Gypsy World Tenth anniversary special Edition

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 1 World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 2 copyright RatCat Creative From the Editor Gypsy Horse World Official publication of the GHRA I am so excited that I was asked to do this magazine. I think it is important to understand where we have P. O. Box 1861 La Porte, TX 77572 come from so we will know where we are going. (281) 471-4472 www.gypsyhorseregistryofamerica.org My heart and the last 10 years of my life have been dedicating to preserving, in my opinion, the world’s finest * breed of . I have owned, trained and worked with horses all my life. I have worked for five different registries, and I feel it was all training for me to preserve this breed. I pass the torch on to others I Editor know will strive to maintain the integrity of the Gypsy Horse. Jan Easter [email protected] Line Editor – Jan Easter Angie Richardson [email protected] * Features Masthead Art and Website History of the Gypsy Horse...... Page 4 Allison Alvino and Ryan McGovern On The Cover ...... Page 5 [email protected] History of the GHRA...... Pages 6, 7, 10 *

Merit Awards Champions 2004-2011...... Pages 11 - 14 Registrar Meritorious Service Awards 2004-2011...... Page 14 Jeanne Schlenk [email protected]

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Advertisers Index Directors 4C’s Gypsy Horses ...... Cover Region 1 George “Bud” Hartmann Starfire Gypsy Horses ...... Inside Cover [email protected] GHRA ...... Centerfold Region 2 Pam Barthel - [email protected] Gypsy Dance Ranch ...... Inside Cover Region 3 Aunique Ranch ...... Back Cover Position open and up for triennial election Region 4 Marsha McDonald’s artwork is highly publicized and adorns collections throughout the United States and foreign countries. Bobby Schlenk- [email protected] Magazines, greeting-card companies and even tile makers have purchased reproduction rights for her paintings, and her Region 5 animal portraits have graced many publications’ covers. She has been the subject of feature articles in magazines and breed Jeff Bartko - [email protected] Region 6 journals. Her pencil drawings are included in the book, “The Complete Book of Equine Drawing,” by Dr. Marilyn Todd-Dan- Gail DeMarco - [email protected] iels. The artist has exhibited her work in shows and galleries. up for triennial election McDonald is equally accomplished at painting other animals. She loves painting dogs almost as much as horses. From time to Region 7 time she enjoys painting wildlife, landscapes and still lifes. For commission information and to see more of the artist’s work, Carol Smettem-Minson please visit her Website at: [email protected]

