Our Program Goals Outlined
Program Size
Our main goal and focus is to have our horses live their best lives. Period. The husbandry, the vetting, all of it. That is why we plan to keep things small. Our program will consist of 4 mares who display the well known Gypsy traits. Each selected for their temperament, breed character, ease to be around, among others. We want our horses around for the long haul as seen in our miniatures. So rest assured, our mares will be carefully selected.
Breeding Frequency
With our program of 4 mares we intend to breed 2 mares per year giving the other 2 mares a year off. I plan to do this for several reasons including to give the mares body an adequate and much needed break between foals, and to always have 2 mares available for my own trail riding and eventually public wellness work.....more about that below.
Genetic Transparency and Veterinary Care
Gypsy Vanners as with any species deserve to be bred ethically and responsibly. This includes genetic testing for diseases prone in the breed, veterinary exams prior to and after breeding. Appropriate farrier and body work. Our horses comfort and care is of utmost importance.
Foal Handling Philosphy
I am a firm believer in lots of handling and desensitizing. Our foals will be imprinted at birth and know all of their baby basics by the time they are weaned and ready for new homes. I understand that foals require time and patience to develop the capacity to be outstanding equine citizens. This focus on foals is why our small broodmare base was so carefully selected and our stallion pairings so important.
Wellness Work
Wellness is an important aspect to me. I believe horses contribute to my own over all well being and would love to share that with the world. I plan to achieve this through offering grooming sessions, time spent with the horses and educational presentations to the public.
Overall Goals
My goal for Lotus Haven Ranch is to further the Gypsy Vanner breed by intentionally, ethically and transparently breeding the next generation. To do this with the attention to detail that will be on display with every foal that is born into the Lotus Haven Ranch family.
Our Facilities
The Barn
The Gypsy Vanner Herd
The Barn Office
We are showing everything. nothing is rushed. We do a free stall/arena type. This area is large enough for inside feeding areas, automatic waters, safe entry and exit. This also provides a nice place for me to work with my horses and also eventually for my wellness ventures.
The Barn Office
The Gypsy Vanner Herd
The Barn Office
This is our barn office. This space has been great for fellowship with our guests. This is also what I refer to the dog apartment as our little herd of corgis spend quite a bit of time in here when they aren't roaming the ranch.
The Gypsy Vanner Herd
The Gypsy Vanner Herd
The Gypsy Vanner Herd
Our horses live alongside our retired Great Pyrenees Livestock Guardian Dogs. They all share space. I believe the horses find comfort in their being near. Fun fact about us is that we raised registered colored boer goats and hair sheep large scale from 2015 to 2022.