gypsy horse world - ghra

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Volume 10 No 4 Vol 10 No 4

Gypsy Horse World

Vol 10 No 4 A Wizards Spell Ranch

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Volume 10 No 4


Gypsy Horse WorldOfficial publication of the GHRA

P. O. Box 1861 La Porte, TX 77572(281) 471-4472

www.gypsyhorseregistryofamerica.org

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EditorJan Easter [email protected]

Line EditorAngie Richardson [email protected]

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Masthead Art and Website Allison Alvino and Ryan McGovern

[email protected]

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Registrar Jeanne Schlenk [email protected]

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DirectorsRegion 1

George “Bud” Hartmann [email protected]

Region 2 Pam Barthel - [email protected]

Region 3 Position open and up for triennial election

Region 4 Bobby Schlenk- [email protected]

Region 5 Jeff Bartko - [email protected]

Region 6 Gail DeMarco - [email protected]

up for triennial electionRegion 7

Carol [email protected]

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AdvertisingCover front $350Back cover $300Centerfold $500

Inside front or back cover $275Full page $200 1/2 page $100

Classified $35

The Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc., is a tax-exempt, not for profit, educational organization, and IRS 501(c) (3). The in-clusion of advertisements in Gypsy Horse World does not in any way imply endorsement or approval by GHRA of any advertising claims or of the advertiser, its product, or its services. The GHRA does not assume any liability or responsibility for the contents of any of the advertising or for the quality of any products or services advertised. GHRA’s liability for errors or omissions in 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 credit shall be issued to Advertiser for errors that do not materi-ally affect the value of the advertisement or where Advertiser is responsible for the error or omission. The advertisements and articles in this magazine are only the opinion of the author of the article or advertiser, not the opinion of the GHRA, Gypsy Horse World Magazine or the printer. Publish-ing of ads or articles does not imply sponsorship or endorsement.

From the EditorThis year at the GHRA Gypsy Horse World Show we’ll have four new awards. It all started with a donation from Debra and Marc Prichard. Debra Heron-Prichard, DVM, was one of our founding directors and has been so generous to the GHRA, giving monetary donations to help us get started and continuing to help to keep this breed going in its infant stages. Debra and Marc donated a draft harness. We decided to use it as an award for High Point Driving, horse and handler combination. Jeanne and Bobby Schlenk then thought it would be a great idea to have High Point English and High Point Western Performance awards, and a stall decoration award has finally gotten into the mix; Jeanne and Bobby donated prizes for the English and Western High Point Awards and Showoffs (see ad in this issue) donated a custom photo drape for the stall decoration award.

Thank you so much for everyone’s ads. Advertising your beautiful horses and products is what keeps this magazine in print. We are the only magazine dedicated to the Gypsy Horse.

– Jan Easter

Registry News ......................................................................................................................Page 4On The Cover .....................................................................................................................Page 5Region 2 Pam Barthel .........................................................................................................Page 6Region 4 Bobby Schlenk ....................................................................................................Page 7Region 5 Jeff Bartko ...........................................................................................................Page 8Region 6 Gail DeMarco .............................................................................................Pages 8, 12Artist Spotlight - Marsha McDonald ...............................................................................Page 9GHRA Youth ................................................................................................................... Page 14“In My Opinion” - Carol Smettem-Minson ........................................................ Pages 16 - 17Judges ................................................................................................................................. Page 18Advertisers Index ............................................................................................................. Page 18

Features

On the CoverA Wizards Spell Kensingtons Bailey and his new owner, Dr. Bob Brown in Iowa, and A Wizards Spell Trevor, owned and loved by Linda Brown and ridden by Sue DeLaurentis, his trick trainer, wow the crowd at the Gypsy Horse World Show during the 2012 Fort Worth Stock Show. Both geldings’ trick and freestyle skills turn heads and please crowds wherever they go. As one of the earliest and largest breeders of these amazing horses, we take pride in our carefully handpicked foundation breeding stock imported from the finest lines in England. A Wizards Spell Ranch has others available so that you, too, can experience the fun, the wonder and the spectacular glory that is a Gypsy Horse.

A Wizards Spell Ranch in Burleson, TexasOnly about 20 minutes south of Fort Worth (817) 297-9292

www.GypsyHorsesInTexas.com for eight years of photos.www.YouTube.com and search our channel at GypsyHorsesTexas for 80+ videos.

Owner and Trainer – Linda BrownWe’re here at the show and welcome ranch visits by appointment.

copyright RatCat Creative


REGISTRY NEWSAROUND THE REGISTRY

World ShowGHRA World Show in Fort Worth, Texas, February 1 – 3, 2013 is getting close! Lots of questions about the show have the phone ringing regularly. If there is anything you are unsure about please don’t hesitate to call (281) 471-4472 or email [email protected]. This promises to be a great show.

New Setup for the StudbookThe work is steady on switching the studbook over to Excel© formatting. The process takes time because we’re back-checking every file, trying to make the studbook as accurate as possible. The Excel© format will allow a more complete and searchable list of horses registered by state, region of the country and abroad, age, sex and much more.

