When Amanda Burcar-Annis enters the ring in the driver's seat, it isn’t the carriage that catches people’s eyes. It’s the long, flowing feathers and larger-than-life presence of GG King of Diamonds.
Standing at just 14.2 hands, GG King of Diamonds, or “Player” as he’s known in the barn, is a Gypsy Vanner who commands attention. The 2013 black gelding (VV King William x GG Diamond Girl), who is owned by Wendy Annis, leaves a lasting impression at every combined driving event.
Gypsy Vanners have been a constant throughout Burcar-Annis' life. She entered the horse world through breed shows and was drawn to their love of life, ambition, and distinctive personalities.
“I’ve shown Gypsy Vanners for as long as I can remember,” Burcar-Annis said. “I loved doing the breed shows but was determined to find other ways to get involved with driving.”
When Burcar-Annis discovered combined driving, she quickly learned that while some parts of the competition are in a traditional arena, the sport offers plenty of variety and excitement involved. Similar to eventing, combined driving offers a ‘cross-country’ phase of marathon where combinations navigate a course of different terrains and obstacles.
“The more questions I asked of people who were involved with combined driving, the more interested I became,” she said. “It really felt like a game and a true sport where its just you and your horse against the universe.”
Exploring a new discipline did not lessen Burcar-Annis' love for Gypsy Vanners. Her first combined driving partner was a 2012 piebald Gypsy Vanner gelding named GG Macho Latcho (Latcho Drom x GG Chandra), also known as “Macho.”
Together, Macho and Burcar-Annis had an incredibly successful career. They progressed through the levels and eventually reached the Preliminary Single Horse division. Their notable achievements included second place finishes in the Charlotte’s Creek CDE and Katydid CDE.
“Macho and I were completely in sync,” she said. “Things were going really well, and we felt like we could take on the world.”
Just as their competition season was gaining momentum, Burcar-Annis made the difficult decision to semi-retire Macho after he was diagnosed with arthritis. Fortunately, driving ran in the family. Her mother also shared her enthusiasm for combined driving and love for Gypsy Vanners.
“It was fate,” she said. “Right when Macho was stepping down, my mom got a new horse to drive with and her horse, Player, was looking for a new job.”
Burcar-Annis took over the drive with Player, and the pair immediately clicked. Their first event together was the 2026 Grand Oaks Winter Season Finale in Weirsdale, Fla. Since then, they have competed throughout the East Coast at many well-known events.
Despite his short statue, Player more than makes up for it with his personality and talent.
“He’s blown everyone away,” Burcar-Annis said. “He’s so forgiving and willing and just overall amazing.”
The duo entered the Preliminary Single Horse division at the 2026 USEF Combined Driving National Championships, held during the Stable View CDE in Aiken, S.C. from November 6-9.
They delivered an impressive performance across all three phases, earning a cumulative score of 113.07 and finishing third in the championship. It came as no surprise to Burcar-Annis when they returned home after marathon with the second fastest time.
“He’s shown people he can do it,” she said. “He’s got that drive and was ready to go from the moment we flew out the start gate.”
Their focus carried into the cones phase. Player navigated the course double clear, securing their final placings.
For Burcar-Annis, Player’s growth in their short time together has been a particular source of pride.
“It’s only been six months and he’s learned so much,” she said. “He can turn through obstacles so fast and can do it all with confidence. I’m so proud of him.”
Burcar-Annis plans to keep competing Player, with hopes of moving up to the Intermediate level within the year. No matter where their journey takes them, she will continue cheering on her friends and fellow competitors.
“The combined driving community is something rare,” she said. “We’re all here for the love of horses and the sport. Everyone that comes to watch is so surprised with just how much fun we all have and how amazing the people are.”
Amid the welcoming community, Burcar-Annis and Player are hard to miss. Whether competing or greeting spectators, the black Gypsy Vanner turns heads with his bold personality and unmistakable mustache.
“He’s known for his mustache and hair,” Burcar-Annis said. “It adds a swagger to him that no one can miss.”