WR Ranch

Sapphire, NC and Oxford, FL
By Rebecca Eddy

Like most good stories, that of WR Ranch began with a love affair. Wendy Ricci grew up with horses, but it wasn’t until 1998 that they were reintroduced to her. On a walking tour of Italy with her husband Bill, they saw Haflingers. Her childhood love of horses was rekindled. Not even a year later, Wendy’s brother, a neighbor of Bill and Joanne Thorup, took them to see Esmeralda and Jasmine, two of the first 16 famous Gypsy Vanner horses imported to the United States. Thus began Bill and Wendy’s search for the perfect Gypsy Vanner of their dreams. It took three years, but they found her – Panda Rose – who they imported from England in 2002. Although others have joined her, Panda has and still does hold a special place in the Ricci’s stable. She is the mother of the gorgeousmare Pie and the stallion Tinker Toy, as well as, the foundation of WR Ranch’s signature breeding line of Gypsy Vanners – the Panda Rose line, an offshoot of the famed Rose line. “She’s always been the crown jewel,” gushes Bill.
That’s not to say that the other horses aren’t loved as much. After the purchase of Panda, they had the opportunity to buy Kuchi, the first Gypsy Vanner born in America, from Dennis Thompson. Now 12 years old, Kuchi is perhaps the most well known of all their horses. In 2009, Breyer commissioned a model horse in Kuchi’s likeness. Thousands of visitors to Breyerfest at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, in July 2009 were able to meet Kuchi in person. Currently training at Second Level dressage, this month’s cover girl, Kuchi is a fine ambassador for the breed.
In an interesting twist of fate, Bill and Wendy were able to add Esmeralda and Jasmine to their growing list of Gypsy Vanner horses. The two mares that started the love affair are an integral part of the farm to this day. Bill reports, “They all make wonderful babies.” WR Ranch employs the use of embryo transfer; utilizing recipient mares in order to keep their performance commitments at various expos and fundraisers throughout the country. In fact, the first foal of the season was born on February 27 and the fraternal twin, a filly, was born on March 6. Both of these foals are by Esmeralda, a wheeler in the four-in-hand team.
“Most of our mares have had their own foals at some point. Embryo transfer allows our top performing mares to stay active and doesn’t put them at risk,” Bill explains.
The Ricci’s stay busy with multiple appearances with their four-in-hand team. They first debuted in December 2008 in Canterbury, FL, followed by performances at the Florida State Fair and the Carriage Museum and Resort. Last year, they only drove as pairs under the masterful hand of Bob Giles. Recently, the four-in-hand team made an appearance during a Make-A-Wish half time performance and won the championship at the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort. The leaders, Pie and Swirl, have driven as a pair, as have the wheelers, Jasmine and Esmeralda. The key to their success is “an experienced driver, and Bob Giles is that person.” Bill continues, “I’m learning, but not ready to go out there yet. Maybe next year.”
Wendy and Bill have both enjoyed introducing many people – horse lovers and non-horse lovers – to the Gypsy Vanner horse. “A number of people have never seen Gypsy Vanners. We feel we have some of the finest in the country. We want to get them out there. At a demonstration two weeks ago someone in the audience broke into tears upon seeing them. When they are all beautifully clean with manes flowing, it’s a magical experience,” he enthuses. “We have been committed to exposing our breed to the public. It’s good for people to see them out there performing.”
As breeders of fine Gypsy Vanner horses, the Ricci’s have made it their mission to change some of the misconceptions surrounding the breed. In addition to successful outings at breed shows, Kuchi has successfully competed at open dressage events including the Wellington Dressage Classic. It is anticipated that Kuchi will move up to Third Level by the end of this year with rider and trainer Heather Caudill. Bill is learning to ride with the help of 29 time World Champion rodeo cowboy, Dan Dailey. Dan is quite impressed with the Vanners’ athleticism and wonderful nature. Watch for Dan and Panda to begin roping soon. “It’s good for the public to see how versatile they are, even though they are beautiful to watch too,” says Bill.
The easy-going, gentle nature of the Gypsy Vanner horse is what drew the Ricci’s to the breed in the first place, and it hasn’t let them down. Time and again, visitors comment on how sweet they are – whether it’s a two-year-old colt, a six-year-old stallion or a mare. Bill and Wendy invite visitors to both of their farm locations, Florida in the winter months and North Carolina from June – October, to see their temperaments first hand.
For more information about WR Ranch, please visit www.wrranch.net or call 954-540-5582.