Burkland Farm Established in 1951
Customer Testimonials:
Josh’s calm attitude and kind heart shows through with the work and time he puts into his horses. I sent him an untrained 3 year old colt to be broke to drive and ride . Having had Morgan horses all my life, I was familiar with the Burkland Program. As a teenager I showed a Burkland mare for many years.
When the time came to break the colt, I approached Josh about the task. The colt was a stubborn guy and I knew it would take a patient special person to handle him and I was not disappointed in any way with the outcome. His horses learn to work in basically a natural setting. No fancy heated barn or indoor. They in return are safe to handle for the amateur owner. We showed him several times with great success though the show ring was not what he wanted, it was decided that carriage driving was an area where he would excel and Josh helped in finding a buyer that I am sure is a forever home.
Josh has become one of my most trusted friends. With His help, I purchased a weanling this summer and when the time comes to begin her career, she will be heading back down to Rowley. Her spicy mare attitude will need the patience and time that Josh will put in and for that. There is not anyone else I would trust to begin her career. Thank you Josh and Mel for your friendship, professionalism and devotion to me and my family!
Michael Lapointe , Amherst NH
“ I discovered Burkland Farm and the ‘Noble’ clan while surfing the internet looking for a trainer to start some youngsters, I am 63 now, keep my ponies at home and really have need for that second pair of hands that one needs at times when safely starting ponies and horses to harness. Josh’s comments in a Morgan sales video caught my attention because his words reflected the equine traditional training values that I espouse.
No gimmicks, no get started faster tricks, simply sound individualized equine training practices designed to progressively move the training forward at a pace the animal can absorb ensuring confidence in the animal and a safe driving partner for the owner.
I live in Canada, since meeting Josh and Melanie and Caleb and the rest of the Noble clan I can with certainty send my ponies to Burkland knowing that they will be safe, well fed, well cared for and most importantly, even at a distance, I will remain and integral part of the of my animals training ‘partnership’ and ‘experience’.
I have no problem recommending Burkland Farm and Josh , Melanie and Caleb ( and MacKenzie – future trainer in diapers) to anyone looking to start a young horse or pony to drive or ride – Burkland Farms has become, over the last few years, my new American family……
A. Bruce Collins Nova Scotia, Canada
In December of 2005, I became the lucky owner of a 2 year old Morgan filly, Sweetie, (Burkland Suite Inspiration), a product of the legendary Morgan breeding program of S. Robert Orcutt. It was a memorable day for me when I drove my trailer down to pick her up at Burkland Farm. Dr. Bob signed the registration papers ,
then sealed the deal with a surprisingly strong handshake coming from someone in his 90’s. Sadly by the following April he was gone.
Luckily for me, and many others, Josh Noble, took over the reins at Burkland Farm to carry on his grandfather’s legacy in breeding and showing Morgan Horses.
Just this past summer, I was having some confidence issues with driving Sweetie, who is now 11. Also, I had bought a new cart and needed guidance with that. I reached out to Josh for help. It was the best thing I could have done. Under his careful eye, I regained the confidence I had lost and also learned new skills to help me become a better driver. The problem was never the horse.
We drove Sweetie on the roads and fields where I live in West Newbury and also at Burkland Farm. I even accomplished a goal I had set for this year, to drive her on the carriage trails at Maudslay State Park. We had a lot of fun. I am hoping Sweetie and I can continue to work with Josh this coming Spring and Summer. There is always more to learn.
From my experience, if you want to start a horse, or learn how to drive, or Improve your driving skills, hook up with Josh.
Ellen Alden, West Newbury, MA
Rarely does one find together extraordinary expertise, gentle & effective teaching ability, and fabulouse equine care that so characterizes Burkland Farm in Rowley, MA. Josh, Melanie and Caleb Noble are a gift to any aspiring carriage driver and horse. I am so lucky I trained with them.
Dr. Christy Brooks, Lake Sunapee, NH
Burkland Farm has trained all three of my miniature horses to drive. They come back from training looking and acting awesome and ready to go!! Josh is easy to work with and an excellent horseman.
Ellen, Essex, MA
