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LIVING THE DREAM Flashback ten years ago to November 1996. I get a call from a woman who says she met me at Equitana in Louisville, KY that summer and wants to insure two horses that she and her husband are importing from England. As usual, I ask what breed and she begins describing them to me and telling me that it is a new breed that they are going to introduce to the states and goes on and on about their size, color, how wonderful they are, etc. When someone describes something to you, you start to get a mental picture in your mind and I thought “what is she talking about”?! I tell her that I will have to discuss this with my underwriter before I can even give her a rate. I call my underwriter, and she says to me, “what are you talking about”?! We came up with a rate, and I insured two Gypsy Vanner breeding fillies named BAT and DOLLY. Soon CUSHTI BOK and THE GYPSY KING followed….and so began the dream. Of course I am talking about Cindy and Dennis Thompson. Fast forward to Equitana 1998. I am leaving the trade fair to go home for the day. As I walk across the "chute", I see this horse being led coming toward me. It is so beautiful that I catch my breath. Up until now I have only seen photos of these so called “Gypsy Vanners”…I shout out to the groom “is that a Gypsy Vanner”?, he nods his head yes. I instantly understand how Cindy and Dennis felt the first time they layed eyes on these beautiful creatures. I was mesmerized. Looking back over the last ten years I have watched how this breed has grown by leaps and bounds as more and more join the ranks of Gypsy Vanner owners. Each time a new owner calls me to insure their first Gypsy Vanner purchase, I can hear the excitement and love for the breed in their voice. These are truly magical horses and it is practically a life altering experience just to own one. I have been so fortunate to have played a small role in the Gypsy Vanner legacy and am truly greatful for that. I have met so many wonderful owners through the years and love keeping tabs on how the business has and is growing all over the United States. I am so proud to be able to say that I insured the first Gypsy Vanners. Thank you to all of my clients for allowing me to be a small part of your Gypsy Vanner world. Each time I hang up the phone after talking to Dennis, he makes you feel that you cannot live another day without owning one of these magnificent animals. He and his new bride Lynn are to be commended for keeping the dream alive and living it everyday. |
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