There are so many misconceptions concerning the Gypsy Horse. There are many conflicting websites, cluttered with people's opinions, sprinkled with a few facts. I have seen several sites, in the early years of importation, explaining the "difference between Gypsy Cobs/Horses and Gypsy Vanners". Let me state plainly and factually...there is NO difference, they are the SAME horse. The term Vanner is an American marketing name, owned by one association, used to set their horses apart. This is remarkable considering that many (if not all) of their horses either are registered with several other Gypsy Horse registries, or they could be. I have chosen not to register my current horses with this registry as I do not agree with the exclusivity of this society. I think this is a horse for the people, a horse for even those that are afraid of horses to enjoy! The Gypsy Horse or Cob can come in any color under the sun, light or dark, tobiano or solid, splashed with white or spotted. They can range anywhere from 12 hands high to over 16 hands high. This is because of the diversity in ancestry of these wonderful horses. Different breeders have a fondness for size and type and that is what each particular breeder tries to reproduce. When purchasing a Gypsy Horse, you should ask yourself, what is your end goal. Do you want a driving pony or a horse that you can ride? Do you want a horse with more refinement or a bulkier wagon type? Remember that although there is some lead way into these types, the breed standards for the Gypsy should remain constant. It has been said by many, and it will forever hold true...Feather is not everything, BUT you can not have everything without the feather! Stallions should have profuse thick feather all the way around the leg, starting at the knee/hock. Mares should also have feather, but it will usually be lighter. Gypsy Horses should be well proportioned, with a short back, well sloped shoulder, strong muscled body covering thick flat bone. The croup should be rounded giving the horse an "apple butt" appearance. The most important point on the Gypsy Horse should be his mind. In the early days, while reading everything I could find about these horses, I read the same thing on every site...The Gypsy Horse is a Golden Retriever with Hooves. I have spent a lifetime with horses, and I thought to myself...what nonsense! Well six years later, I can say for 100% certainty...The Gypsy Horse is a Golden Retriever with Hooves! I have a barn full of these amazing horses. I routinely go outside to lay on, rub on, and even cry on these amazing horses. Each one has a halter, but we rarely use it. Each and everyone comes when called, and can be lead from place to place by their beard! I knew that hair was there for something ;) Come see for yourself. Once you go Gypsy.....You never go back! | |
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