www.marshamcdonald.com [email protected] *

Advertising On the Cover Cover front $350 Back cover $300 A painting of 4C’s mare CDF Miss Daisy by artist Marsha McDonald Centerfold $500 Inside front or back cover $275 4C’s Gypsy Horses is located in Blanchard, Oklahoma, and is Full page $200 1/2 page $100 a family-owned and -run farm. We are the largest owners and Classified $35 breeders of Gypsy Horses in Oklahoma. Our children and The Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc., is a tax-exempt, not for profit, educational organization, and IRS 501(c) (3). The in- grandchildren play an integral part of working with and taking clusion of advertisements in Gypsy Horse World does not in any care of our horses, so this is truly a family farm. We strive to way imply endorsement or approval by GHRA of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or its services. The GHRA breed Traditional Proper Cobs and to keep the Gypsy ’s does not assume any liability or responsibility for the contents of any of the advertising or for the quality of any products or heritage untouched. At 4C’s we welcome all visitors and love services advertised. GHRA’s liability for errors or omissions in sharing our horses with others. advertisements shall be limited to the cost of advertising space in an amount equal to the erroneous advertisement. Notwith- standing the foregoing, GHRA shall have no liability for and no 4C’s Gypsy Horses credit shall be issued to Advertiser for errors that do not materi- ally affect the value of the advertisement or where Advertiser is 2441 CR 1335, Blanchard, OK 73010 responsible for the error or omission. The advertisements and (405) 485-2988 (405) 306-2273 articles in this magazine are only the opinion of the author of the article or advertiser, not the opinion of the GHRA, Gypsy Horse www.4csgypsyhorses.com E-mail: [email protected] World Magazine or the printer. Publishing of ads or articles does Owners: Randy and Brenda Hearon not imply sponsorship or endorsement. Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 3 History of the Gypsy Horse You will see the horses referred to as Cobs the strength and temperament to pull the or Gypsy Cobs. Cob is what they are called Travelers’ caravan homes with powerful in the UK, where the breed originated. But, ease and confidence. The Dell and Fell although they have draft blood in their influences give the Gypsy Horse lineage, Gypsy Cob Horses are not draft surefootedness, stamina, economical use of horses. In the UK a is a Shire, forage and the smaller, more easily handled Clydesdale or ; you would find size that makes this breed so unique. The these breeds working in the field, pulling a temperament and the hairy coat of these The Gypsy Horse’s brilliant coat pattern, flying plow or harrow. The Cob, on the other , horses are also part of this breed’s uniqueness. and tail, heavy bone and abundant leg is what you would have seen on UK roads We sometimes laughingly call them “The feather make it the most exciting new breed before automobiles, being driven to take the horses in the footy pajamas.” to be introduced to this country. But what is a family to church, run errands, do shopping Gypsy Horse, and where did it come from? or carry doctors on their rounds. Cobs are The Gypsy Horse was originally bred by thickset and well built, but do not resemble the Romany or Gypsy people of the United a cart horse. Like the Welsh Cob, the Gypsy Kingdom and . The Gypsy people, Cob has more ‘action’ than the draft horse; the Rom, were a nomadic race that had the Gypsy Cob moves differently because the traditionally kept no permanent residence to movement required to drive on the road is call home. Their ornately decorated caravans different from that needed to work heavy clay were painted and embellished with gold leaf and logged fields. to display their wealth, but of course the most The Gypsy Cob was a symbol of quality and important (and the first) thing you noticed richness, of good horse flesh. Today the Gypsy Horse is used in a variety of was the Gypsy Horse pulling that van. This The Gypsy Cob got its name because the unusual horse, trotting in its flashy manner, disciplines. Whether your interest is riding, Gypsies bred a medium to heavy weight , , jumping or even working bringing the Gypsy’s wealth of home and 14.2hh Cob horse for its color and . family down the road, is the result of years cattle, a Gypsy Horse could be just the equine But the Gypsy Horse did not acquire its for you. of breeding for temperament, movement, magnificent coloration until the late 19th economical upkeep and gorgeous, almost and early 20th century. When the United In order to be registered, a Gypsy Horse must fairy-tale looks. Kingdom was embroiled in war, the English meet the registration requirements outlined When Gypsies drove their caravans into a government conscripted solid color horses for in our rulebook and be DNA tested by the village their children would sing and dance the field of battle. This meant the government University of Kentucky; markers are kept and play around the caravans, running back could take the Gypsy’s horse away. But in an information bank to preserve each and forth under the horses and collecting the the British government didn’t want horses horse’s background and prove parentage for coins thrown by the delighted crowds. The that would stand out on the field of battle, generations to come. All mature Gypsy Horse had to remain calm and aware so the Gypsies shrewdly introduced the must have a Breeding Qualification of the children and so was bred for kindness, pinto coloration to the breed. Solid-color Certificate completed by a veterinarian docility and patience — “babysitting” Gypsy Horses can still be found today, but and filed before any resulting foals or foals abilities. It was not uncommon to see children predominantly are a 50/50 balance of black from future breedings will be considered climbing all over the Gypsy Horse as he and white pinto coloration. for registration. These requirements help to patiently awaited his master’s direction. ensure a correct foundation for the breed in this country. A Gypsy typically left the campsite early in the morning, his horse trotting merrily An associate membership for non-Gypsy along, only to stop just after midday to start Horse owners is available from our registry, setting up camp for the next evening. The the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc., Gypsy Horse was then tied out to graze by and will help support the educational and the campsite on the side of the road. Unlike promotional work the Registry maintains. most breeds heavily influenced with draft We welcome you to join our association and blood, the Gypsy Horse is an “easy keeper,” enjoy the benefits of membership, including intentionally bred to live off the forage on the a quarterly magazine to keep you updated on side of the lane. happenings in the Gypsy Horse Registry of The Gypsy Horse is powerful and compact America, Inc. with an overall impression of intelligence, kindness, strength and agility. Medium to Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. heavy boned, the horse is well proportioned P. O. Box 1861 La Porte, TX 77572 and balanced with ample muscle and (281) 471-4472 abundant hair and feathering. The Gypsy www.gypsyhorseregistryofamerica.org. Horse’s heavy bone and muscling, from a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, educational the Clydesdale and Shire influence, give it organization IRS 501(c)(3)

