About Us

Throughout this site I consistently use the terms "we", "ours", and "us".  But who are "we"?  We are myself, Jeff, and my Son, Thomas, plus all the horses we have at any given time.

     I am perhaps best known to my clients and friends through my association with Black Forest Shires & Gypsy Horses, which was the original Gypsy Horse farm built by myself and my former partner.  Many of our good friends and clients had discovered the Gypsy Horse through our farm.

     Today, Thomas and I are living with a good friend and a great person - who has opened her heart and her home to us.

But life goes on, and we learn to roll with the punches...

Part of an article published in a Southern California newspaper.

I began my career in horses at a rather late age in about 1986 when I was hired to perform as a mounted knight competing in full-contact jousting exhibitions.  Prior to that I was a computer technician and TV-repairman (remember when TV's were repaired rather than thrown away?).  However, I had some acting experience, and was skilled in stage-combat.  So off I went to join the circus..      I eventually became director of one of the company's two travelling troupes.  I really enjoyed the work, and learned a lot about the horse, and the connection a person can have to that animal.  We worked with our horses every day (except Monday), and performed on the weekend for live audiences.       Our performances were done primarily using draft horses specially trained for the necessary skills.  So was born my love for the draft horse.

     Later on, I knew I wanted these big guys in my life, and decided the Shire Horse was the breed for me.  I acquired my first Shire shortly thereafter, and seemingly never stopped bringing them home.  We would travel overseas to the largest Shire shows in the world, and learned much about the breed from it's origins in England. 

     From that point, it was one short step to our involvement in the Gypsy horse.  We started importing them in 2000, and brought over our last flight in 2008.  Along the way I received training in equine reproduction and became a farrier - although mainly out of necessity.

     I am always happy to talk with people about their horses.  If I can help you, feel free to drop me a line.

-Jeff