The Farm
Gypsy Woods Farm is romantically named after the large stand of trees on the property
where Gypsies once camped. It was established in 1994 when the original six-stall barn
was completed. In 1996 an eight-stall barn and a 60 x 200 foot arena were added. A banner
over the doorway states Opportunity dances with those already on the dance floor. From its
modest beginnings, the complex of buildings and pastures is now home to over fifty horses.
European Style
In the fall of 2001 Chuck and Joann Smith welcomed more than 150 people to the opening of
the newest addition to their facility. The day was perfect for riding and perfect to celebrate
the completion of the new 21 stall-training stable with an attached 80 x 200 foot indoor arena.
Built by Mennonite craftsman to be as light and airy as possible, the indoor reflected the fact
that it was inspired by some of the best indoor arenas found in Europe. Although the primary purpose
for the facility is the daily training of the farms dressage horses and boarders horses, it was
also designed with the intention of hosting special clinics and other functions. The indoor arena
has comfortable seating for over 200 people, restroom facilities and a catering area. Other features
of the new facility include an apartment for guests and an elevated viewing room that overlooks the
indoor and outdoor arenas.
A Breeding Farm
Gypsy Woods Farm is not only a quality training facility, its a breeding farm. This aspect of the
farm too has grown over the years. Starting with primarily Trakehner bloodlines, the broodmare herd
has been increased to include Oldenburg, Hanoverian and Dutch mares. The farms philosophy is to
concentrate on good, quality broodmares, which can then be bred to outside stallions. This gives
the farm the opportunity to search for the best stallions for their mares. In 2003 four out their
five foals were approved premium.
A Family Affair
Gypsy Woods Farm is a true family business. Chuck and Joann Smith own and operate the farm and two of their children are involved in different aspects of the farms activities. Their daughter, Elizabeth, a lawyer, handles contracts and accounting. Another daughter, Susan, plays various roles from handling advertising, planning special functions, and purchasing and still finds time to ride. Joann competes at FEI levels on her horses Cartier and Fahrenheit.
Top Notch Training
George Williams, who along with Rocher was named the Grand Prix Dressage Horse of the Year by the USDF, joined the Gypsy Woods Farm staff in August of 2000. With his guidance and expertise, Gypsy Woods Farm has expanded the training and competition side of the operation. Although George does not personally train every horse on the farm, he has developed the training program and supervises training of the young stock. Read more about George Williams and his training philosophy. |
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