New Logo

The new logo was chosen by a Board of Directors mail-in vote. Putting the new logo on all the paperwork and various items that carry it is time consuming but worth the effort. This logo shows all that the registry stands for: the beautifully feathered black tobiano Gypsy, the open book of records, the tree—representing the lineage of the horses, from the roots up to the present day—and of course, our name and initials. GHRA is dedicated to the heritage of the Gypsy Horse, and this logo represents what the registry does and who the registry is.

Advertising in the Gypsy Horse World Magazine

You will notice some new advertisers in this and future issues. GHRA advertisers pay for this quality breed publication and plans are in the works to add more wonderful advertisers to the list of supporters. Please seriously consider shopping with them when the need arises.

How to Register your HorseThe registration process is a bit difficult to understand if you are new to it. It’s not something that most people would need to

think about on a daily basis; but, if you have purchased a beautiful Gypsy Horse and you have chosen to register it with the GHRA, here is a little insight on the process.

What You Do:1. You go to the website, e-mail [email protected], or call (281) 471-4472 to see what you may need.2. You fill out the completed Work Order Form, the horse’s Registration Application Form and the Silhouette Form; include the Bill of Sale (black out the price). Take at least two pictures of your horse to send in. (If you are not a member, but you want to stay informed and also receive the beautiful Gypsy Horse World magazine, include a completed Membership Application Form as well.) 3. Send it all in with payment (PayPal, check or money order), either through e-mail or regular mail. 4. Wait for us to send you the DNA Test Form.

What We Do:5. Once we get the paperwork in the office and the pictures in the e-mail, we make a folder with your membership information, add your name to the membership list and make your membership cards. 6. We mail a new member packet containing back issues of the magazine and other goodies to you. 7. We create a folder for your horse containing a scan of each form you have sent, for an electronic file as well as a hard copy.8. We research your chosen name, making sure that no one else is using that name or that it is different enough to not cause confusion.9. We assign an identifying letter and number to your horse.10. We fill out a DNA Test Form and send

it to you, usually via e-mail. When you receive this form, it is up to you to pull the horse’s hair and send it, with the form, to the University of Kentucky. The faster you send this form to them, the faster your horse’s registration can be completed.11. When the DNA comes back to us from the University of Kentucky, we pull your file and finalize the Certification process. This involves following your horse’s lineage back as far as we can document it and including this family tree on your Certificate. 12. We resize the photos that you sent and attach them to the Certificate.13. We print the Registration Certificate and set the seal in place, then mail it and a copy of the DNA to you.

Each individual’s situation is different. Sometimes different forms are required, sometimes updated photos are necessary; but everything we require for registration is needed to ensure that your horse’s lineage stays clear, traceable and unquestionable.

Stallion Reports are Due!Remember to send in your stallion report if you have a breeding stallion. We have enclosed a stallion breeding report with this issue for your convenience.

Membership Renewal Time!If you are not a Youth or Lifetime member it is time to renew your membership. We have enclosed a renewal form. If your address has changed please let us know; otherwise, just fill in your names and membership number (your membership number is on the outside of your magazine envelope) and circle Renewal on the form.

Best of Luck!—Jeanne Schlenk, RegistrarGypsy Horse Registry of America


Gypsy Horse World Advertorial ON THE COVER

A Wizards Spell Ranch in Burleson, Texas, just south of Fort Worth, is one of America’s largest and earliest breeders of these fabulous horses. The first of our imports arrived from England in 2004. Today some 30-plus horses call this ranch home. The undefeated, top-producing stallion in the world under all judges two years running at the Gypsy Horse World Show is A Wizards Spell Sir Winston, A141. Our second stallion, A Wizards Spell Sir Kensington, B419, was Reserve Grand Champion Stallion at the Gypsy Horse World Show. And the offspring of our third stallion, A Wizards Spell Worthington, A510, win over and over at the World Show.

We keep these three amazing foundation breeding stallions for our closed breeding program. We handpicked and imported our 15 mares from foundation Romani bloodlines and, as a result, ours are some of the finest mares in the nation; mane, feather and conformation are hard to beat. In fact,

three of our mares have won the coveted yop producing mare in the world (Produce of Dam) award at the Gypsy Horse World Show.We choose not to breed outside mares because we have developed such a strong program, so if you want a calm and winning A Wizards Spell Gypsy Horse you’ll have to get it from our ranch.

All of our foals are born into our hands and we put a halter on each one

immediately; they become accustomed to a towel on their back, simulating early saddle training. The foals quickly learn to pick up their feet, walk on a lead, trailer load, and generally stand quietly for whatever needs to be done. This gives our buyers such a leg up on other untrained horses that it is no wonder that our horses are in such high demand. Foals learn pedestal training almost from birth, and seeing a newborn foal playing with the big red soccer ball is not uncommon.

