Known for their feathered hooves, flowing manes, and gentle temperament, these horses were originally bred by British and Irish travelers \u2014 often referred to as gypsies to pull their ornate caravans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis amazing breed that Dennis has been preserving for over 30 years now. These are amazing, beautiful creatures, and a lot of people that come on these tours aren\u2019t even familiar with the Gypsy Vanner breed,\u201d said Eileen Mahoney, who works with the horses daily at the farm.<\/p>\n
Founded by Dennis Thompson and his wife, the farm is home to more than 30 Gypsy Vanner horses, each with a unique story and heritage.<\/p>\n
Thompson gives weekly tours where he not only introduces visitors to the horses but also shares the journey that brought them here.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy late wife and I, in 1995, saw one horse and learned it belonged to a gypsy,\u201d Thompson told a tour group.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpent that day in a gypsy camp and basically became obsessed.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/N13_GYPSY_GOLD_HORSE_FARM_1121.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
The farm has earned TripAdvisor\u2019s Certificate of Excellence four times and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Central Florida. (Spectrum News)<\/p>\n
That encounter sparked a decades-long mission to preserve the breed and honor the culture behind it.<\/p>\n
For Thompson, it\u2019s not just about the horses \u2014 it\u2019s about correcting long-held misconceptions about the Romani people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey don\u2019t read and write \u2014 that is by choice because they don\u2019t want to lose their culture,\u201d he explained. \u201cSo, they have been treated with prejudice for a thousand years.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the tour, visitors meet horses like \u201cLittle Big Man,\u201d whom Thompson describes as \u201ca grandson of Kushti Bok,\u201d one of the original horses he imported.<\/p>\n
Guests can also interact with mules and exotic birds, like colorful macaws, all while walking the picturesque grounds.<\/p>\n
Visitors from all over the country have made the trip \u2014 some with a deep love for horses, others simply curious.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I\u2019ve grown up with horses. I used to be a jumper \u2014 and then I got old,\u201d joked Bonnie Mickley, a visitor from Georgia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s so wonderful that people like Dennis are saving this animal,\u201d added fellow visitor Chris Connolly.<\/p>\n
Thompson\u2019s passion is simple.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people come to Gypsy Gold, I hope they get a better understanding of the culture and a better understanding of the horses that they envisioned.\u201d said Thompson<\/p>\n
The farm has earned TripAdvisor\u2019s Certificate of Excellence four times and remains one of the top-rated attractions in Central Florida.<\/p>\n