Bandit
GV00070F
After purchasing our mare, Magic, for my daughter the search was on for a horse for me. I wanted a horse like Rudy’s Buck (the show horse), a truly beautiful tribute to the breed. One day while making my regular rounds through Rudy’s sale barn I noticed a black horse. Rudy told me the horse was in route to a friend of the gypsy’s family in southern Germany. I told Rudy I wanted this horse, but since I could not have him one just like him would do. He simply shook his head as he had told me time and time again how hard it was to first find and then to convince a gypsy to sale such a horse.
Three months passed. The black horse returned to Rudy’s headed back to the gypsy in England. The lady wanted a good trail horse and this young three year old stallion was not well suited for that job. I told Rudy I really wanted this horse. He placed a call to the gypsy and handed the phone to me. I heard the gypsy say, “Rudy tells me you want to buy my stallion. He unfortunately is not for sale. I sent him to a friend and since she does not want him he must come back to England.”
“I understand, but I want you to know that when this horse goes back to England he will be taking my heart with him”, I said sadly. There was a long pause and then the gypsy responded, “Well, that is different, if he has your heart he doesn’t belong to me any more.”
I experienced yet another glimpse into gypsy culture that day. The horses they treasure are gifts meant for themselves and family. It is more about “heart” than money when it comes to buying, selling, and sharing their truly selectively bred horses.
Bandit is a treasure. He is the answer to my childhood dream of having a horse of my own. He is Carliss’ dream horse as well. Today he is at home at Belle Rose Farm where he is enjoyed, loved and spoiled daily by the two of us.
Bandit’s Show and Exhibition Record:
GV Introduction and Breed Demonstration NJ State Fair 2003
GVHS Breed Demonstration Massachusetts Equine Affaire 2003
Warren County Horse Show 2003:
Pleasure Driving Class – 1st Place
Reinsmanship Class – 1st Place
Woodstock Riding Club Horse Show 2003:
Pleasure Driving Class – 1st Place
Reinsmanship Class – 3rd Place
Obstacles – 3rd Place
Dutchess County Fair Draft Horse Show 2007
Geldings In Hand Halter Class – 3rd Place
New York State Horse Council Annual Meeting 2007
Gypsy Vanner Horse Breed Demonstration
The Literary Horse Project by Vanessa Wright 2008
Bandit was photographed for this project
Vanessa selected a photo of Joyce with Bandit as the official invitation photo for the project. It is touring libraries worldwide. Visit online at www.theliteraryhorse.com