Being one of the early importers, we were clearly obliged to see what these incredibly intelligent horses would excel at beyond the Romani driving. That’s why we have had our horses work cattle, cut, rope, rein, pen, perform dressage, do incredible tricks, perform in driving competitions, jump, show, trail ride, and attend parades and charity events quietly enough for public exposure. We have been invited to teach horsemanship clinics, provide entertainment for VIPs, and escort dignitaries. We initially thought that we would attract experienced horse people

who had recognized this breed’s amazing temperament. But over the past eight years we’ve been surprised to find that our main audience is first-time horse buyers. We happily teach these beginners everything they need to know to make their horse owning experience a joy. And it works: For the past four years and now into our fifth Gypsy Horse World Show we are proud to say that our first-time horse buyers win and win and win—which is a testament to our horses and their early training as well as the

time we give to our buyers. We finance and ship and will happily welcome you to our extended family of happy Gypsy Horse owners. Come join in the fun! Ranch visits welcome by appointment, but be careful; they’re an addiction and your next Gypsy Horse is likely at our ranch. www.GypsyHorsesInTexas.com

A Wizards Spell Sir Winston and Linda Brown


New Horse, New Owner, New Discipline… a story of how a Gypsy gelding chose his new owner and how the owner chose a path for them both.By Karen Meyers and Brannigan

A couple of years ago I found myself horseless and was invited to come out anytime to Miller Stables in Tyler, Minnesota, to play or work with any of the Gypsy Horses they raise and

breed. One gelding, who was on the Millers’ “sale” list, was a Gypsy gelding named: MS Brannigan, B214.

Brannigan is a very charming horse with tons of personality. Black and white with the numeral 7 on his right thigh, he has the “Lucky Mustache” and stands 16.1 hands. I started work in the round pen with him, and we worked mainly on the ground doing lots of circles, and establishing boundaries. I found him to be very willing and a joy to work with.

After working around the farm for a few weeks, I found myself in a terrible depression and was not having the best of days. I was enjoying being able to come out to the farm and work with the horses, but I yearned for that “horse of my own”. I was walking through the barn yard, doing odd tasks here and there, and kept hearing in the background a horse neighing over and over.

I finally pulled myself out of my self-pity and took a look around in case a horse was in trouble. My eyes were drawn to a paddock across the farm yard; and there, in the corner of the paddock, was Brannigan, looking at me, calling, trying to get my attention. I realized at that moment a wonderful, intelligent horse had chosen me

Region 2 Pam Barthelabove all others. It took a couple of months, but a check exchanged hands, and I now owned a Gypsy Horse.

My breed of choice had always been the saddle horse types. I had bred American Saddlebreds for years, but these cute little stocky buggers (and one very large one)

had me perplexed. For about five years I had been interested in Dressage but had found, with two very bad knees in need of replacement, that my days of “posting” English riding were over.

I went digging and found a new discipline called Western Dressage. As I looked into Western Dressage, and I called the Western Dressage Association of America and did research, a passion for the discipline grew within me. I co-founded the WDA of Minnesota, a recognized affiliate of the national organization. My guess is that many people out there will wonder why not do “Traditional Dressage,” since many Gypsies show the skill and gaits for success there too. As I mentioned earlier, two bad knees set me apart from traditional dressage.

I will try to keep those interested updated on our progress in Western Dressage, as we go along. I am looking forward to traveling down “Center Line” in Western Dressage next year with Brannigan representing the Gypsy Horse.

You can read more about Western Dressage at www.WesternDressageAssociation.org Western Dressage Association of Minnesota at www.wdamn.org Brannigan’s Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/brannigan16.1


Horse breed. He has eased into the daily role of lesson mount at the Flying Dollar Ranch. Most recently Darby and student Alyssa Ballew, age 14, of Midlothian, won the year-end Championship buckle in the Walk-Trot division in the Ellis County Equine Association. The pair competed in five shows in halter, all English events and all Western events, and came out with the most combined points overall for the year. The pair also won the High Point Youth Division at the Feathered Horse Classic in Belton in November.

Members of the Silver Spurs 4-H Club used Darby to teach all the 4th-graders of Waxahachie about the Gypsy Horse breed at Ag Day, sponsored by Texas Farm Bureau. The elementary kids loved his mustache, feather; and goofy personality! Darby and his trainer, Julie Hinz, joined up with the American Competitive Trail Horse Association this year as well, and have been making the rounds through Texas competing alongside other breeds over challenging and fun trail obstacles. Of course, Darby stands out and usually wins the Best Groomed award.

A Wizards Spell RanchLinda BrownBurleson, Texaswww.GypsyHorsesInTexas.com

The organization Snowball Express creates hope and new memories for the children of the fallen military heroes who have died serving our country since 9/11. Three yearlings and one weanling from

Jennifer AlexanderMidlothian, Texas

The Waxahachie, Texas, Christmas parade was held December 1st—a great day for a parade. It was perfect: sunny and 72 degrees. I rode A Wizards Spell Winstons Fiona, A582. My friend Dakotah Van Huss rode with me on her pretty Paint mare; so did Jenifer Groombridge, riding A Wizards Spell Winstons Mersey, A797; and Stephen Stokes, riding A Wizards Spell Winstons Whimsy, A801.

