Gypsy Wood

Many people have asked frequently who is behind Gypsy Wood and why is it named Gypsy Wood?

Gypsy Wood was created in 2004 by me & my husband John having been together for 30 years, having spent most of that time in the licensing industry.

One summer's day in 1997 my husband came home from one of the hostelry based in Gaerwen on the Isle of Anglesey and informed me that following a conversation with a member of staff named Cheryl in Gaerwen, Anglesey, that she was looking for a home for a little horse named "Simba", who had been born with deformed forelegs. We were lucky enough to have plenty of grass but had never owned a horse before. I phoned our local vet and was told to expect a 30 year commitment which would be down to John and me. A Veterinary Surgeon named Dewi Williams from Hubbard & Williams; Caernarfon came out to look at him. After examination he said he could operate on one of his legs to give him a better standard of life. We agreed to the operation and took him down to Caernarfon for his Operation. When we went to pick him up following the operation Dewi informed us that every thing had gone well and had operated on both of Simba's legs. There was a chance he would not live for long due to the likelihood of arthritis. He also required that he have his hooves regularly trimmed in a certain way.

Following the operation it was time to trim Simba's hooves and Edwin our local Farrier came to carry out the task, however Simba had other ideas and he was having none of it. My husband John ended up lying in a slightly muddy field holding him down to get the job done. Simba maybe small but he's a strong little horse, with the most amazing character. Today he is fine having his hooves trimmed.

Simba was proclaimed fit and healthy following his Operation and seemed happy grazing along all day reveling in all the fuss. As the months went by and as we gained more experience we decided that Simba needed company and we acquired a couple of Miniature Shetland Fillies. This created a slight problem and Simba had to be gelded, which required another operation. John and I were and still are amazed by the attachment and bond which is created with the horses and and anyone deciding to keep horses should take note. Each one is amazing in their own right having such personalities and traits. Nine years have passed since Simba became one of the family and by now he has seven girls to keep him company and despite his disability he can still keep up with all of them. Simba is our only gelding, of a dark brown colour. He will never win any prizes in a show ring, but is a champion in our eyes Simba and all his friends have given us so much pleasure. Keep your eyes open for him because if it was not for giving him a home and touching our hearts I don't think Gypsy Wood would be here today.

One comment I received once was "People who do not know about horses should not have them". My answer is with Love, Commitment and Knowledge from those willing to help anything is possible.

The naming of Gypsy Wood before opening the park was a struggle as to what to name it. A casual conversation with our next door neighbour Mrs Pritchard-Jones gave me the idea after being told that the wood area which joined our two fields was called Gypsy Wood. We made further enquiries within the locality and learnt about the man in the tent. The last true Romany Gypsy who resided in Bontnewydd was a gentleman named Mr Lovell who camped in the field opposite and used the river which ran through Gypsy Wood.

At Gypsy Wood we aim to spread a little happiness and enchantment. Our success is not measured by pounds and pennies but by the hearts we have touched.

Enjoy

Christine Evans
July 2006

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