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 4 ON THE COVER Gypsy Horse World Advertorial Cobs,” Hearon says proudly. “We As Brenda puts it, “One of our greatest joys in honor the Gypsy heritage and our ‘Gypsy life’ is to let a child sit on a horse believe as they do that ‘the horse is when we are at shows or expos. Inner-city the hair and the hair is the horse.’ kids that have never seen, touched, or smelled The Gypsies say, ‘Each hair is a a horse, let alone sat on one, is better than a sovereign,’ and that is the philosophy first-place ribbon! It was an amazing feeling that we believe in and are not afraid the first time we had a parent tell us we just to share.” made their child’s life! Can you imagine? Not At this time 4C’s is not standing a day, week, or year but LIFE! Well, that will a stud, but in the next couple of bring a tear of joy to your eyes. To hand a years that may change; an excellent child a brush so they can be a part of getting new colt crop hit a horse ready to show makes a memory the ground this that lasts them, and us, forever. It’s such a year. Not owning gratifying feeling to see the facial expression 4C’s Gypsy Horses a stallion does and body language of a child with little self- started years and years give 4C’s the confidence change when they first sit on one ago, as the dream of opportunity to find of the Gypsies. The Gypsies have a way of a little girl who loved that perfect match absorbing fear and anxiety from a child that horses and wanted only for each gorgeous is truly an amazing sight. Bless the Gypsy to have a horse ranch. Horses and bless the children.” Little did she know that Promoting youth involvement in the her dream would become a reality; not only Gypsy breed is one of the 4C’s main would she have the ranch, she’d also have a objectives. What better way to involve special breed of horses … The Gypsy Cobs! mare. 4C’s mares a child than to give them a horse to As the grown-up Brenda Hearon relates, are uniquely care for? “Mesmerized is the best word to describe the colored, ranging way we felt the first time we laid eyes on a from a rare grulla Gypsy Cob. And mesmerized is the look we through palomino, see on other people’s faces the first time they strawberry see a Gypsy Horse in person. We love seeing Appaloosa, silver dapple and of course the that look and love helping others achieve traditional black and white. The Hearons their dream of owning one of these beautiful like color but believe that “Color comes creatures.” second to conformation, feather and a gentle demeanor.” Located in Blanchard, Oklahoma, 4C’s Gypsy Horses is a family-operated Gypsy Cob farm. 4C’s generally has five to six foals each year. Hearon finds raising foals addictive; “The In 2006 4C’s Gypsy Horses was founded with excitement builds throughout the year, then the purchase of CDF Miss Daisy, GHRA the anticipation of the sex and color during The Hearons are lifetime members of the #A2. Daisy began the Hearons’ intoxicating foaling, and finally the joy of having a new Gypsy Horse Registry of America. “Daisy was obsession, and from there 4C’s grew into baby to love and raise into a dream horse for registered with the GHRA,” Brenda recalls. one of the largest Gypsy Horse farms in someone special.” The foals may have eight “And in transferring her ownership we met Oklahoma. The Hearons’ four children and grandchildren lying with them, hugging on two wonderful people, Priscilla Cox and Jan eight grandchildren are a continual presence them and jumping and playing with them, so Easter. Their love for these horses and their at the farm and are one of its biggest assets. it’s no surprise that the foals love people and will to preserve their heritage is what sold us They make it possible for the family to travel follow them around. on GHRA. This registry has become like a to shows, expos, parades and equine events. family to us, so supporting it is an easy task.” Brenda says, smiling, “Watching the foals “We as a family are passionate about this running and bucking, basking in the warm Asked whether they named 4C’s Gypsy breed and present them as traditional proper sunlight, and aggravating each other and their Horses for their four children, Brenda smiles. mums is one of our favorite pastimes during “As much as we love our children, the answer foaling.” is no. The name came from our four Bichons — Cotton, Candie, Cubbie and Citrus — who Throughout the year the 4C’s farm is were a part of the family long before the ranch opened to visitors. Horses and Hearons have dream came true.” 4C’s farm family has just entertained groups such as schools, Boy added a new member: Cappee. The puppy is a Scouts, Girl Scouts, senior citizens, veterans lurcher, which is the dog of the Gypsy people. and special-needs children and adults. Not only does 4C’s open the farm to visitors but For more information on 4C’s Gypsy Horses the Hearons also invite people to interact with you can contact them through their Website, them at shows and expos. 4CsGypsyHorses.com.

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 5 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. - Jan Easter

How and Why Registration Began Our original Board Members’ backgrounds and photos, as When diseases such as mad cow and hoof- written by themselves in 2003: and-mouth started spreading from 2000 Jan Easter – President on, the European Union required that every “I have owned horses all my life. My horse have a ‘passport,’ or health record, by first horse was a QH son of Poco the end of 2003. To get one, all horses in the Bueno. European Union had to be registered with an “I managed my first 24 approved society. But there was no registry years ago. Learning conformation and individual breed requirements became for the Gypsy Cob, so the Gypsy Horses and l-r Jan Easter, Priscilla Cox 2012 of major importance to me because I had to hire the their pedigrees were disappearing into such The sister registry we helped form in England, judges. I needed to recognize the ones that did their job organizations as the Colored Horse and Pony The Gypsy Cob Society, Ltd., was registering properly and were consistent to their type. Society. There was definitely a need for an and protecting the bloodlines directly in “I went to work for my first horse registry in the ’80s approved registry specifically for this horse England. Educating the Gypsy community and helped the miniature industry combine multiple breed. smaller registries into one and start their show circuit. on the need to protect their bloodlines, Carol We also had many round table discussions about setting Another problem was the lack of a studbook. was also helping Gypsies who could not read up show rules. Gypsies rarely keep written records on their or write to fill out the government required “In the ’90s I worked for another registry, helping re- horses’ bloodlines. forms for their passports. vamp their show rules and bring them to publication; I The Gypsies were registering their horses It was at that 2003 meeting in Ohio that was head of promotions for three different breeds that were maintained under that one registry. This gave me a anywhere they could, to start obtaining the we met Jo Griffin, Cheryl Lang and Debbie wonderful background to help develop the Gypsy Cob passports that the government had mandated. Prichard. They, too, thought the meeting Society. So, to protect the Gypsy Cob bloodlines that didn’t seem to be producing results that were, “I am also an avid equine artist. My paintings have were being lost to color breeds, my sister, in our opinions, best for the Gypsy Cob. The ranged from miniatures to 75-foot equine murals to an Priscilla Cox, who was living in England at Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association interior wall draft horse mural for an embryo surgery the time, and our friend, Carol Smettem, and and The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society both theater. I formed the Gypsy Vanner Society, Ltd. in gave presentations about their registries. “I hope to educate the United States about this England. We used “Vanner” when we formed Neither was member run, neither had an wonderful, enchanting breed and the Gypsy Cob the English registry because we believed — elected Board of Directors. They were private Society of America, Inc.” mistakenly, as it turned out — that the name organizations, not charitable, and had no Priscilla Cox – Vice-President most commonly heard for them in the USA developed rulebooks, show rules or Merit “Horses have been a passion for me was also used internationally for this breed. Award programs. Having worked with five since birth. I begged and begged my different registries over the years, I asked parents for a horse and when I got When she moved back home from England my horse, my next campaign was for many pertinent questions at that meeting. I with her English husband, Priscilla decided to lessons from an Austrian was not comfortable with the answers I got. riding instructor. bring five Gypsy Cobs to America. We started to investigate the Gypsy Cob community here So, after much heartfelt discussion with Jo, “The next venue, of course, was showing. In high school in the United States to see what registries Cheryl and Debbie, Priscilla and I founded I got my first young horse to train and knew that horses and I would have a lifelong partnership. there were and how we could get involved. the Gypsy Cob Society of America, Inc., in When we heard that a meeting in Ohio, in May 2003. We immediately filed with the IRS “I have shown horses all my life and taken them April of 2003, would attempt to combine the and were granted the status of a nonprofit, to national level competition. Conformation and temperament have always been paramount in my forces of the interested American parties and charitable organization benefiting the Gypsy breeding program. The joy of showing a horse that loves registries of the Gypsy Cob, we decided it was Cob breed. We considered our goals to be: to show and makes people stand up and take notice is a important that we attend. Our new Gypsy • education of the public to this breed and real ultimate thrill to me. Horses had been here only one day when • maintenance of pedigrees, breeding records “Foaling season is my favorite time of year, though. I we had to race off to that meeting, wistfully and DNA characteristics that make this breed love those babies! leaving them to our husbands’ care. unique — different from any other breed in the world. “Soon after I moved to England in 1995, I imported my Well, attending the meeting in Ohio and American Miniatures and started the first AMHA- listening to the Gypsies’ response to the name While we work steadily on the first goal, we affiliated Club in that country. It was through the “Vanner,” we realized we’d made a mistake in have faithfully kept our sacred DNA trust. miniatures that I met Carol Smettem-Minson. She was just getting into American Miniatures and had my the name of the English registry. After much DNA markers for each horse, compiled in a dream horse, the Gypsy Cob. We hit it off as fast friends discussion with Gypsies in England — during databank, provide solid proof of parentage for and started the alliance that would bring the Gypsy Cob which they, too, expressed the desire for preceding generations and build a database to the forefront of my horse passion. these horses to be called Gypsy Cobs, as they to help establish markers in the future. In “When the new EU law mandated that horses have are known in England — we immediately addition, to help ensure that we preserve passports, we realized the urgency to form a registry contacted the UK government officials and the breed’s quality, all stallions used for to keep the heritage of the Gypsy Cob from being lost changed the name from the Gypsy Vanner breeding must have on file a Breeding Stallion forever in the color registries. With my experience in Society, Ltd. to the Gypsy Cob Society, Ltd. Qualification; it’s completed by a qualified government documentation and regulation, I developed the required documents and studbook database and veterinarian, who examines the stallion to helped form the Gypsy Cob Society, Ltd., with Carol make sure it is sound, has both testicles fully Smettem and Jan Easter.” descended and has a level bite. Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 6 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. continued