The next day, Sunday December 2, I went to a trail clinic at the Flying Dollar Ranch. We worked on some trail patterns in the arena for the World Show, then worked on some of the obstacles you may see at an ACTHA ride (American Competitive Trail Horse Association). If you like to trail ride I would highly recommend looking for one of these rides in your area; they are a lot of fun. After that we went on a “real” trail ride on the property. It was a great day in the saddle.

Next up in January will be the Fort Worth Stock Show parade. I plan on riding in that. And you can look for Dakotah to be riding Fiona in the youth classes at the World Show on Feb. 1–3.

Flying Dollar RanchSandra and Ralph NealItaly, Texas

Horsefeathers Darby, B835, a bay gelding owned by Sandy Neal of Italy, Texas, has been a very busy boy. Since he won his World and Reserve Championships at Fort Worth in January 2012, he’s been acting as an ambassador for the Gypsy

A Wizards Spell Ranch in Burleson joined in providing a good time for those families on

December 2 in the Fort Worth Stockyards. More than 2000 people atttended; the children (and adults) were allowed into the pen to brush and hug the horses in a heartwarming show of the joy sweet animals can bring. In attendance were Linda Brown, Eric and Christie Davidson, Stephanie Castle; and photographer Gail Finger.

Aunique RanchBobby & Jeanne Schlenk La Porte and New Waverly, Texaswww.AuniqueRanch.com

We are so proud to introduce the newest member of the Aunique Ranch Family, Auniques Brakenhills SOLO, A1319. SOLO arrived in a grand manner. He flew from the UK and was videotaped leaving for the U.S. On the flight he had his own personal professional groom, who claimed that he had flown with many a Gypsy Horse, but had never seen one as gentle and full of hair and feather as SOLO. James Taylor of Brakenhills Gypsy Horses, UK, was SOLO’s previous owner and he made a giclee of SOLO and did a video of his drawing. SOLO’s flight can be seen on Youtube and Facebook. SOLO is out of quarantine and now at his new home, where he is much loved. A Special Thank You to James Taylor for considering us for this magnificent stallion.

If you live in Arkansas, Arizona, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma or Texas, send your news to Bobby at: [email protected]

Region 4 Bobby Schlenk


Region 5 Jeff Bartkothe Gypsy Gelding Fan Club on Facebook. Beast was also the Grand Champion Gelding at the Colorado Draft Horse Classic Show. (Results, page 18) Beast took 4th in the Gypsy Geldings class, 6th in North American Bred and 2nd in the Color Class at the Continental Divide Show.

From Gypsy Gelding Fan Club on FB:A Good Stallion makes a GREAT GELDING! If you see a gelding that’s as nice as your stallion, maybe your stallion should be a gelding. Welcome

Region 6 Gail DeMarcoHolly RydmanOlympia, Washington

Tagline, B649, and I took Champion ribbons at the Western Regional Gypsy Show (at the Oregon State Fair) in Western Pleasure, Western Dressage Suitability, English Pleasure, English Dressage Suitability, Jog in the Park and Supreme Champion for Halter Geldings.

Cielo Celeste FarmCeleste Hustonwww.CieloCelesteFarm.com

The 2012 North American ‘Gypsy Affaire’ and GCDHA National Championship shows were absolutely wonderful for us; we left very proud and humbled. Our Lion King son, 2008 Blue Mountain Tiger, B1176, with but two months’ formal training by the husband-and-wife team, CJ and Samantha VanSickle, won High Point

Horse and National Champion in the GCDHA show—winning four National Championships and two Reserve Championships. There were four judges in both shows combined, making four differing opinions; all four judges agreed that his place was at the top!

The most humbling and elating experience was when St Clarins, B252, already an All Round Champion, was given by popular vote the 2012–2013 Ambassadorship for the Gypsy breed. Not only he but I was awarded this honor, for having done all I have been able to do to bring this breed into light and creating much interest in the public.

Our stall decoration designer, Mark Torrey, was awarded a lovely prize in the form of an award to be given in perpetuity—called the Mark Torrey Perpetual Trophy—for best show setup. We hope Mark will be awarding by picking the winner each year!

In their elegant and high-end event Carla Johnson and Becky Glover had Legend Awards given to the top legendary stallions, Dunbrody of Roscreigh, Nobby, Romeo A.K.A. Clononeen Mull of Kintyre, and SD Chief, and did it with style and grace! Lessons should be learned from this program, from the trumpeter to the decor and wonderful togetherness, which would perk up interest nationwide.

Starfire Gypsy HorsesCJ & Samantha VanSickleDobbins, Californiahttp://www.facebook.com/StarFireGypsyThe 2012 show season has been filled with

many successes and special moments for us here at Starfire Gypsy & Performance Horses. We have been blessed with the opportunity to train and show some fantastic horses this year, and we would like to extend our thanks and congratulations to all of our clients!

