Equitana 1998... that's when it happened. I had been attending this event each year to catch a glimpse of my infatuation, the Friesian horses. This particular year, another breed caught my eye, the Gypsy Vanner.
I had no idea at the time about the long journey they had taken, nor the vision they inspired in their culture, and now America. I was simply awed by their presence and beauty. However, still being true to my original love, I continued to research and dream of the day I would have my Friesian. Then, in 2002, having finally acquired my bit of land, I began pursuing it. Somewhat dismayed by my Friesian search, I remembered the wonderfully colored, feathered horses I had seen at Equitana. I jumped on the computer and typed in the words.

Among many conversations and visits with Friesian folks, I was also conversing quite a lot with Dennis Thompson. In the Summer of 2003, I was able to pop in a visit to his farm in Florida while visiting family. Knowing that I now had two loves, I was torn which would come first.........the Friesian with it's magnificent beauty and regal air, or the Vanner, with an equally overwhelming beauty with such a story to tell. I felt confident I would be led in the right direction and thus, decided to "just let things happen".  And happen they did!

I merely saw Bliss in photographs, as she was still in the UK with the Collards.  However, I came to find out she was coming to the United States very soon. I loved her pictures, but just couldn't bring myself to commit to a horse sight unseen. Luckily, the Snyders of WildCreek Farm were tremendously kind to me, lived within reasonable driving distance, and were very welcoming of a visit. They kept me informed of her designated arrival throughout the import process. Bliss landed on American soil late in Dec of '03. A few days later I went to take a look and that was it. I was so scared she would not be what I expected. And she wasn't. She was so much more! January 2nd of '04, Bliss was bunkered in her stall in Kentucky, quietly eating hay. I just about slept in the barn with her, as I just couldn't believe it.  What a great way to begin a new year!

Bliss is a wonderful start to what I hope to be a joyous new adventure into owning, and someday breeding, these wonderful horses.  And now, Lucky has joined the ranks!

"A lovely horse is always an experience...It is an emotional experience of the kind that is spoiled by words."
~Beryl Markham