Debra Prichard, DVM, Priscilla Cox and The PtHA denied us due to the draft horse Debbie Prichard – Treasurer I spent hours developing a rulebook and influence in our breed. “Deborah Heron Prichard began her show rules aimed directly at the Gypsy Cob. equestrian life at 5 years of age. By 7 she was traveling coast to coast and border We developed a Merit Awards program In 2007 we had our studbook up online. The membership was thrilled to be able to view to border showing of America. where horses could earn points toward Among many honors, she also trained achievement awards. lineage so conveniently. Our membership and and showed two POA mares who horse numbers were growing exponentially became the first and second West Coast-bred supreme The five members of the GCSA Board would each year, from 49 horses in 2004 to 381 horses champions. stay for the first three years, both to help and almost 400 members that year. protect the ideals they had put in place and “Transitioning to the American Paint Horse Association at age 13, she continued earning multiple top honors to get the breed on a strong footing. In 2008 many changes took place. We went into negotiations with the Gypsy Cob and Drum and all-around awards at the state and national level. Eventually horses had to take a backseat to her In 2007 the GCSA would hold its first Horse Association to possibly combine our studies while she received her Doctorate of Veterinary regional elections for Board members. The two registries; despite much work, however, Medicine in 1992. Since that time she has shown various regional elections would then be staggered the two parties couldn’t agree on a merger. paint and quarter horses in local open shows and in dressage shows, earning top scores, high point awards over three years after that, so that all areas Members of the Gypsy Cob Society of America, and traveling trophies. Currently she is practicing in of the country will have representation on Inc., decided to change our name to the Gypsy California, Texas and Oklahoma, and is one of the few the Board and to help maintain the standing Horse Registry of America, Inc., because the veterinarians ever to complete a residency in small Board’s momentum. term “Cob” seemed to cause confusion in the animal emergency medicine. United States; Americans mistakenly thought “She is also training her paint mare for all-around the word meant our horses were ponies. So and dressage competition. Her husband Marc’s love of in the interests of clarity we changed the the draft breeds has expanded her equine interests to name. The Board elected Nichole Dillon-Lee the Gypsy Cobs. Together they wish to help establish a foundation that will allow this wonderful breed to president, and we had 515 horses registered. g row.” In 2009 we were up to 657 horses registered, Jo Griffin – Secretary and our membership was leveling out. We “Born and raised in Connecticut, I did had our first World Show, held at the Fort not simply grow up “a girl that loved Our first Annual meeting 2004 Worth Stock Show and Rodeo venue, with horses.” As my Grandmother will tell you, as soon as I could walk and push over 100,000 people visiting daily, viewing our the screen door, I would be found in the The Registry Through the Years Gypsy Horses. We published our first color barn with the draft horses, the Percheron magazine, and it took the Gypsy world by teams that our landlord loved and used on his dairy By 2005 we had 40 Foundation Lifetime storm. Allison Alvino and her husband, Rat farm. My mom and dad rented an apartment on that dairy farm for the first few years of my life. The horses Members, 13 Lifetime members and 142 Cat Creations, worked tirelessly and presented regular members. The Lifetime members and all the other animals at the farm, cats, geese, ducks, our registry with a state-of-the-art Website. dogs, and I were great friends, and that was where I understood our goals and helped to support wanted to be. (Not much changes in a few decades! I our registry with their memberships. rode every chance I could while growing up, working at They understood that with as few Gypsy barns for privileges.) Horses as there were in this country, the “My first horse was a Christmas gift from my parents registry needed funds to work with — and when I was young, and he was a great teacher! He by becoming lifetime members they were was an old style Morgan bay with a blaze, multiple investing in their horses’ future. Most disciplines and fabulous jumping skills. owners realized that things would have to “After our children were raised and off on their own, my go slow. In 2003 we had purchased our husband decided he would like to ride with me. Then in promotional wall. Priscilla had to conduct 1998, when looking at Equine Affaire for a horse for my the convention in 2004; Jan, unable to travel beginner husband that could carry a big man with ease, after cancer surgery, was working from her World Champion of Champions 2009 under Judge I first saw the Gypsy Horses. A month later we traveled Debra Schliem, Image Setters Jojo, , Di Ann & Craig to Florida and listened to the explanation of “the breed” bed. Towson, Image Setters Ranch, photo by Bob Brown at both of the farms in Ocala.

