Meet WildCreek Farm Gypsy Vanners
This is an interview with Barb Snyder of WildCreek Farm, located in west central Ohio.
Vanner Banner: Can you tell us your farm name and how that came about?
WildCreek Farm: The first horse farm property Jim and I purchased after we got married had a creek running all along the property and there were so many wild animals that were around that creek that we became WildCreek Farm. VB: Did you own horses before the Vanners and if so tell us about them. WCF: As a child my family had several ponies from the time I was born and I did 4H with a half Morgan mare. Mid 1990's we started breeding Dales Ponies. We sold all the Dales in 2002 to just concentrate on the Vanners, but we still have a 23 year old Spotted Saddle Horse and a 22 year old quarter horse.
VB: How many years have you owned Gypsy Vanners? WCF: 11 VB: How many Gypsy Vanners do you own ?
WCF: We did have around 20, keeping 10 breeding age mares and 2 stallions along with various youngstock. But a year ago we started selling and cutting back the numbers. We now keep 4 breeding age mares, 1 stallion, 2 young fillys to raise as potential breeding mares, and whatever young ones we have for sale.
VB:Do you put a limit on how many foals you have a year and if so how many and please explain why.
WCF: Yes we only have 3-4 per year because we handle them everyday, and make sure each has individual attention and appropriate training for their age. With less horses we can offer more.
VB: Do you have a favorite out of your Stallions, Mares and if so please tell why.
WCF: Its hard to say which is our favorite now because the horses we have are all special to us. VB: Do you feel any of your stallions or mares are prepotent in producing one thing or another and if so please tell us about it.
WCF: They are all good producers or we would not be breeding them. Our young stallion, Touch of Class, really puts alot of classic heavy bone and body shape on a foal, and he has one of the nicest heads I have seen in the breed. VB: Do you ride or show your Gypsy Vanners and if so can you tell us about that and what other activities you do with your Vanners and do you prefer one discipline over another or do you have a favorite discipline?.
WCF: We have shown some in the past, but recently we more enjoy clinics and fun activites like parades, trail rides and expos.
VB: Do you train your own Vanners or do you have someone else train for you and what age do you normally start training them and can you please share some things on this.
WCF: I have used a trainer to start a horse under saddle, but with the young ones I do the work myself along with extensive help from a good friend.
VB: Can you please tell us what you look for when you are purchasing a gypsy vanner.
WCF: These days a horse must have a good bloodline, and DNA confirmable parentage. They have to be correct type for sure. VB: Do you prefer to buy from a importer/trader or a private breeder in the USA and why? WCF: When we started out with the breed we had to import because there were so few and no one was selling much. These days I much prefer to purchase in North America due to quality, care, availability, and diversity in bloodlines.
VB: Does it make a difference to you on who you are buying from if they show their horses or not? WCF: No, not at all. VB: Have you attended a GVHS breeder/judges seminar and evaluation? How do you feel about the GVHS breeder/judges seminars and evaluations?
WCF: I have attended the seminar 4 times I learn something new everytime. I highly recommend it to everyone. I think the evaluations are very important and provide an important tool for breeders and buyers.
VB: What made you decide to reg your horses and become members with the GVHS? Are you pleased in the direction the GVHS is going? If so or not please explain why.
WCF: Because the GVHS is the most professional organization and registry for the breed. The people involved really care about the future of the breed.
VB: Do you have a specific feeding program? WCF: We feed alfalfa mix hay, along with a high fat, low carb complete feed that keeps our horses in great condition and creates healthy foals. VB: If you have stallions do you stand them to the public ?
WCF: We would breed our stallion out to a select mare or two, but in general we like to not overbreed the bloodlines, keep them more select and our foals unique.
VB: Is there anything that has happened that is special or funny with your vanners that you can share.
WCF: Everyday is special. We have fun with our horses and especially the babies, and give thanks everyday for them.
You can visit with WildCreek Farm on their website
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