Our Educational Efforts

Here at Unicorn Meadows we are under the spell of, and committed to, the gypsy horse breed, which Dennis and Cindy Thompson have called "the Vanner." The name is important because it is the only name that recognizes that within the gypsy horse population is a group of truly special horses that are the direct result of a selective breeding process conducted by a few gypsy families. There had not been any recognition of a breed in Europe or anywhere until the Thompsons established the first registry for the horses that are "the breed."

Upon returning to the United States in July 2001, I set out to help people who were discovering "gypsy horses" grow in their understanding. I wanted to help guide them in realizing that there was a large population of gypsy-bred horses, the majority of which were crosses or trade horses. Thrown into that population, but not a part of that population, was a horse that had gone unrecognized. It was a new horse with an appearance and a set of traits that trumpet its arrival as a rare, definitive breed, new to the equine world.

Thus I set out on a mission to help any interested individuals to recognize a horse from "the breed" in comparison to other gypsy horses, and to grow in their understanding of "the breed." Below is a chronology of my past and continuing involvement in promoting this breed.

I registered my horses with The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society™.
In April 2003 I attended the Ohio Equine Affaire. Prior to the opening of that event, an invitation had been issued to owners of gypsy horses to attend a "First Ever" meeting. With the large importation of gypsy horses of all kinds that had been occurring, I felt it of utmost importance to attend and support the Gypsy Vanner Breed. At that meeting I had the privilege of finally meeting Dennis Thompson in person. In addition to meeting Dennis, I was honored to man the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society Booth with other Vanner enthusiasts: Anne Crowley, Colette Morgan, Jeanne McDonald, Brenda Moore, Mary Beth Kerwin, and Kristen Kerwin. Shirecrest Equine Education Center was there, and I met two of the most dedicated Vanner supporters I have had the privilege of knowing thus far Jackie Clark and her daughter, Stacy Foncannon. At that meeting, Jackie introduced me to a program idea she had begun to develop: Lash's Lessons™.
I wanted to drive my gelding. Driving is a discipline that the Vanner was bred to do, and I wanted to have Bandit trained so that he could be used not only to demonstrate "the breed" but also to demonstrate how beautifully they perform in this discipline. I found a wonderful trainer, Susan Skipper of Get Go Farm in Hardwick, New Jersey, to accomplish this task.
Bandit and I spent ten months under Susan's skillful tutelage. In August 2003 we entered our first competition at the Warren County Fair in New Jersey. I entered two classes Pleasure Driving and Reinsmanship. I was anxious. Bandit wasn't. He was just there to do his job and he loved it! They called the Pleasure Driving class. I entered the ring with the other eleven competitors (all breeds morgans, minis, even a mule). When asked to line up facing the judge, I was just glad I had driven my horse successfully and wasn't counting on a ribbon. Suddenly, after the first five ribbons had been awarded, I heard the judge say, "And First Place goes to number 161, Joyce Christian driving Bandit." I cannot explain the joy! All I could think was that this is a fairytale breed. Not only was this my first time to ever drive in competition, but it was Bandit's as well and we had won. I was thrilled! When I entered the ring for the Reinsmanship class, I was still high, but willing to just drive and certainly not anticipating another win. When the judge announced that again, "First Place goes to Joyce Christian driving Bandit" well, euphoria set in!
Also in August 2003 my daughter Jill and I had been contacted to develop a Gypsy Vanner Horse™ presence and Breed Demo for The New Jersey State Fair, Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. In working towards that goal, we had the opportunity to meet and work with Lise McNamara of Blarney Stone Acres and her daughter Kelsey. In addition, I extended an invitation to Dorothy Cleary, and she graciously consented to join us in our efforts by bringing her wonderful filly "Heart of Gold," which she lovingly calls "Razzle." This horse is out of Gypsy Gold Farm in Ocala, Florida, owned by Dennis Thompson. We were the guests of Kistler Buildings and thus were provided beautiful stalls in which to display our Vanners. We held Breed Demos on two consecutive nights, and Vanner Mania set in as crowds of people came to not only touch but to learn about these beautiful, enchanting horses.
In September 2003 Bandit and I entered the Pleasure Driving Class at the Woodstock Riding Club in Woodstock, New York. Our third consecutive First Place was awarded. Bandit is a driving champion, and I am just honored to ride in his cart.
Also in September 2003 I was contacted by Cornell University Extension to have my Vanners do a demonstration on their Farm Day. It was another wonderful opportunity to teach interested individuals about the breed. We took Magic and presented her under saddle, and I of course drove my Bandit. Again, the aura of a fairytale was cast on people who had never before encountered such an animal.
In November 2003 I was invited to bring Bandit to the Massachusetts Equine Affaire to be one of three Gypsy Vanner Horses to represent the breed in a Breed Demonstration one under saddle (Lynn Palm riding The Gypsy King), one in hand (Phil Rogers with Tinker Toy), and Bandit as the driving horse. It was a well orchestrated, beautifully carried out demonstration reflecting the beauty and potential of this rare, unique, breathtaking breed.
In March 2004 I was invited to bring Magic to the Ohio Equine Affaire to support Lash's Lessons™ and to participate in the Gypsy Vanner Horse™ Breed Demonstration. Her temperament was highlighted throughout the event, and even "Dr. Groom" invited her to be his model for his teaching sessions in the Youth Pavilion.
In January 2004 I was contacted by a local radio show, "Horse Talk." They were interested in doing a show on gypsy horses. I told them that I would be delighted to be their guest, but that I would only be sharing the gypsy horse that is a rare breed and that is The Gypsy Vanner Horse™. The one-hour show highlighted The Gypsy Vanner Horse. I was able to share what a Vanner is and how it is not just another gypsy horse.
In September 2004, Horse Talk hosts contacted me again. This time they wanted to highlight Lash's Lessons™. Jacki Clark joined me as a guest on the show, and within the framework of Lash's Lessons™ we were able once again to showcase The Gypsy Vanner Horse™.
Unicorn Meadows is honored to be affiliated with Lash's Lessons and will join Blarney Stone Acres and Shirecrest Equine Education Center in support of that program at Massachusetts Equine Affaire on November 11-14, 2004.