2006 started off with Betsy Eby, MaryLou “When I left Florida on that visit I felt that there was Fahrlender and Jeff and Christine Bartko far too much that did not make sense in what I had riding Gypsy Horses in the New Year’s Day just heard and the answers I was given when asking Rose Bowl Parade. GHRA was promoting questions directly about the breed itself. My first question was, “How do you go to another country, buy the Gypsy Horse and the registry in national horses, bring them home and tell me that you have the magazines. Janeen Dillon had helped us by only horses of this breed?” financing a professionally done Website; her daughter, Nicole Dillon-Lee, set up “None of this made any sense to my “animal lover / breeder / supporter” mind. Having bred everything the Website’s online logo store. We made from rabbits to chickens to cocker spaniels, I knew our first application to the Pinto Horse that it can take decades if not centuries of breeding to Association, hoping to get our few horses, actually “create a true distinct breed of animal” that will which were spread all over the country, World Champion of Champions 2009 under Judge James always reproduce true. Common sense prevailed: The Taylor, Image Setter Jimbo, owned by Di Ann & Craig breed must exist in Europe; I needed to go there and “do a venue to compete in the show ring. Towson, Image Setters Ranch, photo by Bob Brown my homework”! Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 7 continued, page 10 Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 8 Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 9 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. continued

In 2010 the PtHA finally developed a new “When I began researching the breed and, by extension, division so that our Gypsy Horses could be the Romany, I found photographs in archives of these registered with their association — and show same horses dating back hundreds of years! After speaking with other clubs and associations in Europe, on their circuit! The Merit Awards Program BSPA, Irish Cob Society, CHAPS and various Tinker had its largest year of participation. We Horse Associations, it became clear to me that being incorporated on-line forms on our Website dedicated to “the breed” meant working on our own to speed up registrations — which were up to here in the USA. We opened a serious breeding farm beginning in 1999 and have moved forward slowly and 864. carefully ever since. We are dedicated to producing high quality cobs of the traditional type and working to promote ethical breeding practices and proper breed World Champion of Champions 2011 education here. under Judges Carol Smettem-Minson, Charlotte He- tier, Joyce Swanson, High Valley Mister Twister, Don & “I am proud to be working with the Gypsy Cob Society of America.” Deb Stone, CornerStone Farm, photo by Larry William Photography Cheryl Lang – Director at Large “I saw my first Gypsy Horses pulling She taught half a day in the classroom, then caravans filled with Rom families through the streets of Spain in 1974. went through more than 20 horses in the The ponies were cute, but it was arena via loudspeaker, breaking each horse their incredibly patient — almost down conformationally and explaining the “grandmotherly” tolerance of the World Champion of Champions 2010 difference between breed type and breed behavior of the kids climbing all over under Judge Leslie Connor, Image Setter Jimbo, owned and around them that intrigued me. I knew that some by Di Ann & Craig Towson, Image Setters Ranch, standard. Judges who had attended many day I would have one. photo by Bob Brown seminars (some more than 50 of them) said it was the best, most informative seminar they “Life happens; and while my horse dreams were put on hold I raised two beautiful daughters. And we raised and had ever attended. showed Collies. Our name is known internationally; we have sold Collies all over the U.S. and have dogs in two other countries. My oldest daughter still shows dogs with me.

“My youngest daughter pursued her passion for horses. For many years I tried to get abroad to learn more about the little ponies — who, even then, did not have a name of their own. Several planned trips to England over the course of a dozen or so years did not, for one reason or another, happen.

