The Journey
The narrow lane was flanked by a tall overgrown hedgerow, giving way, ever so often, to a rusty metal gate offering a glimpse of what lay beyond. We had driven this way many times, but today was different. We were surprised to see thirty or more small black and white mares with foals in one of the hidden fields. Our little car was slipped into reverse and
once stopped we found ourselves face to face with some of the most inquisitive, colourful creatures. They had come to the gate for their own investigation! This moment was the beginning of a journey with the small drafty horse locally known as the Gypsy's coloured ponies whose sole job was to pull the family's living wagon (Vardo) and worldly goods. We had seen them on the verge of the motorways and in the village, but this time our interest was caught by the sheer number present at the gate. Before we had even packed the cottage in preparation to moving back to the States, we were making arrangements to purchase and transport three yearlings.
With over sixty-four year combined working horse experience, one would think enough was enough and so begins a new chapter with a flashy, amiable, hairy horse. A horse we think is worth getting to know and invite you to share the journey
Gabe, Eiri, Aggie & Clara
Links
Much has been written regarding the Gypsy's coloured cobs and is available for those who seek it. Black Forest Shires in Colorado can be found at www.gypsyhorses.com and is an excellent source of information regarding the Gypsy Horses, also known as Irish Tinkers, Gypsy Cobs, Coloured Ponies, and if registered with the GVHS, Gypsy Vanners or simply Vanners.
Be sure to take a look at the following sites:
The Coloured Horse and British Piebald and Skewbald Association
The Irish Cob Society
The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society
The American Gypsy Horse Breed Association
Our web designer & online resource for all things Gypsy Vanner
Don't forget to check out the following:
The Driving Digest
Novareinna
www.novareinna.com/romani//appleby
Gypsy Lore Society
The art/photography of the following professionals is a wonderful way to have your Gypsy without having to feed it.
P.L.Hobbs
www.plhobbs.co.uk
We met Paul while visiting the Lake District in England, and by coincidence, Carol's passions are horses and art and her maiden name is Hobbs. We were drawn into his studio for just a peek, and an hour or more later said our good byes with a promise to stay in touch. Paul creates some beautiful paintings in a realistic style that speaks to the heart.
Born in Yorkshire, England, Phil Hobbs now lives and works in Ambleside in the heart of the English Lake District.
John Hockensmith
www.finearteditions.net
Marji Lexton, photographer
www.marjilexton.com
As you continue your search, you will encounter some old Gypsy Families that have been involved with the development of the horse. The names of Price, the Vine Family, Walker, Conners, Cash and Taylor Families being the most prominent.
Tom Price - www.welshgypsyhorses.com
The Vines Family www.vinesgypsyhorses.com
We want to share some of our favorite sites with you and it is our sincere hope you will take the time to check them out!
Art Horse Magazine
Enjoy the art of Paulina and the wonderful Lipizzan Horses at the Waltzing Horse Farm in New York.
Get Savvy with Parelli principles and enjoy a relationship with your best horse friend!
All Breed Stallion Directory
Equine Journal
Our supplement of choice can be found at Source!
We at CHF believe farming methods of the past and present over time have depleted our soils of the many micro nutrients needed by humans and equines alike. One of the many formulas of Source, as an everyday addition, is highly recommended.
Omega 3 oil on your shopping list? Go to Omega Fields for stabilized ground flax seed...
Check out this all around horse site!
Thank you to Lee Oliver, our trainer, who has stood by us to encourage and teach the fine art of driving, to Julian and Halena, who introduced us to these incredible Gypsy Horses, and especially to Halena, who died in 2005, for being an angel on earth. Thank you one and all!
Good journey and may your days be filled with peace, joy, and buckets of Golden Horse Shoes!
CHF Talbot's Sparky