It is our goal at Unicorn Meadows to provide ongoing educational opportunities to help everyone grow in their understanding of this truly unique breed.

We want to help potential buyers understand the breed, its rare beauty, and great potential prior to purchase.

We want to help the general public and equine public grow in their recognition and then appreciation of the Vanner.

We are available for demonstrations, booth displays, or lecture presentations for youth, riding, 4-H, and other club groups. Give us a call or email us and then "Experience the Legend."

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Home Our Mission Our Vanners Educational Efforts Legend of the Unicorn A Magical Moment Links Contact Us	Our Educational Efforts Here at Unicorn Meadows we are under the spell of, and committed to, the gypsy horse breed, which Dennis and Cindy Thompson have called "the Vanner." The name is important because it is the only name that recognizes that within the gypsy horse population is a group of truly special horses that are the direct result of a selective breeding process conducted by a few gypsy families. There had not been any recognition of a breed in Europe or anywhere until the Thompsons established the first registry for the horses that are "the breed." Upon returning to the United States in July 2001, I set out to help people who were discovering "gypsy horses" grow in their understanding. I wanted to help guide them in realizing that there was a large population of gypsy-bred horses, the majority of which were crosses or trade horses. Thrown into that population, but not a part of that population, was a horse that had gone unrecognized. It was a new horse with an appearance and a set of traits that trumpet its arrival as a rare, definitive breed, new to the equine world. Thus I set out on a mission to help any interested individuals to recognize a horse from "the breed" in comparison to other gypsy horses, and to grow in their understanding of "the breed." Below is a chronology of my past and continuing involvement in promoting this breed. I registered my horses with The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society™. In April 2003 I attended the Ohio Equine Affaire. Prior to the opening of that event, an invitation had been issued to owners of gypsy horses to attend a "First Ever" meeting. With the large importation of gypsy horses of all kinds that had been occurring, I felt it of utmost importance to attend and support the Gypsy Vanner Breed. At that meeting I had the privilege of finally meeting Dennis Thompson in person. In addition to meeting Dennis, I was honored to man the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society Booth with other Vanner enthusiasts: Anne Crowley, Colette Morgan, Jeanne McDonald, Brenda Moore, Mary Beth Kerwin, and Kristen Kerwin. Shirecrest Equine Education Center was there, and I met two of the most dedicated Vanner supporters I have had the privilege of knowing thus far Jackie Clark and her daughter, Stacy Foncannon. At that meeting, Jackie introduced me to a program idea she had begun to develop: Lash's Lessons™. I wanted to drive my gelding. Driving is a discipline that the Vanner was bred to do, and I wanted to have Bandit trained so that he could be used not only to demonstrate "the breed" but also to demonstrate how beautifully they perform in this discipline. I found a wonderful trainer, Susan Skipper of Get Go Farm in Hardwick, New Jersey, to accomplish this task. Bandit and I spent ten months under Susan's skillful tutelage. In August 2003 we entered our first competition at the Warren County Fair in New Jersey. I entered two classes Pleasure Driving and Reinsmanship. I was anxious. Bandit wasn't. He was just there to do his job and he loved it! They called the Pleasure Driving class. I entered the ring with the other eleven competitors (all breeds morgans, minis, even a mule). When asked to line up facing the judge, I was just glad I had driven my horse successfully and wasn't counting on a ribbon. Suddenly, after the first five ribbons had been awarded, I heard the judge say, "And First Place goes to number 161, Joyce Christian driving Bandit." I