“With the kids moved on and a wonderfully supportive new husband, finally my trip to England looked possible. For almost two years I saved pennies. But the day we World Champion of Champions 2012 arrived, hoof and mouth disease broke out! All the farms under Judges Charlotte Hetier, Roger Eitel, Karen were placed under quarantine, and we could only look World Champion of Champions 2010 Iversen, A Touch of Charisma, Bobby & Jeanne from afar. There was a field filled with colorful ponies in under Judge Carol Smettem-Minson, St Clarins, owned Schlenk, Aunique Ranch, Kent that we could see from the road. How frustrating by Celeste Huston, Cielo Celeste, photo by Bob Brown photo by Larry William Photography it was not to be able to go and meet the family that lived there! In 2011 we continued to add horses to our studbook and eventually passed the 1,000 In 2012 our registrations topped 1,300 horses. “In the summer of 2002 Gordon and I went to Ireland. mark. Our membership had grown, and we Priscilla Cox retired from her Registrar We visited many herds of “colored ponies” owned by position. The office moved to its new location Travelers and came home with two fillies, one a solid had affiliations/business memberships with black. (People are still surprised to hear that they aren’t the United States Equestrian Federation, in La Porte, Texas. Jan Easter retired from just black and white!) the United States Dressage Federation, the office work, continuing to edit Gypsy Horse “We have recently moved to a small farm in northeast American Gypsy Horse Breeders Association World magazine for 2012. She will retire after managing the 2013 Gypsy Horse World Show New Hampshire, another lifelong dream. Our new horse and Pinto Horse Association. For several from Ireland, one of only a few mares to get a Premier years we had been donating registrations at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in rate from the Irish Cob Society, arrived just in time to to the American Gypsy Horse Angel Horse Fort Worth, Texas. make the move with us. Our goal is to maintain a small herd, so that each horse can be interacted with and Foundation, which placed Gypsy Horses into Our new Registrar, Jeanne Schlenk, has enjoyed daily. We hope to offer a few high-quality foals therapeutic riding programs. We went to a moved into the position well, re-organizing for sale each year, and to be able to promote the amazing three-judge, score averaging system at our the registration and membership computer versatility, athleticism and temperament of this delightful breed. world show. systems and greatly streamlining both The GHRA held its first judges’ seminar. We processes. She and Jeanette work in the “I don’t know who is happier at Aisling Farm — the brought in Carol Smettem-Minson from office daily to continue the registrations and Gypsy Horses, the Collies, or me and Gordon!” England to conduct the seminar, and she maintain the studbook for future generations. was able to communicate to the judges her expectations of their critiquing the horses. Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 10 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. —Merit Award Champions We have placed photos where we had them Section B Driving Section B available Gretal, Mary Lou Farhlender, Color Stallion 2004 Desert Winds Gypsy Horses Connors Malachi, Joe Section A Mares and Michelle Osgood, 3 years Old and Older Section B English Ranch North Hollow Irish Lace, Leslie Brady’s Mystical Charmer, Carlson-Bowen, North Hollow Ranch exhibitor Krystin Ruzzano, Section B Color Mare owner Brady Farm Phoenix Rising, Nichole Section C Mares Dillon-Lee, Dragonfly 2 years Old and Younger Section B Western Gypsy Cobs North Hollow Royal Nightengale, Leslie Enchanted Kearney, Carlson-Bowen, North Hollow Ranch Michelle Osgood, Section B Horseshoe Ranch Western Performance Section B Geldings Connors Malachi, Joe 2 years Old and Younger Section B Utility and Michelle Osgood, Enchanted Kearney, Enchanted Kearney, Horseshoe Ranch Joe and Michelle Osgood, Joe and Michelle Osgood, Horseshoe Ranch Horseshoe Ranch Section B English Performance Section B Mares Section B Exhibition Phoenix Rising, Nichole 2 years Old and Younger Windy Hill Ranch’s Miss Dillon-Lee, Dragonfly Oakfield Savanah, Wiggs, Mary Lou Farhlender, Gypsy Cobs Michelle Hind, Darkmoon Desert Winds Gypsy Horses Farm Section A Exhibition 2006 Aisling Cillbarra Snow, Cheryl Lang, Section B Stallions Section B Halter Stallion 2 Aisling Farm 2 years Old and Younger years Old and Younger North Hollow Baker, Leslie Carlson-Bowen, Connors Malachi, Joe and Section B Exhibition North Hollow Ranch Michelle Osgood, Horse- My Sweet Teagan, Joe shoe Ranch and Michelle Osgood, Section B Exhibition Horseshoe Ranch Oakfield Savanah, Section B Halter Michelle Hind, Darkmoon Gelding 2 years Old and Younger 2007 Farm Aisling Ardanach, Cheryl Lang, Aisling Farm Section A Mares 3 years Old and Older 2005 Section B Halter Gelding Beibhinn Blue, Syneva Section B Mares 3 years Old and Older Peters, Edoras Stables 3 years Old and Older Enchanted Kearney, Joe Windy Hill Ranch’s Miss and Michelle Osgood, Section A Stallions Wiggs, Mary Lou Far- Horseshoe Ranch 3 years Old and Older hlender, Desert Winds Luck of the Irish, Gypsy Horses Syneva Peters, Edoras Section B Halter Mare 2 Stables Section B Stallions years Old and Younger 3 years Old and Older My Sweet Teagan, Joe and Section A Western Performance – Tie Brady’s Mystical Charmer, Michelle Osgood, Beibhinn Blue, Luck of the Irish, Syneva exhibitor Krystin Ruzzano, Horseshoe Ranch Peters, Edoras Stables owner Brady Farm Section B Halter Mare Section B Geldings 3 years Old and Older 2 years Old and Younger Phoenix Rising, Nichole Enchanted Kearney, Joe Dillon-Lee, Dragonfly and Michelle Osgood, Gypsy Cobs Horseshoe Ranch

