Sir William Henry Dougan is one of the fathers of Western Horse culture in Europe. His authentic a-class-by-itself gipsy cowboy personality is a resource of western inspiration. He has the inviting ability to make people become part of the world of the American cowboy and his horse. William makes the West a real-life experience — he makes you live the spirit. He gets you in the saddle, and you bet you’ll love it. Life is a ride, and he makes you do it.
Over the years he has been both a mentor and a resource of knowledge and inspiration for many Western Equine athletes, trainers, riders, breeders, the recreational rider, the hobbyist, and for the whole family just stopping by. Before you know you'll find yourself on the back of a horse or watching your youngest riding a pony!
William combined the Romany Gipsy roots from his grandmother —Margret Patricia Mason— , the love for the horse of his father —Lord of Landkey, Wiliam John Dougan— , and his exceptional innate talent to feel and understand both people and animals. He is renowned for his gentle and patient nature and his one-of-a-kind riding lessons. When you ever have been taught by William, you’ll never forget the enriching experience. Often people confess that they take trail rides with William not just for the horse riding but for the lessons in life. His balanced mind and his remarkable view on many aspects of life make a trail ride with William an indelible journey.
Today Gipsy Horses is frequented by people of many nationalities and ages and has become a complete western center offering a wide variety of western horse experiences. From trail riding to kids and youth lessons, barrel racing, team penning, roping, pole bending, trick riding, all rodeo disciplines, natural horsemanship, showing, and even rodeo dance, rodeo clown training. and other Western Variety and Specialty events.
Sir William Henry Dougan is still sharing his teachings in various classes, he is also a coach for advanced riders and rodeo athletes and is a mentor for the younger generation involved in the management of Gipsy Horses Ranch.