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Charjo’s Gypsy

2001 Dam Legion of Merit

    Charjo’s Gypsy (*Wickenden Osprey x Bluehill’s Schoolgirl) was a grey Section B mare bred by Charles and Jo Benner who entered the Verkuyl and Hubert family in 1977 when she was leased to the Verkuyl’s by Former WPCSA President Roger Van Cleave.

    Over the next 10 years Gypsy spent much time as a show pony, taking out time for trail rides and chasing cattle out of the mountains. Gypsy was an exemplary model of the versatile Welsh pony, showing hunters, jumpers, hunt seat, saddle seat, driving, western and trail - even getting in the lead line and walk-trot divisions when she was older. Gypsy was shown primarily by Ruth Verkuyl and Jackie Hubert, with at least four other riders joining in. The group of her handlers and friends came to be known as the "Company" and later evolved into Goldhills Welsh. At one major all breed show grooms from the nearby fancy show barn watched curiously as all the saddles, bridles, harness and carts were unloaded from the truck and trailer - they asked, "How many horses for all this tack?" and were astonished when the answer was "just one".

    In addition to numerous Championships in the ring, Gypsy was a three time winner of the coveted Section B High Point Award at the Western National - 1983, 1984 and 1987, and winner of many Pacific Coast High Point Awards over her show career. Gypsy even went to college in San Luis Obispo with Jackie in 1986/87 living with Anne Westerman! Gypsy retired from the show ring in 1987. Her first foal was born in 1989 who unfortunately had health problems and did not survive. After being covered in 1991, Gypsy was pronounced not in foal and barren by the vets at UC Davis. So what do you with an old show pony that can’t get in foal? Put her back to work! Gypsy made a journey to Ventura where Jackie was living and working and made her comeback in 1991 right back where she had left off - winning!

    Always an easy keeper, Gypsy seemed to gain weight living on air that summer, and became strangely laid back. To make a long story short Gypsy produced the first in a line of outstanding foals in 1992, Goldhills Diamond ‘Lil. Diamond Lil was followed by Goldhills All Shook Up, Goldills As You Wish, and Goldhills Bright Reflection, all of whom worked together to contribute to her LOM. Diamond Lil showed her promise early, earning the Pacific Coast High Point Section B Mare as a two year old - she went on to be shown by Jackie and later junior rider Jessie Lemeiux, who showed her to WPCSA National Reserve Championships in Short Stirrup and Junior Trail. All Shook Up was shown to Supreme Champion gelding titles and two WPCSA National Championships in trail by his young owner Laura Bannon. As You Wish has also made a name for herself in the show ring, as the Pacific Coast High Point Section B Mare, and Western Pleasure Champion. Bright Reflection was shown only lightly as a junior pony, and is now turning into an outstanding broodmare, herself. Gypsy was a true asset to the Welsh breed, as a show pony, ambassador, broodmare and great friend.