affiliations Gypsy Gypsy Horse Association Westmoreland Farm’s Lucky, Mass. Equine Affaire. The Gypsy Horse Association cele- brates its one-year anniversary this month. Incorporated on February 12, 2008, the GHA has made tremendous progress on the goals for which it was created. GHA’s most basic goal is to provide excellent service to its members. Besides the auto- mated registration process put into place shortly after its founding, the BOD and of- ficers plan to implement many new mem- ber services in the upcoming year. With the Sales Book on display at all events at Lise McNamara of Blarney Stone Acres and Elton, which GHA has an official presence, EJ Mass. Equine Affaire. and website coverage of member news, Painted Hills’ Classy, Mass. Equine Affaire. and an official presence at all Equine Affaires, GHA supports its members in their GH endeavors. As always, the cur- rent BOD and officers wish to thank our rapidly growing membership for its sup- port and will continue to do our best in their behalf. Fall ‘08 was a very busy time for GHA members and for the GH commu- nity in general, and we are wrapping up our reporting of fall news. Held October 24-26 in Sedalia, MO, the Women & Clononeen Kilcorran Bree owned by Linda Enger. Horses Expo was a success in its first year Bree placed 1st in the GH Working Class, L. A. Blarney Stone Acres’ Sonny (foreground) and with about 20 GHs in attendance, and County Fair. Zeta (background) wait their turn to enter the plans are underway for a 2009 W&H arena for a demo, Mass. Equine Affaire. Expo. GHA member farms who partici- pated were Chocolate Horse Farm, Lucky Only three years old and with just three Star Stables, Kay Peterson of Oak Knoll, and a half months of training in harness, and Thorn Hill Farm, whose owner Kathy Clononeen Kilcorran Bree won the GH Ramey commented on the camaraderie Working Class out of six entries and in which prevailed throughout the event. other driving classes acquitted herself “We all had a great time. EVERYONE well against other breeds. Linda was jus- helped each other with whatever they tifiably proud of Bree’s performance, es- needed.” Kathy particularly noted the pecially given her age and training level, Dunbars. “But that’s a Gypsy for you,” she said. In September, the L.A. County Fair On November 13-16, 2008, GHA was held in Pomona, and member Linda Photo: Toni Tidwell attended its first Equine Affaire, the Enger attended with two of her GHs. Massachusetts EA. The largest and most T-N-T Gypsy Horse’s Gypsies enjoy a fall ride with Toni Tidwell’s granddaughter Shelbe and friends. 42, Equine Journal Across the Map, February 2009 GYPSY prestigious of equine expos, the EAs are Terry Marshall for preparing the breed to members Tom Price and Andrea a prime venue in which to showcase booth’s decorations and coordinating the Betteridge, who traveled from the British the beauty and talents of a breed. Many horses attending. In spite of a potentially Isles to attend. visitors stopped by GHA’s booth to visit serious, unexpected illness in the family, Please enjoy the photos of the EA with the member horses on display and Caryl Giard of Painted Hills remained at and of other activities. Next month GHA to browse through GHA’s Sales Book. the EA with her horses. We are glad to will recognize some special moments Member farms who attended with horses report that there has apparently been a from GHA’s first year. In the meantime, were Blarney Stone Acres, Chocolate full recovery. Jeannean Mercuri (www. please see GHA’s website at www.gypsy- Horse Farm, Hearts ‘n Horses Farm, gotreeless.com) set up shop to display the horseassociation.org for details concern- Painted Hills Gypsy Farm, Snow Eden treeless saddles, which she promotes at ing upcoming events and for general Gypsies, and Westmoreland Farm. GHA’s row in the stables. Many stopped information on GHA. Some thanks for GHA’s first EA. First, by to try the saddles and saw some GHs Submitted by Mary Graybeal we’d like to extend our appreciation to at the same time. Finally, special thanks Gypsy Vanner Sue Rathbone in the Winner’s Circle with EBV Jeanna Haggard aboard LSS’s Bombardier. Horse Society Rubicon. In the last couple of months of 2008 to teach a three-day seminar on break- The 2009 party will be the responsibility I highlighted several young trainers and ing your horse to drive at the Women In of El Brio Vanners for their 2008 win with asked them to share their opinions on why Horses Expo. She also drove LSS gelding, EBV Rubicon. a Vanner can be considered “a Golden Finnigan, in a freestyle drive for the eve- The International Stallion Exposition Retriever with hooves”. Not only did they ning performances, Dances With Horses, will be held in East Lansing, Michigan at substantiate that statement, they embraced at that event. “Jeanna’s goal from the the Michigan State University’s Pavilion. it with their own experiences with this beginning was to get this breed out there, The GVHS will have a booth hosted by breed. I am hoping that we can also dur- whether it be dressage shows, parades, WillowWind Stable and Feather Hill Farm. ing this year highlight our many youth open shows or GVHS shows and let the This great event takes place March 13-14, members and their experiences as we are public see their true versatility. I’d say, by 2009. Vanner owners and enthusiasts in finding repeatedly how well the special looking at our show record, she has ac- this area be sure and attend and support qualities of Vanners lend themselves to be- complished that and I have heard it said, our members’ efforts at this show. ing a great breed for youngsters. ‘everyone needs a trainer like Jeanna’; I Remember to be sure and share all of We certainly don’t want to overlook agree wholeheartedly,” says Leslie Barnes. your Vanner happenings with me. Email the many professional trainers who have El Brio Vanners from Pennsylvania stories and photos to either of the follow- been captured by the Vanner spell. This had a successful time at Dressage at ing addresses: info@unicorn-meadows. month we want to commend Jeanna Devon for 2008. Sue Rathbone and her com or [email protected]. Haggard, trainer for Lucky Star Stables in team introduced the Gypsy Vanner breed I look forward to hearing from each Ohio. Jeanna has competed in Western at this wonderful event several years ago. of you as you share your many “magical” Pleasure, reining, hunter jumper, and now That introduction drew immediate atten- Vanner experiences. Remember the Gypsy has begun work in dressage. I also learned tion from the dressage crowd that a new Vanner Horse Society is the first registry that she has even completed a few fox- breed was not only enjoying this discipline in the world established for the recogni- hunts! Leslie Barnes, LSS owner, shares, but was worthy of competition. It has tion, preservation and promotion of the “Jeanna’s training methods are very kind; become tradition that the previous year’s Gypsies’ selectively bred horse. We have a she takes her time and always finishes winner is responsible for supplying an proud history, amazing members, and truly on a good note. Visitors to her barn often after show food spread and refreshments. incredible horses! Come share the dream comment on the calm demeanor all of the The 2008 party was supplied by Mary Ann with us! horses there have, not just the GV’s, all Reiss of Powerpaint Gypsy Vanners, she Submitted by Joyce M. Christian of the horses are confident and relaxed.” won the 2007 IBC with EBV AirWalker. Executive Director, GVHS Jeanna used LSS stallion, Comanche, February 2009, Equine Journal Across the Map, 43.