Gypsies of the Horse Kind

Gypsies, Of The Horse Kind.

Not only has our Horseback Program expanded with a dozen new horses, it has added several field trips to the program. One especially designed for our Junior and Pioneer aged campers is a trip to Found Feather Farm. Found Feather Farm specialize in raising, breeding and nurturing authentic British and Irish Gypsy Vanner Horses. There, they have an absolutely stunning array of imported bloodlines and deal with individuals of the true “British Gypsy Fraternity”.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Mill Spring, North Carolina, their mission is “to bring honor, recognition and a better understanding to one of the world’s colorful and least understood societies and the horses they dearly love. To respect the spoken word of the Gypsies who have dedicated lifetimes in the pursuit of breeding the perfect caravan horse…..The Gypsy Vanner.”

Last week, Sara Buchsbaum was one of the luck Pioneer Girls that experienced the farm. She said it was “The best day of her life”. Jayde Cambell and Lisa Cushing were the instructors that took last weeks lucky group. Jayde said that “It’s a fantastic place for kids; fun, safe and educational. I love this place. These are a very rare and special breed. We’re so lucky to ride and learn about these Gypsies”

Education is a huge part of the trip and the staff at Found Feather Farm are sure to give the children a broad understanding and hands on experience. In the past, these horses had to be strong and athletic so they could manage the heavy vardos with the Gypsies family and it’s belongings. Besides being hardy, they had to be gentle and docile enough to tech the Gypsy children how to ride. Due to recent interest and importation of Gypsy horses, registries are being established here and abroad to protect and continue the established bloodlines.

Our campers had the unique opportunity to see the Gypsies for their many wonderful qualities. Not only is their beauty immediately noticed, but their warm, gregarious nature. They are both gentle and docile, allowing an unrestricted hands-on loving experience. To touch, ride, groom and learn of these beautiful creatures is a once in a lifetime memory, one that just maybe, they’ll get to re-live if they return to Blue Star next year. I think there might be some finger’s crossed and wishes made for just that.