Gypsy Gold Horse Farm Tour

Outdoor, very serene, great history and story telling, beautiful well kept property, easy to walk, friendly hosts, would highly recommend

Wonderful to see these beauties and others at the farm and learn the history.

Very informative, beautiful grounds and the horses are magnificent. Dennis the proprietor and host weaves the history with current status of the breed in a very interesting fashion.

A great fun AND educational experience. The horses are beyond beautiful and the history of the breed is fascinating. There is some walking but it’s easy and the grounds are lovely. The best part is that your participation helps ensure the future of this kind and beautiful breed of horse.

This was a last minute trip to meet up with family in central Florida. It was my MIL and my 4 year old daughter- so I wanted to give my daughter a unique horse experience, being that we we're staying in Ocala. I looked at the tours avail for Gypsy Gold and did not see the shorter walking tour that would have been better for my daughter. I called and spoke with Erin (sp?). She was wonderful! Worked with us to join the longer morning tour ( after the history portion) so that we could get the walking tour portion since the afternoon tour was not avail on our specific date. My expectations were exceeded from that moment on. We arrived and it was a seamless transition into the tour- she was so kind and patient, although my daughter was not on her best behavior! We learned so much and although we did several other things while in the area ( including swimming at springs), this was BY FAR the favorite by all. I cannot thank Erin and the Gypsy Gold Farm enough for their hospitality and flexibility. The experience was truly second to none!

Wow, I was so glad we found this place while surfing for things to do in Ocala! We have lived in the Sunshine State for 10 years and have never heard about it. Dennis and Erin were wonderful hosts and shared so much interesting information, and the horses are stunning!

Dear Dennis, Thank you for a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable tour! ChatGPT augmented this photo for the Fourth of July, and I thought you would get a kick out of it.

Kids enjoyed every single moment. Not a big fan but they loved it.

Awesome day with Dennis Thompson.

This is a truly unique experience. A beautiful setting with sprawling oak trees and rolling pastures; the atmosphere was something out of a fairy tale. The horses are just amazing. We learned so much on our tour about these wonderful horses. We even got to see some very young colts. I would highly recommend anyone going here to interact with and learn about these horses.

We were very impressed with the two hours spent touring Dennis’s farm. The grounds are so well maintained and lovely, the horses beautiful and the history of and reason for Dennis’ passion engaging. We left with a new appreciation, not only for the breed of horse, but the Gypsy culture in which Dennis has so immersed his life and shares with others.

This farm tour is incredible! Lots of horses to see, takes photos of and with and feed carrots to. The horses are gentle, beautiful and well cared for. The owner is a great storyteller with a wealth of knowledge. There were 10 of us in our group and we walked around the farm with ease. There are free walking donkeys, mules, parrots, and of course the horses. We even got to see two babies! Reasonable price, 2 hour visit. Good for anyone to enjoy. The breed is Gypsy Vanner horses. You will learn why.

This was such a neat tour given by the people who own and operate this farm. Such incredible animals and very kind people. I highly recommend it.

Amazing from beginning to end . Lovely lovely farm. You can tell each animal is ver well taken care of . The farm is upkept and clean it doesn’t smell like most farms do . Horses have nice beautiful braids and loves being around people . The donkeys love people as well. The tour was wonderful and informational from start to finish.

Amazing from the time you step in and the time you leave . Beautiful horses , you can tell they are well taken care if vs going to a zoo or another farm . Farm itself is clean you don’t step in poop everywhere . Stories are funny an interesting .

Worth seeing, but the hour tour would have been plenty long enough. The owner talked for more than an hour rambled on and on in order to fill the time.

Highly recommend Gypsy Gold Farm. Dennis is an extraordinary host. We learned so much about the Gypsy Vanner Breed. What beautiful animals! So friendly & patient. And then there are the charming mini donkeys, who wander about looking for some love. Erin shared so much knowledge about individual horses as well as the breeding process. If you love horses, this tour is for you. If you like horses, you will love them after the tour. If you are not sure about horses, you will be amazed at this wonderful animal snd the dedicated stewards who make Gypsy Gold Farm so special !!!

This tour was exceptional! One of the most fascinating life stories I have heard. Well worth our time and money. The horses were incredibly beautiful. Would repeat this tour with somebody that hadn’t gone.

Amazing information shared by owner, from inception to present day farm. Very interesting. The horses are breathtakingly beautiful and sweet. Donkies are funny roaming around. CUTE. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

Wonderful place to visit and roam to see these beautiful horses and to hear the stories how they came to Ocala. Not only are their horses but you’ll get to see some beautiful birds. The staff and volunteers will answer all your questions. Recommend the 2 hour tour so you understand the background of this farm.

We enjoyed the farm tour very much. Very informative and hands-on. Personal since the owners take you all through the farm.

Fascinating talk by the owner about the origins of the breed from the travelers (gypsies) in Europe and his development and standardization of the breed in the US. Wonderful interactions with these beautiful, athletic, and friendly gentle giants. Also, interactions and information about a variety of mules and donkeys. Loved this visit!

One of the absolute best tour of any kind that we have ever done. The owners were kind and friendly and so KNOWLEDGEABLE about their horses. Dennis has the gift of gab, a funny sense of humor, a passion for his horses, etc, stories that I could have listened to all day. Make the effort to take the tour. We just took the tour today and I could go back tomorrow and do it again!

A beautiful tour. Our hosts were so knowledgeable and dedicated to their horses and to the breed. Thank you for all you do for the Gypsy Vanners.

This was a wonderful experience. The owners are truly compassionate and kind. They make you feel welcome right from the start. The horses are beautiful! We would definitely stop by again in the future if we are in the area!

