Ocala: Gypsy Vanner Horse Farm Tour & Meet the Horses

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/8

Duration2h

GroupUp to 20

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Walk among Gypsy Vanner horses in Ocala’s mossy paddocks

You’ll meet America’s first Gypsy Vanner horses up close on this Ocala farm tour, hear lively stories from the breed’s founder himself, stroll under ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss, and snap photos with these gentle giants. The laughter, soft noses, and sunlit paddocks will linger long after you leave.

Step-by-step itinerary

Gypsy Vanner Horse Farm Tour

Educational talk by Dennis Thompson
Meet Gypsy Vanner stallion
Walk among horse paddocks
See stallions, mares, and foals
Photo opportunity with stallion
Visit Gypsy Gold gift shop

The Experience

I didn’t expect to laugh so much at a horse farm, but Dennis—he’s the guy who actually started the whole Gypsy Vanner thing in America—had us grinning from minute one. The way he tells stories, you can almost smell the campfire and hear wagon wheels somewhere in your head. He explained how these horses came over from British Gypsies (I’d never even heard of “Vanners” before), and Erin chimed in with little details about their personalities. There was this moment when one stallion snorted right as Dennis made a joke about horse mustaches—timing was perfect, honestly.

Walking out into the paddocks, I kept brushing against this soft Spanish moss hanging off ancient oaks. It felt like we’d stepped into some old Southern painting, except there were these ridiculously fluffy horses everywhere—foals too, with legs too long for their bodies and that sweet grassy smell on their coats. Kids in our group squealed every time a mare came close enough to nuzzle their hands. Even if you’re not a “horse person,” it’s hard not to get pulled in by those big eyes and shaggy manes. The guide pointed out how each horse had its own markings and quirks—one kept following me like I had snacks hidden somewhere (I didn’t!).

We ended up taking photos with one of the big stallions—his mane was wild, almost like he’d styled it for the occasion. I’m still not sure who looked more awkward in my picture: me or him. The gift shop at the end had all sorts of things with horses on them, but honestly I just stood outside for a bit longer, watching sunlight flicker through the trees while a couple of foals chased each other around. That’s what stuck with me—the quiet after all those stories and hoofbeats, just standing there breathing it all in.

What’s included

Your visit includes a guided walking tour through horse-filled paddocks beneath old oaks draped in Spanish moss. You’ll get an educational talk from Dennis Thompson (the breed’s founder), have a chance to meet mares, stallions, and foals up close—and snap a photo with one of their famous Gypsy Vanner horses before browsing their gift shop at your own pace.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for heart conditions

Operated by Gypsy Gold LLC