cannot explain the joy! All I could think was that this is a fairytale breed. Not only was this my first time to ever drive in competition, but it was Bandit's as well and we had won. I was thrilled! When I entered the ring for the Reinsmanship class, I was still high, but willing to just drive and certainly not anticipating another win. When the judge announced that again, "First Place goes to Joyce Christian driving Bandit" well, euphoria set in! Also in August 2003 my daughter Jill and I had been contacted to develop a Gypsy Vanner Horse™ presence and Breed Demo for The New Jersey State Fair, Sussex County Farm and Horse Show. In working towards that goal, we had the opportunity to meet and work with Lise McNamara of Blarney Stone Acres and her daughter Kelsey. In addition, I extended an invitation to Dorothy Cleary, and she graciously consented to join us in our efforts by bringing her wonderful filly "Heart of Gold," which she lovingly calls "Razzle." This horse is out of Gypsy Gold Farm in Ocala, Florida, owned by Dennis Thompson. We were the guests of Kistler Buildings and thus were provided beautiful stalls in which to display our Vanners. We held Breed Demos on two consecutive nights, and Vanner Mania set in as crowds of people came to not only touch but to learn about these beautiful, enchanting horses. In September 2003 Bandit and I entered the Pleasure Driving Class at the Woodstock Riding Club in Woodstock, New York. Our third consecutive First Place was awarded. Bandit is a driving champion, and I am just honored to ride in his cart. Also in September 2003 I was contacted by Cornell University Extension to have my Vanners do a demonstration on their Farm Day. It was another wonderful opportunity to teach interested individuals about the breed. We took Magic and presented her under saddle, and I of course drove my Bandit. Again, the aura of a fairytale was cast on people who had never before encountered such an animal. In November 2003 I was invited to bring Bandit to the Massachusetts Equine Affaire to be one of three Gypsy Vanner Horses to represent the breed in a Breed Demonstration one under saddle (Lynn Palm riding The Gypsy King), one in hand (Phil Rogers with Tinker Toy), and Bandit as the driving horse. It was a well orchestrated, beautifully carried out demonstration reflecting the beauty and potential of this rare, unique, breathtaking breed. In March 2004 I was invited to bring Magic to the Ohio Equine Affaire to support Lash's Lessons™ and to participate in the Gypsy Vanner Horse™ Breed Demonstration. Her temperament was highlighted throughout the event, and even "Dr. Groom" invited her to be his model for his teaching sessions in the Youth Pavilion. In January 2004 I was contacted by a local radio show, "Horse Talk." They were interested in doing a show on gypsy horses. I told them that I would be delighted to be their guest, but that I would only be sharing the gypsy horse that is a rare breed and that is The Gypsy Vanner Horse™. The one-hour show highlighted The Gypsy Vanner Horse. I was able to share what a Vanner is and how it is not just another gypsy horse. In September 2004, Horse Talk hosts contacted me again. This time they wanted to highlight Lash's Lessons™. Jacki Clark joined me as a guest on the show, and within the framework of Lash's Lessons™ we were able once again to showcase The Gypsy Vanner Horse™. Unicorn Meadows is honored to be affiliated with Lash's Lessons and will join Blarney Stone Acres and Shirecrest Equine Education Center in support of that program at Massachusetts Equine Affaire on November 11-14, 2004. It is our goal at Unicorn Meadows to provide ongoing educational opportunities to help everyone grow in their understanding of this truly unique breed. We want to help potential buyers understand the breed, its rare beauty, and great potential prior to purchase. We want to help the general public and equine public grow in their recognition and then appreciation of the Vanner. We are available for demonstrations, booth displays, or lecture presentations for youth, riding, 4-H, and other club groups. Give us a call or email us and then "Experience the Legend." << back to top