Don’t miss it, the whole thing was wonderful! You don’t have to be horse savvy to know how special these beauties are!

Dennis’ talk is always great….and his sister in law (sorry,name?) walking tour was awesome!!!

The guide and owner, Dennis, was great. His stories of how he found the breed, how they came to be, were fascinating and humorous. It was great to walk around the farm and see all ages of horses, from the young to the geriatric, all lovingly cared for.

Informative, warm, and witty presentation, followed by a delightful visit with the horses, donkeys, and mules.

Ask to pet the horses but you can love all over the donkeys! So gentle! Also have a new appreciation for the Gypsy lifestyle.

A big thank you to Dennis and Erin for opening their farm and sharing the story of these beautiful horses. Dennis tells of the first encounter with the breed and how the first ones were brought to the US. The walking tour takes you through the farm where you can meet the Gypsy Vanners, the mini donkeys and the mammoth mules. A great tour and one you should definitely take. Thanks again Dennis and Erin!

Introductory presentation was excellent . Informative about the farm , its wonderful animals , culture of the Gypsy people ; all delivered with a sharp and impulsive sense of humor that made the whole presentation very enjoyable . Thanks for a great trip!

Our visit to the Gypsy Gold Horse Farm was wonderful. We experienced the farm tour which included the history of the Gypsy Vanner breed and how the first horses came to the US. The storytelling ability of owner Dennis Thompson is top-notch. We then went around to a few of the different paddocks where we were lucky enough to meet a few of the gentle giants (aka Gypsy Vanner horses). In addition to the horses, there are birds, donkeys and mules that also live at the farm.

Dennis and Erin were so welcoming and warm. The property is lovely, and easily accessible. The history was amazing and the animals so beautiful. I would highly recommend this tour and I would definitely come back the next time in town.

What an amazing farm!!! Dennis is a fantastic story teller and his story is really interesting!! Definitely worth the trip … and then the horses!! They are absolutely stunning!!! There are also mules and very friendly donkeys!! The love they have for all their animals shines through!! I’m so glad I went!!! Looking forward to going back!!

The tour was 2 hours, but most of the time was spent with owner talking ( 1.5 hours) the rest we were on our own looking at the horses nearby.. very little contact with the horses. Was not worth the money and we would not recommend it.

My partner and I were in Ocala for the Rock the Country concert and had some extra time and were looking for something to do. This was at the top of everyone's recommendations so we decided to do it last minute and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. What an incredible story Dennis Thompson had to share! The first half of the tour is some background and cultural education which only made the beautiful ranch more impressive, and the second half Dennis drove us and the other two people on our tour to see his many horses, donkeys, and mules where we could get out and pet them. The animals came right up to us as we drove up and were very clearly loved! He even let us into one of the pastures with a mini donkey that came right up and laid on my lap. I can't say enough good things about the people that run this place, it was abundantly clear that they were passionate and good hearted. HIGHLY recommended to anyone in the area to stop in and spend a few hours at Gypsy Gold Horse Farm.

We toured the farm and stables, fed carrots to the horses, learned about the stallions, mares and foals, visited the donkeys, the mules and miniature donkeys. This is the first farm in the US to breed Gypsy Vanner horses, and the owners are very enthusiastic about the breed and love to answer questions you have. They have all the information you could ever want to know about this breed and it is a very fascinating story. They were originally used as caravan horses due to their strength and docile nature. Horses like to be touched so that was fun too.

The guy that lead the tour was one of the most interesting people I met. The stories he told were amazing and the horses were so beautiful.

This was the first time I’ve ever rode a horse and was not thrown off! Toby was such a good boy! The tour guides knew exactly what they were doing!

It was the owner trying to sell you his book. Walked around and saw horses. Would not go again and could not recommend. It was a waste of time

I learned so much about the origin of this horse breed, and the life journey of the farm owners. Gypsy Vanners are a smaller horse similar to Shire and Fresian.

The tour of this farm and the information we received was fascinating and the horses are beautiful!!! I would come back here again a dozen times!

Great place and amazing history. Horses are beautiful! Tour guide was the best! Highly recommend for any size group or family.

This is an amazing tour. The owner & staff our extremely friendly and very informative about the horses & their experiences. This is a must do if you are in the Ocala Area!!!!

Owner, Dennis Thompson, has the gift of exceptional storytelling! With a good dose of humor balanced with heart touching stories, I found myself in tears a time or two, along with many laughs that made the hour history part of the tour fly by. His deep love and passion not only for the Gypsy Vanner Horses but educating others about the Gypsy culture to set the record straight of these big-hearted people is remarkable and truly admirable. Being a fellow animal lover & advocate, I was deeply touched by his future dreams for his farm to be an educational center. In part, to continue to also share his love of donkeys and bring back to the forefront what we so need in this world and that we do our part in coming back to Compassion, Empathy, Patience, and Kindness – just to name a few human virtues – of which the donkeys so beautifully exude. Being able to hug a mini donkey and spend some time with her baby, Wisdom, was the highlight of the tour for me and will remain in my heart as one of my fondest memories. Thank you, Dennis, and all those of Gypsy Gold Horse Farm who continue to bring awareness to the exquisite and touching animal-human bond, and how together, this love can change the world.

Dennis has quite a lifetime of experience and knowledge. A beautiful breed to see and interact with in person.

Highly recommend 10 AM tour (1 hour presentation + 1 hour tour of farm, getting close up to the horses, mules, and donkeys). Dennis was an outstanding storyteller, passionate about his development of the breed and his love of the horses The animals were very well behaved and amenable to being petted and photographed. Excellent for all ages but the presentation might be a little long for small children, although they would really enjoy the walking tour.

The horses and farm are just beautiful! We really enjoyed the history and informational piece by Dennis.