This month’s column is dedicated to the life of a valued member of the Gypsy Horse community who is no longer with us. Carol Renee Cranmore of Middleville, Michigan, died at the University of Michigan Hospital on May 31, 2009. She was 47 at the time of her death. Carol’s farm is Coloured Cobs of Cranmore, which she and husband Carl Cranmore owned and operated.

An avid animal lover, Carol was allergic to cats, dogs, and horses, but she didn’t let that stop her from surrounding herself with them. The Cranmore stable includes Friesians, Gypsy Horses, and a Shire cross. Carol’s gorgeous black and white tobiano stallion Declan, whom the Cranmores imported in 2006, is reported to be a grandson of The Roadsweeper U.K. and a son of Watson’s Old Horse.

Carol saw the possibilities of the Gypsy crossbreed and produced Gypsy-Friesian crosses (“Gypsians”) and Gypsy sport horses. She also founded the Gypsy Sport Horse Registry in 2007. The GSHR accepts horses which are at least 25% GH. In a press release published in October 2007’s Equine Journal, she presented her rationale for founding the GSHR. “Gypsy Horses possess many desirable traits, such as personality, bone, and profuse mane and feather, that will combine well with and complement numerous other breeds. In addition, there are horse lovers who simply aren’t comfortable with the relatively small height of the Gypsy Horse and will cross breed to produce a taller horse or a horse better suited to dressage or eventing.” In particular, she noted the Gypsy/Friesian cross. The GSHR currently lists 36 members, 10 of whom are also GHA members.

Carol was a member of several forums dedicated to the Gypsy Horse, and her posts invariably displayed her good humor, innate kindness, and love of the breed. Carol’s presence will be sorely missed there.

Her family has asked that anyone desiring to make donations in her honor do so to Horses’ Haven of Howell, Michigan.

Villa Vanners Flash and Tango "hilltop" with the Tennessee Valley Hunt Club.
Photo Courtesy of Riverplains Farm

Villa Vanners Flash and Tango with the Tennessee Valley Hunt Club.
Photo Courtesy of Riverplains Farm

Click HERE for a PDF of the actual Equine Journal article.