Gypsy Horses are known for their beauty, intelligence, and spirit.
If you’re curious about these animals, read on to learn more about them!
Gypsy Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Gypsy horse:
| Height (size) | 12.2 – 16.0 hands high |
| Colors | Any color is allowed since Gipsy Vanner is not a color breed, however, the breed is best known for its colored coats |
| Country of Origin | Ireland |
| Common Uses | Pulling caravans, general riding, dressage, jumping, hacking, equine therapy |
Gypsy Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
Although there are clear connections to the native pony and draft breeds of Britain, most of the origin of the breed is unknown because many of the founding bloodlines were often kept secret by the Travelers.
Because the Traveler communities didn’t have a centralized studbook, information about the horses’ pedigrees was spread orally, usually at large horse fairs.
History of the Gypsy Vanner horse may be traced back to the British Gypsies who wanted a strong, but gentle, and easily trained horse to pull their caravans.
It is believed that the Gypsy Horse breed, in its modern form, started to take shape not long after the end of the Second World War.
In the past, people often referred to this breed as the Irish Cob.
Despite the fact that “cob” refers more to a body type than a specific breed of horse, this kind of horse was often also referred to as a “Cob”.
The Gypsy Vanner was not officially recognized as a breed until the latter part of the 20th century.
They were first brought to the United States in 1996, a year after they were “discovered” by Dennis Thompson and his wife Cindy from Florida, on a trip to the United Kingdom.
In America, they gave the new breed the name “Gypsy Vanner.”
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Gypsy Vanner” , “Vanner Horse,” “Gypsy Cob,” “Irish Cob”, “Colored Cob”, “Tinker”, “Irish Tinker”, “Tinker Horse”, “Tinker Pony”
Temperament/Personality
Calm, laid back, easy to train
Physical Characteristics
The head is pleasant, and the eyes are intelligent.
The topline is considered to be “level” with its natural aligned curve from wither to tail.
The body is heavy and strong like a draft, but standing around 14.0 – 15.0 hands high.
The croup is round, and the legs are straight.
They are capable of pulling carriages and caravans, and can also carry heavier riders.
Their trademarks are the free ground covering trot, and full long mane and tail.
Colors
Any color is allowed since Gipsy Vanner is not a color breed, however, the breed is best known for its colored coats:
Tobiano – White patches on a dark coat color.
Skewbald – White patches on a base coat that is any color but black.
Blagdon – A splash of white on the belly of a darker colored coat.
Height (size)
12.2 – 16.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
1,000 – 1,700 lbs (450 – 770 kg)
Blood Type
Cold
Common Uses
Pulling caravans, general riding, dressage, jumping, hacking, equine therapy
Health
They are prone to diseases common to feathered draft horses:
Chronic progressive lymphedema – Gradual swelling of the lower legs characterized by the appearance of skin folds and nodules in addition to scaling and substantial dermal fibrosis.
Pastern dermatitis (“greasy heels”) – The fungus and mites that are thought to cause it thrive in the damp conditions under the feathering.
Popular Traits
Beautiful feathering, eye-catching coat colors, and abundant mane and tail
Feeding/Diet
Easy-keepers
Country of Origin
Ireland
Ancestors
Shire, Clydesdale, Dales Pony, Fell pony