Our Beginnings
Raised in the picturesque farm country of Indiana, Dennis Thompson’s entire personal and professional life has involved loving animals and innovation of products for animals. It is, in fact, unlikely that you could walk into any pet or tack store in the world without seeing something conceived by Dennis Thompson.
Dennis took companies from “garage” beginnings to internationally recognized brands. Quik Silver Shampoo and Hamilton Halters are just two.
Dennis lived on a ranch in South Texas with his daughters when in 1988 Lisa, who worked at Lone Star Pet Supply in San Antonio called and said, “Dad, we just hired this new lady—she’s beautiful, she has 40 parrots and a Porsche—she’s perfect for you!”
Dennis met fellow pet product professional (and animal lover) Cindy Tergerson at a pet convention in Dallas. Married in 1990, two passions for animals became one with no one to say ‘no’! Dennis and Cindy’s love for animals was so profound that the Outdoor Life Network produced a national television program about their extraordinary relationship with them.
In 1995, on a business trip to Great Britain, Cindy noticed a little black and white stallion as they drove through the English countryside.
The rest, of course, is Gypsy Vanner history.
Dennis and Cindy had 14 wonderful years together before an accident took Cindy’s life in 2002.
Dennis and Cindy Thompson imported the first 16 Gypsy Vanner Horses to North America and are the founders of The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. Their story of discovery is unique in the annals of equine history and was the journey of a lifetime for Dennis and Cindy.
Dennis now lives on his Gypsy Gold Farm in beautiful Ocala, Florida, where he raises Gypsy Vanner Horses and conducts farm tours with his wife Erin Thompson.
Visitors learn about one of the world’s most colorful, least understood societies and the horses they so dearly love.
The one of a kind experience has made the Gypsy Gold Farm Tour one of Trip Advisor‘s top “Things To Do in Central Florida” and a recipient of their Certificate of Excellence.
Dennis Thompson is available for group speaking engagements. Please call 352-817-1777 for details.
Meet Our Staff
Dennis and Erin are assisted in the care of the horses, property, and the tours of the facility by stallion manager Gabrielle Gonzales, Taylor Mulholland and our team of volunteers: Don & Janet Gouldsmith, Stevie, and Trish.
Our Facility
Located on 40 acres in Ocala, Florida, Gypsy Gold’s facility features a 14 stall show barn, and a 12 stall bedding-free barn, surrounded by 21 lush paddocks dotted with ancient granddaddy oaks draped in Spanish moss. Private trails, hilltop views and many gorgeous backdrops are here for the remaining foundation herd of Gypsy Vanner’s. Beautiful Fair Hill is the final resting place for America’s first and most famous Gypsy Vanner Horses.