OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 THE RIDER /61
Open Day at OnceUponA Farm Gypsy Vanner Horses
For several years, Dan and Julia O’Neill have talked about having an Open Day at their Gypsy Vanner Farm in Picton. Finally, after many requests for such a day, they decided to just jump in and do it. So, on Saturday, Octo- ber 13th, they opened their farm to the public for just one day. The day dawned bright and clear despite the Weatherman’s warnings of heavy rain. And from 10:30 until 4:00 .....well after the official closing time…there was a steady stream of visi- tors.
“We have visitors virtu- ally every weekend and every day cars pull over on the side of the road to admire our Vanners from a distance. Many other people have expressed a desire to visit the Farm but don’t want to both- er us, this day was for all those people. The Open Day was not about selling horses, but about sharing the passion we have for our horses and the Gypsy Vanner breed.” Dan and Julia O’Neill named their farm “Once- UponA Farm” while they awaited the arrival of their very first Gypsy Vanner Horse, Nimue. It seemed an appropriate name for the home of such a magical crea- ture and her arrival was, indeed, a dream come true. The Gypsy Vanner Horse was first imported to North America in 1996 by Dennis and Cindy Thompson of Florida. In November of 2004 Nimue arrived at Once- UponA Farm in Picton, Ontario – Canada’s first Gypsy Vanner Horse! And that was just the beginning of Julia and Dan’s love affair with this beautiful, rare breed.
The Open Day was a fundraiser for Community Living Prince Edward’s “Healthy Living Initiative”. This worthwhile program offers people with a disabili- ty the opportunity to experi- ence many different healthful activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, horseback rid- ing, sailing, dragon boating, swimming, yoga and zumba, to learn about good nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals and snacks. The funds raised for this program exceeded all expectations. “We love to talk to peo- ple about the Gypsy Vanners, and take the Vanners to shows or have people visit the Farm because we are sharing something we love…
..it’s so rewarding to see others fall under their spell.” Julia and Dan are thrilled with the reception of their first Open Day at the
Farm. The O’Neills’ motto is “We believe in Fairy Tales and that Dreams do come true”. The funds raised from this event will make dreams come true for many. O’Neills are already making plans for next year’s Open Day and have been
approached to partner with another event in the future.
Right: Visitors enjoy meeting Gypsy Vanner horses at Open Day at O’Neill’s Onceupona Farm.
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