Gypsy Vanner horse

The Gypsy Vanner is a brand name given to the Gypsy Cob breed of horse in the U.S., the Tobiano coloring is most common and they possess many draft horse characteristics. There is no exact known history of the Gypsy Cob. It is believed that the Gypsy Cobs are descended from a combination of Shires, Clydesdales, Friesians and Dales Ponies, with their origins in the United Kingdom and Ireland. [ [http://www.farm-garden.com/drafthorses/gypsyvanner Gypsy Vanner Draft Horse] ] [ [http://www.circlegranchar.com/gypsyhorsehistory.htm Brief History of the Gypsy Vanner] ]

Characteristics

There is no set color standard for Gypsy Cobs, although the two most common are piebald and skewbald, two variations of pinto coloring. The typical Gypsy Cob is known for a abundance of hair and "feather" (long hair starting at the cannon bone and flowing down over the hooves).

The build is powerful and compact, with a short neck and back. The Gypsy Cob is fairly large, the typical horse measuring between 14 and 17 hands. There is no height limit in the registry. The cannon circumference can range from 8" to 12". The chest is broad with well sprung ribs, the hips are heavy, they have short backs, strong shoulders, and the withers are rounded. The hair should be straight and silky, kinky hair is a fault. Their legs should have heavy bone set on large hooves, their hind legs should not be too straight. Gypsy Cobs must also have excellent endurance, and be able to go long distances without tiring.

They are also known as Gypsy Horses or Irish Tinkers. A related type is the Drum Horse which is a Gypsy Cob crossed with any type of draft horse (most commonly Clydesdales or Shires).

History

The Gypsy Cob was bred to be a wagon horse. [http://www.circlegranchar.com/gypsyhorsehistory.htm] "Gypsy Horse History"] These horses were bred by the Romany, and pulled wagons or "caravans" known as Vardos, which a type of covered wagon that people lived in. They were also used as riding horses for children. Today, the Gypsy Cob is no longer used for pulling Vardos, but it is still looked upon as a symbol of power and strength among the Romany Up until the late 20th century, the Gypsy Cob was not a recognized breed. Not much is known about the bloodlines of Gypsy Cobs because pedigrees were usually kept secret and only family members knew the details. [http://www.mountainviewvannerranch.com/history.html] "History"] However, as the interest in the breed grew, several breed registries developed, including the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (GVHS). The first registered horses were imported to North America in November 1996. There are three different registry classifications for the breed, based on height. If the horse is under 14 hands, it is considered to be a mini Gypsy. If the horse is 14-15.2 hands high, it is known as a classic Gypsy, and if the breed is 15.2 or taller, it is known as a grand Gypsy. [ [http://www.ghswest.com/history.html] "GHSwest.com - History"] ] In 2004, the breed became recognized by the United States Dressage Federation All Breeds Program, and can win breed-specific awards whenever it wins a dressage event or any event sponsored by the USDF.

References

External links

* [http://www.vannercentral.com/gypsy_vanner_faqs.htm Gypsy Vanner FAQs]
* [http://www.GypsyVannerHorse.org Gypsy Vanner Horse Society]