Courtney headed off to Ireland to scope things out. I had a very limited budget but an open mind and few “hard no’s”; Courtney was receptive to it all. The process was VERY fast once things got going, but quite “white glove,” in the sense that there was guidance provided at every step. Courtney and her team made sure I felt comfortable the whole time, keeping in constant contact via text and always being available for questions (and I mean always!). She amazingly ended up sending me 5–6 horses that could’ve fit the bill. I knew when I saw Flynn that he was my top choice, but when Courtney voiced how much she loved horses in that line (and had personal experience with several of them), I was sold!

Tell us about your horse—what made you choose them, and what do you love about them most?
I knew it would be Flynn within the first 6 seconds of seeing him on video. Obviously, based my decision on more than just that, but I was attracted to his refined build, soft eye, and light self-carriage (although not so much the grey part, TBH). I’m a game and talented (but petite) rider, and knew I needed a horse that wouldn’t be too huge or heavy. He seemed perfect—so willing and smart, never questioning anything in the ring or on XC. That’s honestly Flynn’s star quality: his brain. He’s always thinking, inquisitive, wanting to know “what’s next”… definitely the easiest youngster I’ve ever been on. As an added bonus, he has the most fun personality and truly loves being around people. And as for the grey part? He’s turning out to be a horse of MANY colors, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

What have you and your horse accomplished together so far?
Oh my! Well, 4 months after he arrived stateside he and I competed in the West Coast Young Event Horse qualifier at Twin River—his first show—and placed 3rd, qualifying us for the Championships in October. A huge accomplishment, especially when we were so new in our partnership and I was an amateur rider amongst several pros.

What are your future goals as a team?
We’re definitely going to do YEH again next year (for 5-year-olds) and a few other shows. The hardest part is going to be taking it slow; he’s just SO game and willing! At some point I’d love to take him Prelim (or maybe higher). I’ve been riding most of my life but only started eventing 4 years ago, having competed up to some Training level so far. I feel like he’s a horse that can take me further.

What has being part of Courtney’s program or community meant to you?
I feel somewhat star-struck to have an Excel Star horse when I see ALL the Excel Star names out there, literally excelling in every aspect of the horse world. Courtney’s ongoing enthusiasm and support for everyone in her community is incredible. It’s not just about the sale; she’s there for the long haul. Courtney even went out of her way to call and congratulate me right after I qualified for the YEH Championships—you can’t beat that kind of support!

Any advice you’d give to someone considering working with Courtney to find their next partner?
Don’t be afraid to let someone else buy a horse for you without you seeing it in person. You can trust Courtney to find you your perfect match—just be honest with yourself and with her about what you really need and want. And if for some reason it’s not a match made in heaven, Courtney will keep searching until she finds The One.

Thank you, Lauren, for sharing your experience with us. Your trust in the process and your excitement for the future with Flynn are inspiring. We can’t wait to watch this talented young horse grow with you—and cheer you both on for many milestones to come!

At Excel Star Sporthorses, finding the right horse isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about building lasting partnerships, both horse and human. In this month’s Owner Spotlight, we’re highlighting one of the many riders who has turned to Courtney Cooper not just once, but twice, to find their perfect partner. What keeps people coming back? A mix of expertise, intuition, and a community that cheers you on.

What led you to choose Courtney when it came time to find your next horse?
Excel Star Lyrical is actually the second horse that I have purchased from Courtney. I used to live in Pennsylvania, where Courtney was already well known for selling quality consignment horses. That was before she began importing from Ireland. My first horse from her, Valley of Knowledge, was a young Thoroughbred she had brought along herself. When I started my latest horse search in early 2025, I saw one of her posts about a new import and made plans to visit Aiken, SC. Since we already knew each other, it was an easy yes.

How did Courtney help you find a horse that was truly the right match for you?
Funnily enough, I didn’t buy the horse I originally came to try—both times! But Courtney knows riders and horses so well that she suggested a different one, and both times she was spot on. She just gets my riding ability and preferences.

Tell us about your horse—what made you choose them, and what do you love most?
As an adult amateur, trying a new horse—especially a young one—is always a little intimidating. But my trainer, Jon Holling, saw the connection right away. We had two days to try her: flatwork and jumping on day one, then cross-country in damp, chilly weather on day two. She was a complete professional. That kind of brain at just five years old? We said yes before leaving.

What have you and your horse accomplished together so far?
Excel Star Lyrical, aka Starfish, arrived in Ocala in late February 2025. Just three weeks later, we competed in our first Novice horse trial, finishing on our dressage score. Two more Novice events followed, both also double-clear. In May, we moved up to Training level, and she handled the step up beautifully. One rail at each show—and always trying her heart out.

What are your future goals as a team?
I’d love to make it to the 2* level. That’s my personal ceiling, but I have no doubt that Starfish could go further with my trainer. She’s brave, smart, and willing. I have to keep reminding myself—she’s only five!

What has being part of Courtney’s program or community meant to you?
Courtney has built a real program—and a real community. Her updates, encouragement, and the Excel Star name help all of us feel connected. Whether at a show or online, it’s easy to spot the horses she’s helped bring into the spotlight.

Any advice you’d give to someone considering working with Courtney to find their next partner?
Keep an open mind. The horse you think you want might not be the one that’s truly right for you. And don’t let age scare you off—my five-year-old has been the best surprise.

At Excel Star Sporthorses, you’re never just buying a horse—you’re joining a team that wants to see you succeed. Whether you’re a first-timer or a returning client, Courtney’s commitment to her horses and riders is clear: she’s here to help make the right match, and she stands behind every one.

Interested in becoming part of the Excel Star story? You just might find your Starfish too.