AGHBA: How long have you had horses (when did you get your first horse)?

RBailey: I have been around horses almost my whole life. As a young child I would visit my Aunt during the summer, riding in exchange for stall mucking. I started my own training and lessons facility, Kindred Spirits, almost ten years ago. Piper, a bay mare, is my oldest horse and a retired barrel racer, but at twenty-two she can still kick- up her hoofs quicker and faster than those half her age.

AGHBA: How many horses do you have?

Rbailey: Currently, we are down to four horses: my nine-year-old daughter's 17 hand Thoroughbred named Montana; a nine-year-old Western Pleasure Paint Horse named Robin (she was named when I got her); my twenty-two-year-old grumpy old lady, Piper (whom I love and cherish), and then there is the C-R-Magic foundation mare - Magdalia Horse Feathers. It is a mouth full, but fitting as she is a handful. Her barn name is Maggie.

AGHBA: How many are Gypsy Horses?

Rbailey: In May of 2006 we became the proud owners of a four-year-old Pie-Bald Gypsy Mare. She is the first Gypsy Horse to participate in the John and Josh Lyons Certified Training Program. In fact I will never forget the first time John Lyons saw Maggie. He stopped the horse he was on, paused for about three seconds, and said " Wow that is a very beautiful horse." I take that as a high compliment coming from a man who has seen more horses in his lifetime, than I could ever hope to. Maggie is doing fabulous with her training. As soon as I get her to understand that we will have fun doing it, she puts her whole heart into it! She has been with us for about a year now, and we are hoping she adds to our herd next year.

AGHBA: Are you a breeder?

Rbailey: I am totally in love with this breed! Not just because they are the most beautiful horses I have ever seen , but because of the potential for greatness that I see in every one of them. Our goal at C-R-Magick is to help this breed achieve as much as possible. Driving, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Jumping, English Equitation… you name it, I believe they can do it. Our goal is to breed for the top-feathered all-around athlete.

AGHBA: Do you have a ranch? If so, how many acres?

Rbailey: C-R-Magick is located on approximately five acres in the heart of Las Vegas, NV.

AGHBA: When did you see your first Gypsy Horse?

Rbailey: The first time I saw a picture of a Gypsy Horse was about four or five years ago. There was an article in Horse Illustrated on this new Gypsy Breed. If memory serves me correctly the article was regarding the Gypsy King. He was pictured with a small child sitting on his back-proud as the day is long. I must of stared at that horse for hours, as I had never seen the likes of anything like him or the breed before. I was amazed and in total awe! That experience doesn't compare to the first time I saw a Gypsy Horse in person- the Ohio Equine Affaire. I had to sit down as he walked by - he was magnificent! The friend I was with was very excited to see the rider, a sentiment that was lost on me that day - as I could not keep my eyes off that horse! I later learned that it was Gypsy King, being ridden by Lynn Palm. Last year I went to Equine Affaire to confirm how awe inspiring the breed is - I was not disappointed, which clinched the fact that I had to own one of these magnificent horses.

AGHBA: When did you get your first Gypsy Horse?

Rbailey: We began our search for an open mare in early 2006. We searched high and low and finally with the help of a special friend in England found the mare for us. Maggie made the cross-Atlantic journey in May of last year, and joined me in Parachute, Colorado (my first session at the John & Josh Lyons Training Program.

AGHBA: What other hobbies or special interests do you have?

Rbailey: It would be easier to answer the question "What interests do you not have" I love life and try to live it to the fullest! My son will be turning twelve next month keeps me laughing, he is such a character! My daughter who will be ten in August has truly inherited my love and passion for horses - so she is my little shadow! We are all very involved in our Clark County 4-H Club. Chris, my partner in life and business, is charged with the task of keeping all three of us moving and shaking. She, Chris, is the caring, watchful eye that supports in a forward direction not in circles! She is the straight person in our comedy of life, looks after all of us, and shares our passion for the spirit of the horse that has intoxicated us.

AGHBA: What would you like others to know about yourself?

Rbailey: I have already shared more about myself, by way of this article, than I have with folks that have known me for years. Don't get me wrong, I am not the shy, shrinking flower type, that is for sure! I am an outgoing, fun-loving individual who enjoys a good joke, laughter, a friendly barbeque or sharing horse talk with friends. I am more comfortable with setting my sights on making this day the best day I can, and doing the same for each day that follows, and doing what I can to enjoy just believing in focusing toward the future. Our mission is to be a part of this breed reaching its fullest potential. I believe the American Gypsy Horse Breeders Association is the organization by which I can achieve that mission - and I am honored to be a member. I am living my dream as we speak, and trying to be mindful that it is the journey, not necessarily the arrival that is the best part!