In June we attended the Surf & Sun show in Burbank, California. We brought some of the wonderful horses of Rock Ranch and came home with Grand Champion Stallion and Grand Champion Mare, plus wins in Solid Color, Western Pleasure, English Pleasure and Jog in the Park.

In August we attended the Oregon State Fair in Salem, Oregon, with horses from Rock Ranch, Ceo Na Terra Gypsy Horses and Slawson Gypsy Horses, and brought home Reserve Champion Stallion, wins in Fillies 2 years and under, Solid Color, Western Pleasure and Musical Freestyle, as well as Top 5 placings in North American Bred, English Pleasure, Jog in the Park, Dressage Suitability and Western Dressage Suitability.

In September we attended the GSHA Region 7 Championship show in Rancho Murrieta, California, with horses from Rock Ranch, Ceo Na Terra Gypsy Horses, Slawson Gypsy Horses and some of our own personal horses, bringing home wins in Halter Stallions, Broken Color, Solid Color, Western Pleasure and English Pleasure as well as Top 5 placings in Halter Mares, Halter Geldings, Dressage Suitability Under Saddle and Dressage Suitability In-hand.

We also had the opportunity to attend the Oklahoma State Fair and show some of the amazing horses owned by Aunique Gypsy Horses: Sir Silver, B946, brought home Gypsy Stallion 4 years and older, Grand Champion Stallion, Supreme Champion Gypsy and Solid Color. Other Aunique Gypsy Horses won too: Shandor of Orcas Island, B1135, won

Region 6 news continued on page 12

all and spread the encouragement! Geldings only or “to-be-gelded” sales. We want to give our beautiful boys their own special place, remember. We gladly encourage community help questions about showing, cleaning, caring, nutrition, etc., for our Gypsies. We learn a lot from each other that way.

Blue Mountain Tiger

Michelle Simono Silt, Colorado4C Barrington and Beautys Beast, B1105, was awarded Gelding of the Month by


The one constant in Marsha McDonald’s life has been the horse. As a small child she fondly recalls sitting glued to the television on Saturday mornings, watching Fury, “My Friend Flicka”, and Trigger. Walter Farley’s Black Stallion books, and others like them, she read so often the pages wore out.

“Dreams were born in those early years,” says the artist. “Visions of horses in every size, shape and color pranced in my head and were drawn and colored onto whatever surface I could find. And if I wasn’t drawing or coloring horses, I was writing stories about them.”

McDonald was born in Fort Worth, Texas. The family moved to West Texas when she was just a year old. It was there she grew to love the rugged landscape where horses, cattle, wildlife and wide open spaces captured her heart. In her mid-twenties, she was still not satisfied with her job, with big-city life in Houston. It was then that she began seriously to consider pursuing art as a career. At first she had reservations.

Eventually, she went from working a full time job to part time, as her reputation and art sales began to help pay the bills. As her confidence increased, McDonald decided to pursue another dream. In her mind, she pictured herself riding her horse underneath vast West Texas skies, with her dogs trotting happily alongside. That dream, too, came together like pieces in a puzzle. McDonald bought some land and built a house and studio in a small town west of her birthplace, Fort Worth.

“In Parker County, where I live, horses are everything! When I first moved to Weatherford, I painted the more commonly seen racing Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. Then the Cutting Horse Industry moved in and literally took over in my area. Suddenly I found myself being commissioned to paint some of the top Cutting Horses in the world,” says McDonald.

During slow periods, in between commissioned works, McDonald began teaching art. At one point she had as many as 20 children and adults taking both group and private lessons.

About this time, she also began to get interested in other horse breeds, the kind she only read about in equine books or saw in the movies, or at a parade or specialty show. She sought out breeders and owners of such unusual horses as the Peruvian Paso, Andalusian, Friesian, Warmbloods, draft horses and mules, just to name a few. She was always welcomed warmly to their homes and farms, and encouraged to photograph any time she wanted to.

“At an art show one year, a veterinarian friend introduced me to two sisters, Jan Easter and Priscilla Cox. They were involved with a magical breed of horse known as the Gypsy Cob,” says McDonald.

“I knew nothing about those horses, other than maybe having seen a picture in a book. They invited me out to see them, and that is when my fascination with the horses first began. Several years passed, and I learned of a breeder living right in the same town I live in,” she recalls.

The artist visited Image Setter Ranch, and once again she found herself being caught up in the spell of the Gypsy Horse. Diane Towson commissioned a painting of a mare and foal for her husband’s birthday, and invited the artist to take pictures of any of her horses. That day, McDonald knew she wanted to learn much more about the Gypsy Cob, and maybe do a series of paintings on them some day.

This year she embarked on that project, starting with a photography trip to Randy and Brenda Hearon’s 4C’s Gypsy Horses in Oklahoma. There are many reasons why she is attracted to the Gypsy Cob. In addition to their beauty and wonderful disposition, they have a magical quality about them. They are the

horses of fairy tales.

