We are dedicated to preserving the Gypsy Horse breed through responsible breeding and training of these beautiful horses.
A Horse by Any Other Name: There are many names that are used to describe the Gypsy Horse breed, we have chosen one of the most commonly recognized to be the title of our registry. The following are several of the names the breed is known by: Gypsy Horse (USA) Gypsy Vanner (USA/Universal) Gypsy Cob (Universal) Irish Cob (Irland/UK) Coloured Cob (Ireland/UK) Tinker Horse (Europe) Romany Cob (Romany) |
Differences Within the BreedToday the Gypsy Vanner comes in 3 types which describe 3 different sizes the horse can come in:
Grand Gypsy-15.2hds and up Classic Gypsy-14-15.2hds Mini Gypsy-14 hds and under Fly Away Feather One of the most striking things about the Gypsy is the extensive feathering the breed carries. Long hair growing on the lower part of the legs, starting at the cannon bone and flowing down over the hooves which is left to grow to its natural length.The mane and tail are also left to reach their natural length. Overall, this gives the horse a very flighty almost ethereal look. Color Me This Gypsy Vanners, like a lot of horse breeds, come in a variety of color. They are, however, most commonly depicted as Piebald (or black with white patterning). This is the most common color in the breed and therefore the most predominate. The next common coloring being that of Skewbald (or any color with white patterning; except black). These horses were bred to be as colorful as the wagons they pulled. The remaining colors are Blagdon (any color with white splashing/roaning from the undercarriage on up) and Odd Colored (any other color). |
Romany CobThe romany are the people responsible for the inception of this breed. Given the name gypsy for the carts they travelled and lived in. Today they prefer to be known as the Romany. For the Romany, there is no such thing as a papered horse. Pedigrees exist through an oral tradition where trust reigns supreme.
The romany themselves have developed this breed over several generations and along the way have added new blood over time to increase certain characteristics or add new ones. The are four distinct variations on the Romany cob within the Romany breeding. Though modern mix breeding between the variants have blurred the distinction a bit. The first three are size variants much like the Grand Gypsy, Classic Gypsy, and Mini Gypsy. They are Romany Vanner Cob, Romany Grai Cob, and Romany Cob respectively. Then there is the Romany Scudder which is actually a cross between the more traditional Romany Cob and various Standardbred horses to produce a racing form of the breed; used in road racing. Many Gypsy Vanner breeders purchase their breeding program's foundation stock from the Romany people. And as such, have a great respect for the romany tradition and the preservation of this noble breed. |