Interview With A Pro: An Interview with Rebecca VanTassel

For our first Interview With A Pro, we talk with trainer and judge, Rebecca Van Tassel about her experiences training and entering the world of Gypsy Horse.

Where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in beautiful Colorado Springs, Colorado.

How did you get into horses?

My mom grew up showing hunter/jumper horses on the East Coast. I was six years old when my dad got out of the military and my parents decided to settle down in a house with 5 acres. It was the perfect amount of space for my mom to help us get started with horses and pass on her passion! I began showing locally through 4-H and a saddle club then grew to show Paint horses on a national level.

Tell us about your first horse.

My first horse was a retired harness racing thoroughbred named Mr. Bo Jangles. Needless to say, he hated loping and trotted really fast! Bo was a great horse to learn on and we had a special bond. He had a sassy attitude but always took care of me and tried everything I asked him to do.

How did you get into Gypsy Horses?

I was an assistant to a Paint horse trainer in Grand Junction Colorado for several years. One day, my boss told me a lady was bringing us two Gypsy for training. He had faith and put me in charge of them! It was definitely a leaning curve, but some amazing people in the Gypsy community helped me find my way. It was almost an instant passion for me.

Tell us about your first Gypsy?

The first Gypsy I got to train was a gorgeous mare named Dahlia. I am honor that I still get to work with her nine years later! Not only was she the first Gypsy I got to work with, she was also the first horse I got to train from the ground up!

Tell us about your current horses.

I currently own two horses and a miniature donkey. Remington is a 17 hand tall paint Gelding and was the first horse I purchased on my own! Louis is my 24 year old quarter horse Gelding, who is gracious enough to let me give student lessons on him. Finally, there is Chopper; a 32-inch miniature donkey who is always trying to be center of attention.

Where do you live now?

I currently live in Grand Junction Colorado with my husband, Ryan, our two dogs and our horse menagerie.

Tell us about your training history, how did you start, which breed(s)?

Even as a youth, I have always taken primary responsibility to train my own horses, getting lessons from various, talented trainers along the way. After high school, I decided to pursue training full-time and spent four years working for amazing paint trainers in Colorado and Utah. At the conclusion of that season, I decided to go out on my own and created Triple M Performance Horses.

Tell us about your current training operation, event specialties?

I train out of a great boarding facility in Grand Junction, Colorado with huge arenas and miles of trail riding options! I do a little bit of everything, training wise, but I specialize in all-around Performance classes. I LOVE trail and showmanship classes the most!

Tell us about your family and other animals.

I married my best friend and the love of my love four years ago. Sometimes it feels like we run a zoo with our two dogs, a cat, various fish, the horses and the donkey. We love animals!

Do you have other hobbies or interests?

My passions have always revolved around horses. In addition to training and giving lessons, I am also a horse judge. I love giving back to the 4-H program through clinics and judging whenever I can. My husband and I also greatly enjoy the outdoors. Any free moment we have, we try to escape to the mountains to hike, camp, and backpack.

What events do you compete in with your Gypsies?

I have a fantastic group of youth and amateur clients that show their own horses in all-around performance events. In addition, I show their horses in English, Western, Driving, and In Hand classes.

Do you do anything else with your Gypsy?

My clients love taking their horses out on trails and occasionally in parades. We also help with the breed showcase at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo each year. It's always a fun time!

What is your favorite event or class to compete in and why?

My favorite class to compete in is trail! Whether it's in hand or riding, I love the complexity of the patterns. It is so much fun getting a horse to the point that it is comfortable maneuvering the obstacles. I also love the math side of it! Typically when I am riding a trail course, I am trying to add up my final score in head.

What is your biggest horse related accomplishment?

I have two moments (that both happened at the 2020 FHC Nationals) that I will never forget. The first was winning my first National title in the WJL Ranch Riding! Not only was this my first national championship, but it was also on Dahlia, the first Gypsy I ever trained! The second accomplishment was getting preform a dual bridle-less freestyle with my Youth client. He was my first client after opening my training business and we were riding the first two Gypsy I ever got to ride! There was a lot of personal meaning behind that performance!

What is your favorites thing about the Gypsy breed?

I love the versatility of the breed! It's not often that you can find a horse that is happy in the mountains, in front of a cart, or in the show ring! A Gypsy has so much heart that it will literally try anything you ask of them!

What is a goal you have with your Gypsies going forward?

I always want to further my knowledge of dressage and driving. I am proficient in both but I know I have a lot more to learn! I also want to learn more about team and unicorn hitch.