“To me, each kind of horse, whether it is a high-dollar pure bred, or a magnificent wild mustang, is a beauty to behold,” says McDonald. “Perhaps it’s because I look at them with the eyes of an artist. In my opinion, each one has a different measure, its own worthiness. Capturing that in a drawing or painting is what I focus on, and it’s a challenge I take very seriously!”

www.marshamcdonald.com [email protected]

Artist Spotlight - Marsha McDonald

Scarlet’s Blue Boy

Under A Gypsy Spell

This painting is the cover of our Tenth Anniversary Special Edition

Spirited

You Sure Got Long Legs

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Volume 10 No 4 Page 9


Western Horsemanship; Huston, B179, won English Under Saddle – Walk-Trot-Canter and Broken Color. Gypsy Chic, B924, won English Equitation.

In October, as a fantastic finish to the season, we attended the North American Gypsy Affaire and GCDHA National Championship Show in Central Point, Oregon. We took Celeste Huston’s stunning stallion, Blue Mountain Tiger, B1176, Ceo Na Terra’s handsome gelding, Rock Ranch Yoeri (pending) and Slawson Gypsy’s beautiful mare A Wizards Spell Winston’s Roxie (pending).

This was Blue Mountain Tiger’s show ring debut, and he made quite the splash racking up top honors at both shows! His wins included High Point Overall Stallion and first place in Traditional Movement, Grooming & Conditioning, Color and Western Pleasure at the Gypsy Affaire, and then National Champion Stallion, National Champion Dressage Suitability In-hand, National Champion Broken Color, National Champion Green Western Pleasure, Reserve National Champion Traditional Movement and Reserve National Champion Western Pleasure.

A Wizards Spell Winstons Roxie brought home Reserve High Point mare and Reserve Champion Mare.

Rock Ranch Yoeri brought home Reserve High

Region 6 Gail DeMarco, continued

A Wizards Spell Winstons Roxie

Rock Ranch Yoeri

Point Gelding, Reserve National Champion Gelding, Reserve National Champion Dressage Suitability In-hand, National Champion Blagdon Color and Reserve National

Judge Bud Walsh GHRA Seminar participant based in Berthoud, Colorado. Judging with integrity and pride with an understanding of the breed based on breeding, driving, showing and judging draft horses since 1972.

Judging Gypsy Horses since 2007.

Cell (970) 391-8672 [email protected]

Champion Green Western Pleasure.


The Littles at OklahomaThe “Littles,” as they are affectionately called by the Hearon family and friends, competed in the Lead Line class at the Oklahoma State Fair in September. The line-up of eight youth entries for this class was amazing, so the judge faced a difficult job. As she studied each entry’s horsemanship and riding skills, however, her decision became clear. Sparkling little 5-year-old horsewoman, Isabella Hearon, riding the experienced CDF Heza Corker, A183, was presented first place. Following in third place, skillfully working the crowd with his waves and wide smile, was 5-year-old Emory Smalley riding his trusty steed, 4C Little Gypsy Fable, A608. Taking the close fourth-place ribbon was a super horseman, 6-year-old McHale Howell, showing his riding ability on a borrowed horse, the handsome SK Keatons Charm, B303. Finishing out the Littles’ line-up in fifth place was the extremely talented, blinged-out cowgirl, Ava Smal-ley, riding the dazzling 4C Lion King’s Nala, A560, with little 4C Nala’s Mirakole tagging along behind. What a successful show for the “Littles” of 4C’s Gypsy Horses!

GHRyA Youth at the Oklahoma State Fair

Ava Smalley blinging on 4C Lion Kings Nala Emory Smalley won third place on 4C Little Gypsy Fable

Isabella Hearon won first placeon CDF Heza Corker

McHale Howell won fourth on SK Keatons Charm

Great youth line-up at the Oklahoma State Fair


Can or should I clip my Gypsy Cob? Will it make me win for sure?

I have been asked to give my thoughts and reasonings as to whether a Gypsy Cob should be clipped. First, for those who perhaps don’t know me, or have not met me, or have not shown their horses under me, may I briefly introduce myself and say what would give me the authority to write this article.

I have had Gypsy Cobs and been around them now for, let’s say well over 40 years (not giving my age away any more than that). I was brought up with them and learned their characteristics and history. Some of my closest and most trusted friends are Gypsies, respected and kind people, folk I can rely on in a crisis; and it was with their help that I wrote the breed standard for Gypsy Cobs more than 11 years ago.

I am president and founder of GCSL and vice-president of GHRA. I have judged all around the world, given talks and seminars and written numerous magazine articles about the Gypsy Cob. I am currently on a mission to write a concise book.

Nothing has changed in the breed standard during this time. Every breeder aims to improve on each generation; each aims for that perfection, and as near to the standard as possible.

But, of course fashion comes and goes, colour, size, etc. For example the South of England are breeding smaller Gypsy Cobs and the North are not so keen on it. Size is another topic frequently argued between the Travellers themselves, yet be it 12hh or 15hh the breed standard is the same.

So the question of clipping has been brought to my attention by a number of breeders in the USA. I will endeavor to answer it in a clear and concise way without prejudice or favor to either view.

