The associations were fortunate in getting to showcase our horses to the public in two breed demonstrations on Thursday, opening day, and Saturday in the outdoor arena. Approximately seventeen horses represented the breed. As horses and riders filed into the arena, the announcer delineated the roots and history of the Gypsy horse. This magnificent animal was bred by the Romani travelers. The Romanis bred these horses for temperament, endurance and for their beauty.

Although the Gypsy horses are bred in the United Kingdom (UK) as harness horses, here in America, we are finding that the Gypsy horse excels at many different disciplines. The stallions, mares and geldings shown in the demonstrations exhibited this diversity. Arturo Saldana showed Stephanie Burlington’s Tango (Hidden Creek Ranch) as a western pleasure horse sporting his champion and supreme champion rosettes. Jim and Diane Harris’ Lord McLeod (Happy Camp Gypsy Horses), ridden by Jenna Campbell, showed his skill over the jumps along with Nicki in costume on the gentle Braveheart. Carol Carter’s Maximus (Gypsy Feathers Ranch) strutted his stuff while being lunged along with Piper, from Feathered Angels of Mystic Shores. The discipline of dressage was exhibited by Ben Eby’s Magnum (Gold Rush Gypsy Vanner Farms). Barbara Cross (Gaelic Farm) and Mary Lou Fharlender (Desert Winds Farm) were costume-clad on Brian Borou and Miniver respectively. My Sweet Lexus Harmony (Hidden Creek Ranch), 2007 champion and supreme AGHBA mare, showed the “flash” with her breathtaking, flowing extended trot with her proud owner, Stephanie Burlington, aboard. Gypsy horse gone “cow pony“ was presented by Lynn Strauman (Gypsy Rose Ranch) and her Ms Bodi. Ona Eby and her trainer, Jim Thomas, showed Robin (Gold Rush Gypsy Vanner Farms) in harness, pulling a Meadowbrook cart.

Sunday was the final performance with the breed spotlight. Rain came but didn’t dampen the spirits as owners and horses trudged and tiptoed through the mud in the barns to the indoor arena. Fans sat eagerly awaiting to be wowed by our final performance at the 2008 California Equine Affair. Through mud tinged feather, once more our incredible Gypsy horses shined! Tango of Hidden Creek Ranch performed his tricks and sat to watch the goings on as one after another of our beautiful Gypsies flaunted by. The UK met the western US when Deirdre Cash of Clononeen Farms took her first western style ride, skidding and sliding to the a stop in front of the crowd atop Lynn Strauman’s steady Ms Bodi, Gypsy reining horse.

Thanks to all who worked so hard to represent our breed so well! Who could not help but love these extraordinary horses!