Over the weekend, Miranda Lambert entered her Gypsy Vanner horses in the Feathered Horse Classic in South Carolina at Clemson University's livestock arena. And much like with her music and fashion endeavors, Lambert didn't disappoint.
On Feathered Horse Classic's Instagram, photos show that Lambert proudly took home a red ribbon, signifying that her beautiful horse was deemed Reserve Grand Champion, a huge honor for the country music star.
"It has been one of the best weekends of all time. My horses performed well, and I smiled so much my face hurts," Lambert wrote on her Instagram with a series of photos from the event. "I am still green and have so much to learn but I've come a long way in 4 years...It's just a reminder to take time out for what you love and what recharges you." As her photos show, Lambert and her horses earned well over 20 ribbons from the event.
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It appears that Lambert's big prize winning horse, like the majority of Gypsy Vanner Horses, is piebald, meaning it has dark and white splotches of pigment. But coloration isn't what makes a Gypsy Vanner Horse special. These creatures are selectively bred and even DNA tested to prove their inheritance when they're in competition. They come from a long line of horses that pulled caravans (hence the name Vanner) for the traveling people of Ireland and Britain. It wasn't until 1996 that this breed was brought across the pond to America. Overall, Gypsy Vanners' bodies are that of a smaller draft horse, and they have majestic manes and feathering around the hooves, giving them a signature style.
The Feathered Horse Classic was obviously a big deal to Lambert. She could have easily opted out of competing due to her tough touring schedule, but she carved out just the right amount of time in between dates to make sure she could attend. Now that's passion.