The Gypsy Cob breed perhaps carries the most hair and feather of any breed, and that feature is part of the attraction—something that has drawn our eyes to them over the years. Their names, such as Road Sweeper, gives one a good idea why the name was chosen. The breed has a dense coat in winter and a body coat in summer as smooth as silk

and shiny as a recently polished mahogany table. The mane is profuse and tail thick, dense and long. Feather in abundance, starting from the knee and surrounding the whole leg, having the consistency of straight silk, not coarse or wavy, gives a gentle but unique flicking action at the trot and the appearance of ‘sweeping the road’.

Gypsy Cobs are the only breed that has a moustache and beard—even in the

ladies! Long whiskers, eye lashes and tufts on the ears are all correct and are part of the breed’s unusual stamp, part of why people become addicted to and love the breed.

So what about the question of clipping all that hair?

My first question to you, and one you should ask yourself, is what is your honest reason for clipping? I have heard all the excuses on the planet as to why an owner clips his or her Gypsy Cob, but the facts remain simple. The breed has thrived for years in its native country and worked extremely hard pounding the English lanes, pulling a wagon behind—and yes, we do sometimes have hot summers! Honestly, would a genuine Gypsy on the road clip his Cob or even have the facilities to do so? No electric hook-ups on the road side, so no... of course not. Instead, they know basic equine care in cooling down a sweated-up horse, how to stop harness rash, prevent chills and muscle spasm. And yes, they know the effects of lactic acid too.

To say “I clip my Gypsy Cob’s head because the hair gets caught in the harness/bridle” is just a poor excuse. If the harness is fitted correctly no hair will get caught up in it. Do we clip girth hair because it gets caught up? No, we check this as we tack up.

Gypsy Cobs have worked hard for years and years and have never needed to be clipped because of an irritating harness. Occasionally a Gypsy Cob that works hard and has an owner that has the facilities for clipping will have what is known as a trace clip. This should be acceptable to any judge in a breed show; the purpose of the trace clip is to keep the throat, heart and lungs cool, and it is done only for this purpose.

The question asked, “Do I have to clip my Gypsy Cob to win a show?” What a sweeping statement that is! The answer is NO... they can be complete “Hairy Marys” and should not get penalized.

However, I appreciate that in America the climate can warrant a Cob’s being clipped; but remember, the coat acts as a heat reflector, preventing the hot sun from directly contacting the skin. The coat does the same in the winter, keeping water and snow away from the skin. Think about certain breeds of heavy-coated dogs, the Old English Sheepdog, the Husky: Their coats

In My Opinion - by Carol Smettem-Minson


in summer also act as an insulator against heat. The Gypsy Cob is the same. Run your fingers under the hot sweaty coat of your Gypsy Cob on a sunny day and feel how cool his skin is! So if you clip your horse in summer, are you doing him any favors? Honestly consider this when you clip for summer; is it really the best for your horse in your circumstances?

Owners who think that clipping their horses “to keep them cool” will get them around the clipping rule should consider the rule. Judges do not want to see any signs of recent clipping. So if you plan to show, make sure the hair has grown back enough to cover clipper lines and pink skin. This, however, does not mean heads should be clipped “down to the wood.” In fact the standard says any sign of recent clipping is undesirable and will be penalized. Remember the beard, moustache, and feather I mentioned? Without them you are lacking part of the breed standard and will be penalized by any well respected Gypsy Cob judge.

Who thinks a scalped head shows a more refined profile? Don’t lose the breed standard in attempting to highlight a pretty head.

Of course, it goes without saying that if you own a Gypsy Cob you can do whatever you see fit with it, be it clip it, hog it, dye it black. No one has a right to dictate what an individual does with his or her own animal—UNLESS you are showing your Gypsy Cob in a Gypsy Cob breed class. You are there to represent the breed, and it is YOUR DUTY to this breed to represent it in the correct manner. Show every Gypsy Cob with a view toward keeping it as much to the breed standard as possible; likewise, a judge should have the breed standard firmly stamped in his or her head.

A Cob has heavy flat bone, built for carrying weight; it is fit not fat. It should have a wide chest, long neck, short back and, above all, feather in abundance and mane in excessive amounts, with the appearance of a thick-set Hairy Cob. Will clipping your Gypsy Cob detract from what we are looking for as breeders and judges?

To present a Gypsy Cob at a show to be judged as a representative of the breed in any other way than what I have just described is doing yourselves, your breed and your country a very large disservice, which we in the UK find unacceptable. The breed was exported to America in good faith that it would be promoted as such, that breeders would strive for perfection and want to show the general public how fantastic these unique horses are. Any person who thinks clipping their Gypsy Cob is the only way to win is delusional. Any judge who thinks only clipped Gypsy Cobs should be winning should not be allowed anywhere near a Gypsy Cob breed class.

As they say, “Everything in moderation.” Enjoy your Gypsy Cobs and enjoy your showing; but if you love the breed truly, then keep to the breed standard. Don’t change it into some breed that sadly we don’t recognize, a breed remotely resembling the beautiful Cobs first exported to America.

