The History of the Gypsy Vanner
The Gypsy Vanner, otherwise known as the Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, Coloured Cob or Tinker, is a horse breed which originated from Ireland and the UK, and is renowned for its thick leg feathering and exuberant mane and tail. It is suggested that the Gypsy Vanner is descended from the Clydesdale, Shire, Friesian and Dales Pony. Colours among the breed include black, silver dapple black, chestnut, flaxen chestnut, white, grey, roan colours, appaloosa blanket colours and being the most common: piebald and skewbald.
Gypsy Vanners are categorized into three height categories: mini (14hh and under), classic (14-15.2hh), grand (taller than 15.2hh). They should hold a sturdy yet graceful appearance with a broad chest, a short back, rounded withers and leg feathering from the hock downwards; flowing over the hooves.
With a very friendly nature and great strength, the Gypsy Vanner was an asset to a traditional horse and carriage Romany family. The Roma trusted them so greatly, in fact, that they would often allow their children to ride upon them bareback. Today, they are trained in showing, dressage, jumping and cart pulling.
Gypsy Vanners are categorized into three height categories: mini (14hh and under), classic (14-15.2hh), grand (taller than 15.2hh). They should hold a sturdy yet graceful appearance with a broad chest, a short back, rounded withers and leg feathering from the hock downwards; flowing over the hooves.
With a very friendly nature and great strength, the Gypsy Vanner was an asset to a traditional horse and carriage Romany family. The Roma trusted them so greatly, in fact, that they would often allow their children to ride upon them bareback. Today, they are trained in showing, dressage, jumping and cart pulling.