Section B Color Section B Color Gelding Enchanted Kearney, Joe and Enchanted Kearney, Joe Michelle Osgood, and Michelle Osgood, Horseshoe Ranch Horseshoe Ranch MAP Awards continued on next page

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 11 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. Merit Award Champions, continued Section A English Section B Western 2009 Performance Performance Section A Mare Halter 3 Luck of the Irish, Syneva Connors Malachi, Joe and years Old and Older Peters, Edoras Stables Michelle Osgood, 4C Maladi, Randy and Horseshoe Ranch Brenda Hearon, 4C’s Gypsy Horses Section B Mares 2 years Section B Utility Old and Younger Connors Malachi, Joe and Section B Mare Halter 3 My Sweet Teagan, Joe and Michelle Osgood, years Old and Older Michelle Osgood, Horseshoe Ranch Bodis Pepperooga, Lynn Horseshoe Ranch Strauman, Gypsy Rose Ranch Section B Mares 3 years Section B Exhibition Old and Older WCF Gypsy Diva, Mi- Section B Gelding Halter 3 WCF Gypsy Diva, Mi- chelle and Neil Purcell, years Old and Older chelle and Neil Purcell, Purcells Gypsy Horses Yavens Choormoot Oochipe, Purcells Gypsy Horses Mandy Mondiel, Gypsy Station 2008 Section B Stallions Section B Mares 3 years Old Section A Stallions Halter 2 2 years Old and Younger – Tie and Older years Old and Younger Rogans Storm, Joe and Michelle Osgood, Lake Ridge British Truffle, Sue A Wizards Spell Winstons Horseshoe Ranch and Gary Niesen, Gypsy Lane Brighton, Marty and Debra PGH Gypsy Geronimo, Michelle and Neil Rivers, Triple R Ranch Purcell, Purcells Gypsy Horses Section B Geldings 2 years Old and Younger Section A Mares Halter 2 years Rogans Storm, Joe and Old and Younger Michelle Osgood, A Wizards Spell Winstons Darby, Horseshoe Ranch Marty and Debra Rivers, Triple R Ranch Section B Mares Color Section B Stallions Lake Ridge British Truffle, Section B Mares Halter 2 years 3 Years Old & Older Sue and Gary Niesen, Old and Younger Connors Malachi, Joe and Gypsy Lane 4C Flashy Maya, Randy and Michelle Osgood, Horse- Brenda Hearon, hoe Ranch Section B Mares English 4C’s Gypsy Horses Lake Ridge British Truffle, Section B Geldings Sue and Gary Niesen, Section C Geldings Halter 2 3 Years Old & Older Gypsy Lane years Old and Younger Enchanted Kearney, Joe Vermonts Frosty Killian, Patricia and Hanna and Michelle Osgood, Kwapisz, Stonewall Farm Horseshoe Ranch Section B Western Performance Section A Stallions Color Section B Color Stallion Magickal Farm Hailey, A Wizards Spell Winstons Rainbow Cailean, June Joe and Michelle Osgood, Brighton, Marty and Debra Rivers, and Wendell Ayers, Horseshoe Ranch Triple R Ranch Rainbows End Ranch Section A Mares Color Section B Section B Utility 4C Little Gypsy Fable, Randy Color Geldings Connors Malachi, Joe and and Brenda Hearon, 4C’s Enchanted Kearney, Joe Michelle Osgood, Horseshoe Gypsy Horses and Michelle Osgood, Ranch Horseshoe Ranch Section B Mares Color Bodis Patsy Ava Doover, Lynn Section B Color Mares Strauman, Gypsy Rose Ranch My Sweet Teagan, Joe and Section B Exhibition Michelle Osgood, Lake Ridge British Truffle, Section B Geldings Color Horseshoe Ranch Sue and Gary Niesen, Yavens Choormoot Oochipe, Gypsy Lane Mandy Mondiel, Gypsy Station Section B English Performance Alfie Moon, Julie Gladstone Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 12 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. —Merit Award Champions continued Section C Geldings Color Section A Halter Mare 3 years Old Section A Utility Vermonts Frosty Killian, Patricia and and Older Romanys MS Bodi Hanna Kwapisz, Stonewall Farm 4C Little Gypsy Fable, Randy and GRR001, Lynn Strauman, Brenda Hearon, 4C’s Gypsy Horses Gypsy Rose Ranch Section B English Performance Section B Halter Stallion 2 years Old Yavens Choormoot and Younger Oochipe, Mandy Mondiel, Guthrie Decadence, Debbra and James Bridg- Gypsy Station man, Blue Heron Ranch, Southwest Ranches Section A Driving Romanys MS Bodi Section A Section B Halter Mare 2 years Old GRR001, Lynn Strauman, Western Performance and Younger Gypsy Rose Ranch Connors Malachi, Joe and 4C Flashy Maya, Randy and Brenda Michelle Osgood, Hearon, 4C’s Gypsy Horses Horseshoe Ranch Section A Exhibition Lake Ridge British Truffle Section B Section B Halter Mare 3 years Gary and Sue Niesen, Western Performance Old and Older Gypsy Lane Yavens Choormoot Pepperoogas Joovilkano Zen, Oochipe, Mandy Mondiel, Mandy Mondiel, Gypsy Station Gypsy Station Section A Trail 4C Little Gypsy Fable, Section A Utility Section B Halter Gelding 3 Randy and Brenda 4C Maladi, Randy and years Old and Older Hearon, 4C’s Gypsy Brenda Hearon Flynt Hylls Gypsy Sherman T, Horses 4C’s Gypsy Horses Julia Bruggemann

