Forget about Florida's best beaches with crystal clear waters, the colorful nightlife, and the state's epic amusement parks for a moment, for this article reveals one of the best things to do in Florida for visitors seeking something different from the norm. Among the hidden gem activities in the Sunshine State, visiting America's first Gypsy Vanner Horses on a tour of Gypsy Gold Horse Farm promises a venture off the beaten tourist tracks discovering these majestic animals up and close — equines who played a prominent role in European history.
Enigmatic and strikingly stunning, anyone having witnessed a Gypsy Vanner horse in the flesh will tell how gorgeous these creatures are; their supermodel flowing manes and feathered hooves could be the starring features in a cheesy L'Oreal ad. Naturally, such marvelous beauty comes camera lens galore; these horses commonly appear in equine photography spreads and calendars, unsurprisingly, given their regal aesthetic. Enough about vanity for the moment, as these impressive animals, gallop upon an equally impressive history.
Early Gypsy Vanner Horse History
Before WWII, these horses employed to pull caravans were not officially a breed. However, that changed after the war's end, when breeding these majestic beauties became more commonplace. Although Gypsy caravans weren't rare -— they were indeed abundant throughout Europe — the British Gypsies' carts were somewhat of a novelty at the time.
The community was famed for showing off their beautifully decorated caravans with breathtaking designs — so opulent they were deemed akin to moving artworks. As such, it's no surprise they commanded an equally elaborate horse of astounding beauty to pull said caravans.
When Did Gypsy Vanners Come To America?
This spectacular horse only came to America recently; 1994 was the year when the first Gypsy Vanners were brought to the states from Britain, with the breed's registry, the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, also being established at that time.
The breed's place in the US became solidified as a result of Dennis and Cindy Thompson — a couple from Florida with a penchant for ponies. During a business trip in England in 1995, Cindy first saw a stunning stallion standing in a pasture, showcasing a blended coloring of black and white and shimmering Rapunzel hair — but quite small for a horse. Captivated by what she saw, Cindy inquired with a local farmer about the equine, after which it was revealed that the creature belonged to a traveler.
Clearly, curiosity got the better of her; she met with the horse's owner and listened to his stories, which inspired her own investigation into the breed — a four-year one, in fact. Cindy and Dennis studied the unknown horse breed's history and origins, even selecting a name for the breed together with the British Gypsy breeders. The 'Gypsy Vanner' — 'Gypsy,' acknowledging the communities that utilized the horses, and 'Vanner,' referencing the breed's suitability to pull a traveler's caravan.
The name 'Gypsy' is indeed a controversial term; however, the Thompsons were adamant about getting the name right for this equine breed, which the British Gypsy breeders with whom they liaised ultimately chose. The process of selecting the breed's name took years, originally the two contenders being 'Romany Horse' and 'Gypsy Vanner Horse.' In the end, the British Gypsies chose the name for their horse breed, which the Thompsons then established in North America.
Interestingly, the word 'Gypsy' is a wide-covering umbrella term — but it was only really commonly used in Great Britain. 'Gypsy' was a word that included the Romany, The Irish and Scottish Travelers, and the Didikoi — all of whom were responsible for developing the Gypsy Vanner breed in Europe throughout history. Hence, the name of the breed also serves as a nod to the communities that bred these incredible horses for centuries.
The Gypsy Vanner horses in America today are a testament to the Gypsy people's love for the breed and the Thompsons' success. The couple later succeeded in establishing the world’s first registry for a selectively bred horse developed by the Gypsy community. Later, the Gypsy Vanner Horses made their debut at Equitana USA in 1998, just before the Breeds Introduction in 1999.
Additionally, the couple didn't import just one or two of these mesmeric equines; the Thompsons imported the first sixteen Gypsy Vanners to the United States. With numerous horses to look after — and to accommodate their enamor with the breed — they opened a stud in Ocala, Florida, which is still going strong to this day. The property is open to the public for tours, enabling visitors to meet this beautiful breed of horse on a tour at Gypsy Gold — the original home of America's first Gypsy Vanner equines.
About This Gypsy Vanner Horse Tour In Florida
- Tour Name: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour
- Meeting Point: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm, 12501 8th Ave, Ocala, FL 34473, USA
- Tour Start Time: 10:00 am
- Price: From $45 (children under 5 are free)
- Time: 2 hours (approximately)
This excursion is the most popular farm tour in Florida and is ideal for families with children. On this fascinating walking tour of the scenic Gypsy Gold Farm, visitors get to see the home of America's first Gypsy Vanner horses, exploring and taking photos of the farm, the stables, and the exquisite equines of this rare and unique breed.
As well as meeting dozens of authentic Gypsy Vanner horses (and enjoying plenty of photo ops with them), tour-goers learn about the vibrant British Gypsy culture, the story of Gypsy Gold, the storied and romantic history of the Gypsy Vanner Horses — all in person with those involved in the history.
The first 45 minutes of this educational journey through the farm is conducted by Dennis Thompson himself, who helped discover and found the Gypsy Vanner horse breed in America. Visitors learn about these equines' traits, personalities, fascinating history, and alluring aesthetic appeal that piqued interest in the beginning.
Next, the second hour of the tour takes guests through horse-filled paddocks lined with picturesque ancient oaks covered in southern Spanish moss. During the walk, visitors get to meet stunning stallions and majestic mares and their beautiful babies.
Last but not least, photos with the Gypsy Vanner horses mark the tour's end and afford a memorable keepsake of the day — after which a visit to the Gypsy Gold gift shop beckons horse lovers.
All children participating in this experience must be accompanied by an adult. Also, the tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Why Take This Tour Of Gypsy Gold Farm In Florida?
The farm's founders garnered recognition for this uncommon horse breed developed by British Gypsies, establishing the first registry and importing the first sixteen Gypsy Vanner horses to North America.
Who better to provide an in-person tour, tell original tales of the breed's past, and give an insight into the authentic British Gypsy community's cultures and customs than those who brought these horses and their history over to the US?
Finally, the intriguing story of Gypsy Gold and the Gypsy Vanner breed (along with these amazing animals themselves) have awarded this Florida farm TripAdvisor's #1 Thing To Do in Ocala, Florida.