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“No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.”
Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, WWII
Growing up in Nevada where her father was a District Ranger, Lake
Mead National Recreation Park, Denise (who moved to Central Wisconsin
when she was 18 years old), lived and breathed horses. She handled many
breeds before she met her first Gypsy Vanner horse.
Like many other enthusiasts, Denise caught her first glimpse of these
gorgeous horses online, “While I was initially drawn to their breathtaking
beauty, I quickly became captivated with their incredibly docile nature,
intelligence and vigorous athleticism. I decided we needed one so we
purchased our first Gypsy Vanner, Feathered Gold Moe.”
PROFESSIONAL BREEDERS
Together with husband, Derek, Denise owns Feathered Gold Stables
in Ogdensburg, Wisconsin, home to 33 horses, 25 of which form the
foundation of their Gypsy Vanner horse breeding operation.
Although Denise enjoys showing her horses at local shows throughout
the Midwest as well as breed shows specific to the Gypsy Vanner horse,
her primary focus is producing high quality Gypsy Vanner foals.
She is present at every birth, either in person or via cameras installed
in the stables, which send live feed to the house, keeping her informed.
This is a true family affair. Denise handles all of the daily chores, regular
routines, sales and interacting with the veterinarian and trainers.
Derek, who has a full-time job outside the stables, helps exercise and
train the horses, overall show preparation and participation and assists
Denise with foaling of the mares.
Denise shares her appreciation of Derek, “He and I actually are a very
good team in the barn when we have a mare ready to give birth. The
two of us work together in a very intricate fashion to get baby dried
off, blanketed, up on its feet and nursing as well as attending to all
mama's needs during this time. Unfortunately, Derek is often on the
road with his job. The past three foaling seasons, he was only able
to attend about half of the births.”
“If he is not here and I need an extra set of hands in an emergency, my
twelve-year old son, Justin is always willing to get out of bed (the mares
foal at night 95% of the time), and help with whatever I need.”
Justin also runs his own “Baby School” for the foals, who follow him like
puppies throughout the corrals.
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Top: Denise and Sera going through the paces. Middle: Watch out Derek! Avalanche is showing off
his playful side. Bottom: Meanwhile, Lady decides it is time family dog, Cory, needs a little prodding.
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Neighbors-March 2011