Neighbors March 2011 | Page 9

(Continued from Page 8) “We are all wanderers on this earth. Our hearts are full of wonder, and our souls are deep with dreams.” ~ Gypsy proverb The Krauses work very hard to educate the public regarding Gypsy Vanners, participating in shows, parades, expos and educational seminars. They are often the first Gypsy Vanners to compete or show in many equine events. Feathered Gold Stables was the featured act in the 2007 Dances with Horses presentation in Waterloo, Iowa, a major charity event. Proceeds benefited Aspire Therapeutic Riding program. Mickey Finn, one of the Krause’s three breeding stallions and the only son of renowned Gypsy Vanner stallion, Drumshambo, in the States, was a major contestant in the 2010 Midwest Horse Fair’s Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge. This cross disciplinary course includes challenges such as: circles cantered, lead changes, two-foot jump, trotting while balancing an object in one hand, backing through and around barrels, side passing, ground poles, turns on the haunches or turnarounds, leg yielding, open/close a gate, dragging objects and ring joust. According to Denise, “Gypsy Vanners exhibit an unparalleled level of versatile athleticism. While many horse breeds only excel l at one type of riding, the Gypsy Vanner can perform Western and English riding and jumping, hunt, parade, dressage, rodeo, 4-H activities, cutting, roping, barrel racing or anything else a horse can do.” Mickey Finn along with Jasmyn, another Feathered Gold Gypsy Vanner, will compete in the 2011 Wind Rider Equestrian Challenge. Both are also contestants in Blain’s Farm & Fleet’s 2011 Midwest Horse Fair’s Search for the World’s Most Beautiful Horse. (Continued on Page 9) Top: Novel displays the overwhelming Gypsy Vanner Beauty. Bottom Left: Zetta Rose, Luna and Tiny out for a spin. Bottom Right: Ellie finds her jumping prowess at just four days old! Page 9 Neighbors-March 2011