Our Gypsy Vanner mares were chosen carefully after a great deal of thought and searching. Solstice was imported from Wales, and Sorcha was imported from Ireland. They are both excellent examples of the breed, and we're thrilled to own them.

       Gypsy Vanner horses are not a color breed. They come in all colors, however, piebald (black and white) and skewbald (brown and white) are the most common. They are perfect caravan horses - strong, intelligent, docile, athletic, colorful with excellent endurance. They are easy to train, and a natural for any number of pursuits, such as driving, dressage, or pleasure. Colorful and compact, this breed averages between 12.2 to over 15 hands, although individuals do vary at both ends of the size spectrum. The Gypsy Vanner horse has the build of a draft horse, with an average weight from 1,100 to 1,700 pounds. Its short neck and back give the animal the power to pull the colorful caravans so loved by the Gypsy society. An abundance of mane, tail and feather give this horse a magical look, true to its heritage. Heavy bone, flat knees and ample hooves give this breed the foundation to sustain a body that includes a broad chest and heavy hips. The withers are rounded making the horse very suitable for harness and the bareback riding style of the Gypsy children. The Gypsy Vanner was developed from a combination of the Friesian, Shire, Clydesdale and Dales pony. All of these breeds have the wonderful personality of a cold blooded horse. The Gypsy lifestyle cannot tolerate animals that might endanger lives. Any horse displaying ill temper is banished immediately. The result of this culling has led to the Gypsy Vanner being one of the most docile horses in the world. The intelligence and kindness that the Gypsy Vanner exhibits must be experienced to be believed. A sound horse that is easily kept is essential for a lifestyle of travel. Just by nature of its evolvement, the Gypsy Vanner is extremely sound and easy to maintain.

       We consider ourselves tremendously blessed to have found and acquired this absolutely stunning young mare. Her name, Sorcha, is Celtic and means bright. Sorcha originally sold at the Ballinasloe Horse Fair in Western Ireland, one of Europe's oldest and most well-known fairs and then was eventually imported to the U.S. and purchased by David and Toni Tidwell. After swapping many photos across the Internet, a tentative deal was made. Maggie liked her even more when she saw Sorcha in the flesh, so the deal was completed and glasses were raised in celebration.

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Special thanks to Toni Tidwell for the photos of Sorcha of Beacon at two years and younger.

        Sorcha floats like a swan and has that style and conformation we demand from our mares. A very fine, chiseled head, abundant feather and one of the sweetest personalities you can imagine, make her one of the best there is!

Sorcha is bred to the magnificent Gypsy Vanner stallion, Latcho Drom, for a 2006 foal. Her foal is already spoken for.        Latcho Drom is in the photo to the right. You can click it for an enlargement, and click here to open a new window and see more photos of him on another site.

       Solstice is sired by Sommerset Horse and out of Mary Mare. She was two years old in June 2005. Yes, on the summer solstice! Solstice was imported from Wales, and we purchased her as a weanling in 2003. She is much prettier now with her winter coat gone, and an absolute love. The Gypsy Vanner has an endearing personality that is hard to match! Solstice loves to be handled and is one of the most intelligent horses I have ever handled. She is exceptionally athletic and loves to run. Solstice will be bred in 2006.

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       We hope you enjoy our website. Please email or call to arrange a farm visit. We'd love to meet you and introduce you to our exquisite horses!