Section B Utility Section A Stallion Color Section B Yavens Choormoot 4C Lord Calidores Gypsum, English Performance Oochipe, Mandy Mondiel, Randy and Brenda Hearon, Flynt Hylls Gypsy Gypsy Station 4C’s Gypsy Horses Sherman T, Julia Bruggemann Section B Driving Bodis Pepperooga, Lynn Section A Mare Color Strauman, Gypsy Rose 4C Little Gypsy Fable, Randy and Section B Western Performance Ranch Brenda Hearon, 4C’s Gypsy Horses Flynt Hylls Gypsy Sherman T, Julia Bruggemann Section B Dressage Yavens Choormoot Oochipe, Mandy Mondiel, Gypsy Station Section B Mare Color Section B Trail Gypsy Lanes Elegant Tinker, Flynt Hylls Gypsy Sherman T, Gary and Sue Niesen, Gypsy Julia Bruggemann Section A Exhibition Lane 4C Maladi, Randy and Brenda Hearon Section B Utility 4C’s Gypsy Horses Yavens Choormoot Oochipe, Section A Mandy Mondiel, Gypsy Station Section B Exhibition English Performance Yavens Choormoot Romanys MS Bodi GRR001, Lynn Oochipe, Mandy Mondiel, Strauman, Gypsy Rose Ranch Section B Driving Gypsy Station Clononeen Kilcorran Bree, Linda and Gerald 2010 Enger Section A Halter Stallion 2 years and Section A Younger Western Performance Section B Dressage 4C Lord Calidores Romanys MS Bodi GRR001, Yavens Choormoot Oochipe, Gypsum, Randy and Lynn Strauman, Gypsy Rose Mandy Mondiel, Brenda Hearon, 4C’s Ranch Gypsy Station Gypsy Horses Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 13 History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. —Merit Award Champions continued

Section B Exhibition Section B Halter Mare Section B Yavens Choormoot 3 years Old and Older Western Performance Oochipe, Mandy MS Twilight, Gary and Osgood Sassparilla Mondiel, Gypsy Station Sue Niesen, Gypsy Bridget, Debra Burgess, Lane Carolina Gypsy Horses 2011 Section A Halter Stallion 2 years Old and Younger Green Mountain Patriot, Teri Section A Stallion Section A Young, Shady Pines Farm Color Exhibition Lake Ridge Thunder Bay, Lake Ridge British Gary and Sue Niesen, Truffle, Gary and Gypsy Lane Sue Niesen, Gypsy Section B Halter Mare 2 Lane years Old and Younger Lake Ridge Sterlings Section A Champion Section B Kachina, Gary and Sue Mare Color Exhibition Niesen, Gypsy Lane Lake Ridge British MS Twilight, Gary and Sue Truffle, Gary and Sue Niesen, Gypsy Lane Niesen, Gypsy Lane The GHRA Merit Awards Program is open to GHRA-registered horses owned by current Section A Halter Mare Section B Mare Color GHRA members in good standing. Points may 3 years Old and Older MS Twilight, Gary and be earned at any show or event regardless of Lake Ridge British Truffle, Sue Niesen, Gypsy Lane Gary and Sue Niesen, Society. Entry Fee: $20.00 per horse. Get an Gypsy Lane application online or contact the MAP Secretary: Pam Barthel [email protected] History of the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc. —Service Awards The GHRA Meritorious Service Award is given to persons or groups who have volunteered outstanding service to the Gypsy Horse. Nichole Dillon-Lee spent Janeen and Tim Dillon were Brenda Hearon spent many hours volunteering with GHRA from the very many hours traveling from working on the Website beginning, her horse, Harry, Oklahoma to work in the and developing the logo being registration number GHRA office. She input store. She also used her 6. Janeen helped us take our horses into our computer skills as a photographer to help us in our original Website from plain system. Her family has promotions of the Gypsy Horse. 2006 to professional. 2007 consistently given large monetary donations, as well as starting a youth program and a Debra and Marc Prichard spent Jeff and Christine scholarship for the youth. 2009 many hours volunteering, Bartko imported the Linda Brown answered the working on the rulebook majority of horses that call for us to bring a National and making large monetary were in the country at Show to this registry. She used donations to help with the the time and traveled her influence and many hours running of the registry. 2006 thousands of miles each year to promote the of her time to get us into the Fort Worth Mary Lou Farhlender breed and the GHRA. 2008 Stock Show and Rodeo venue for our annual show, so we would not be showing to an spent many hours Allison Alvino was given empty arena. We have thousands who watch volunteering and honors for the hundreds our World Show because of her efforts. 2009 distributing GHRA of hours and collaboration literature and information on the state-of-the-art Sue Niesen spent many hours on the West Coast. 2007 Website she created for the traveling long distances to GHRA. 2009 work in the office. She input Michelle and Joe Osgood for horses into our computer their promotion of the Gypsy Gail Finger was honored for the hundreds of hours she spent system, helped us at the Horse. They traveled many World Show with nighttime guard duty miles showing and exhibiting creating artwork for the GHRA Graphic Coloring Book. 2009 and has taken her horses to many public Gypsy Horses to help promote exhibitions distributing GHRA literature. the GHRA. 2007 2011 Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 14 Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 15 Gypsy Horse World Magazine Special Tenth Anniversary Edition Page 16