(Next issue, look for “SELECTIVE BREEDING FOR GYPSY COBS: THE PROGRESS AND PITFALLS”)

GHRA Suggestions on Clipping

If you must clip try to do so at least six weeks prior to a show. Never clip less than 1/2 inch from the skin. Guards for your clippers are available at most supply stores on line. No clipping inside the ears. Never clip facial whiskers or a moustache. Tails and manes should not be cut. Remember, you are showing

a Gypsy Horse.


GHRA JUDGES AND CONTACT INFORMATIONCalifornia Arthur L. Perry §3215 Robles AvenueSanta Ynez, CA [email protected] (805) 688-0020(805) 689-5460 cell

Sami Scheuring139 Garden AvenueSan Rafael, CA 94903(415) 492-0460 [email protected]

Judy Wright12419 13th StreetYucaipa, CA 92399(909) [email protected]

ColoradoCindy Reich § 708 Oxford LaneFort Collins, CO 80525(970) [email protected]

Joyce Swanson1171 Ridge Oaks DriveCastle Rock, CO 80104(303) [email protected]

Bud Walsh §1020 Meadowlark Dr.Berthoud, CO 80513(970) 532-3856(970) 391-8672 [email protected]

Florida Karen A. Iversen §P. O. Box 820 Lecanto, FL 34460(352) 628-9186 [email protected]

Illinois Carole E. Dunbar §2909 N. Sheridan Road Suite 1002Chicago, IL 60657(773) [email protected]

H. Lynette Partridge-Schneider §P. O. Box 24367Belleville, IL 62223(618) [email protected]

Idaho Roger N. Eitel §26325 N. Warren RoadAthol, ID 83801(208) 546-5587 [email protected]

Maine Sherrye Johnson Trafton 38 Bridge RoadBrunswick, ME 04011(207) 443-4006 [email protected]

Michigan Sandra K. Guy-Fox §3347 B. Drive SouthEast Leroy, MI 49051(269) 979-1846(269) [email protected]

Jenny M. Pierucki §414 N. Fifth StreetBurr Oak, MI 49030(269) 489-5500 [email protected]

Missouri Leslie K. Connor 1810 S. Cleveland CourtJoplin, MO 64804(417) 483-2910 [email protected]

New YorkSandy Croote7551 State Hwy 30Esperance, NY 12066-2928(518) [email protected]

North Carolina Judith K. Warner 19 Chiles AvenueAsheville, NC 28803(828) 271-7960 [email protected] OregonMargo Hepner-Hart §10556 NW 195th Ave.Hillsboro, OR 97124(503) 645-0400(503) [email protected]

OklahomaKristina Hedrick WilsonP.O. Box 288Purcell, OK 73080(817) 238-1390 Office(614) 327-5747 [email protected]

TexasHelen M. Hogan §4915 Kennedale New Hope RoadFort Worth, TX 76140-7815(817) 313-4472 [email protected]

United KingdomCarol Smettem-Minson §Chywoon StudChurch Brough, Kirkby StephenCumbria CA17 4EJ(011) [email protected]

FranceCharlotte Hetier31350 SarrecaveFrance(011) [email protected]

§ — GHRA Seminar Attendee

To view the judges’ bios go to our Website: www.gypsyhorseregistryofamerica.org

Your advertising is what pays for this quality breed publication. If you enjoy this magazine and the articles within please consider beautifying its pages even further with your ad. The prices are the lowest in the industry and the quality is the highest. Every page is full color and on 100lb glossy text. Please support our advertisers. They make publishing this Gypsy Horse World Magazine possible. We need your advertising in the next issue.A Wizards Spell Ranch ................Cover, Page 5, Page 13, Page 15Apple Acre Gypsy ....................................................................Page 6

Advertisers IndexCeoNa Terra Gypsy Horses ............................................ CenterfoldChywoon Stud Consulting ...................................................Page 17EquinElite Products ...............................................................Page 12Gypsy Horse Stables ................................................................Page 4Elizabeth Krottinger .....................................................Inside CoverShowoffs ............................................................... Inside Back CoverThorn Hill Gypsy Horses ...............................................Back CoverJudge Bud Walsh ....................................................................Page 12

GHRA placings at the Colorado Draft Horse Classic Gypsy Class Show

8/5/12Judge: Ralph (Bud) Walsh - Approved GHRA judge

Gypsy Stallions 3 and Over1st ES Gandalf The Grey – Owned by Edoras Stables, Montrose, CO

Grand and Reserve Gypsy StallionGrand Champion Gypsy Stallion - ES Gandalf The Grey – Owned by Edoras Stables, Montrose, CO

Gypsy Geldings 2 and Under1st 4C Barrington and Beauty’s Beast – Owned by Michelle Simono, Silt, CO

Grand and Reserve Champion Gypsy GeldingGrand Champion Gypsy Gelding - 4C Barrington and Beauty’s Beast – Owned by Michelle Simono, Silt, CO

Gypsy Horse World Magazine Volume 10 No 4 Page 18

gypsy horse world - ghra

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