Godstone Farm - under new management

[Bohemia]

Godstone Farm in Pine Grove, Pa., where several stallions stand including Pure Precision, is under new management as of Feb. 1. Longtime manager Judy Barrett, Pa.'s leading breeder in 2007, has been replaced by Christian Hansen.

Is anybody here familiar with Hansen? He owned Pink Star Equine in Oley, Pa., which burned nearly to the ground in July. I understand he intends to stand Brave Tin Soldier sometime in the near future.

[starlitlaughter]

I have had some experience working with Hansen and it wasn't good. He "managed" Racing Spring Farm near Frederick, MD, and he hired me as a groom/rider for the summer - my last paycheck two months later bounced for nearly $2k and he skipped town, but not before shipping all of the horses off the farm without notifying owners and some that were owned by the farm - took a bit of sleuthing, but all were recovered. There was a big mess left over when that farm went under.

If you google his name, Christian Elsborg Hansen, or Pink Star Stable you come up with a bunch of hits for fraud.

In my experience (and I could tell a lot more stories about my experience working with him) I would caution anyone to really evaluate the situation before becoming involved in any sort of dealings with him. He seems to move from job to job relatively quickly, never staying in one place too long.

[mikec]

Those are mighty strong words. I personally have some mares at Godstone Farm & your comments have me a bit curious. I'm aware that Judy Barrett, whom I love, is leaving and would enjoy more substantive thoughts regarding your post about the new manager.

[starlitlaughter]

Mike, you have a PM.

[da hossman]

I don't know Hanson but have been warned away from him by several people - he apparently owes more than a few people money.

Bad hire - it is easy to check references - eliminates that farm from any consideration for me.

[Bohemia]

From what I understand the owners are "giving him a chance." I guess they will find out in the long run if it was worth it.

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=148403

Then, four months after the fire:

(from the Reading Eagle): Pink Star Equine & Stable LLC to VAE LP, 6048 Oley Turnpike Road, $1,008,733.36

[foxtale]

I dont usually like to comment on these situations, however, I know for a fact that I would be VERY wary of ANY dealings with him... just ask the large sale companies as well...

[mikec]

Well ; I guess I did actually ask for more substantive thoughts huh ? About all I can say is thank you all for the heads up & WOW !

[jspt03]

You guys have only scraped the surface with Hansen.

StarLit - would love to talk to you more. Seems we have a lot in common.

I worked for Hansen for 6 months at his Oley farm, up til the night it burned. I had to take him to the State Labor Law just to get the $1300+ he owed me in payroll. Had a $2000+ payroll check bounce on me.

There is an article for this month's Horse of Del Val everyone may be interested to read up on.

Hansen's scum. Stay away from this creep and every person or farm he tries to bring down with him.

[foxtale]

Just would like to comment again, that I try to stay away from gossip and do know that there are 2 sides to every story. I received a congenial phone call from Mr. Hansen today about my last post on here. I think maybe if anyone has questions about Mr. Hansen, they could make a phone call to him and do their own homework. He seemed to sound open and honest about his affairs, when I bombarded him with many questions. This state is very small from a breeder's point of view, and all of the farms need to stick together. Everyone is entitled to one or 2 mistakes and as far as I can tell, Mr. Hansen has not done anything illegal. I think everyone has had trouble paying their bills at one time or another and been stung in a big way by others that may have affected their own credibility. In this business, everything is a gamble. I would hope that everyone would uphold the American way of justice...innocent until proven guilty. I wish him all of the luck in the world, as long as he stays true to everything he said today, everyone deserves a second chance, but there are a few folks in this business that have had many chances and still NEVER do right.

[jspt03]

I am so sick of this loser asking for pitty from the community. Acting like a giant crying infant and playing the 'pitty poor me' victim role. Are you kidding me?! Listen, your barn doesn't burn to the ground without reason - I'm just sayin'.

Foxtale - I hope for your sake you or your business never fall victim to this guy's scams. Normally I'd agree with you on any other day of the week if it weren't for the last 6 months of my life and what I encountered with this creep.

Yes... innocent until proven guilty Time will only tell.

[foxtale]

jspt03 ... I am sorry for the pain & problems you experienced and I hope NO ONE falls victims to scams...myself included! The law takes time and a lot of red tape and inconvenience, and sometimes the best man does not always win.

[Laurierace]

Judy told me she was in charge through September 1st last time I talked to her. I am going tomorrow to see my mare and foal so I will double check to see if anything has changed.

[jspt03]

I'd be quite annoyed for a working management position to change like that without notice to the clients. Seems rather unprofessional

Something's fishy up there.

[Laurierace]

Judy is still there and handling the foaling. I believe the guy handles everything else. She said she liked working with him and thought he did a good job for what that is worth.