On this page you'll find Frequently Asked Questions concerning the Gypsy Vanner Horse. If you have any questions that you'd like to see added to the site, then please contact me and I'll make sure to add them to the website.
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Below you'll find general information about Gypsy Horses (Also known as Gypsy Vanners, Gypsy Cobs, Irish Tinkers, Irish Cobs, the list goes on and on). For more detailed information about our personal views on some of the top issues being discussed within the breed, please visit the links below. Each topic has its own page, and if you should feel there's a topic we haven't discussed that you'd like to have added to the list, please contact us. It's important to not only address these issues, but also to solve them in a manner which will improve the breed that so many of us have fallen in love with.
 | What is a Gypsy Vanner?
Gypsy Horses are a very colorful breed from the United Kingdom, where they've been bred by Gypsies for several centuries. These horses were prized by the Gypsies and could often be found pulling the Caravans throughout the United Kingdom. Combining the Dales Pony, Shire, Clydesdale, and even the Friesian helped to produce the beautiful horses that we have come to know and love. This breed was first introduced to the United States in 1996 by Dennis and Cindy Thompson, who also founded the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.
Though their usually more compact build only ranges between 14-15hh, these horses make up for it with heart. Their distinguished looks are topped off with an unbelievable amount of hair and feathering. The Gypsy Vanner is well known not only for its striking markings, but for the kind disposition that can be found under their beautiful markings. They're often referred to as the Golden Retriever of the horse breeds. Easily trained, these horses are great for both riding and driving, and are often use as babysitters for children.
| | | What is the difference between a Gypsy Vanner and a Gypsy Horse?
Not every Gypsy is a Gypsy Vanner. A Gypsy Vanner is a trademarked name, representing a Gypsy Cob type. These horses go through a selection process before being accepted into the registry. Due to this, these horses and their offspring are generally more costly than a "Gypsy Cob". Make sure to check with the registry to see if the horse you're looking at is a registered Gypsy Vanner or is able to be registered within the Gypsy Vanner Registry before purchasing it.
Keep in mind that just because a horse isn't a Gypsy Vanner, it doesn't mean that the horse is of poor quality. There are horses of mixed quality within every registry, and you can find some amazing Gypsy Horses within the other American registries. The approval process that's found in the Gypsy Vanner Registry, however, has helped to ensure a level of quality with the majority of the stock registered there.
| | | Why is there such a price difference between one Gypsy and another?
Quality stock of this breed can be quite expensive compared to most horses found within the U.S. Obviously inexpensive Gypsy horses can be found in the U.S., but be careful. It is often said that you get what you pay for, and that can definitely be said when dealing with horses. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but QUALITY stock will not be cheap. Keep that in mind as you begin your search for a Gypsy Vanner. If you're ever unsure if the quality of the horse is equal to its price, go with your gut feeling on the horse and don't be afraid to ask a breeder that you trust for advice. Many can tell you their honest opinion about the horse, making sure to remain unbiased in hopes of helping you locate a Gypsy of your dreams. If nothing else, they will be able to put you in contact with a Gypsy Breeder/Importer that they trust.
| | | Why is feather so important to this particular breed?
Feather is valuable to a Gypsy Vanner owner and breeder, being a reflection of their Draft Horse heritage. It ranges in textures from course and curly to silky and straight, causing the overall appearance of fullness to vary. Some horses are even prone to "shedding" their feather in certain months of the year, resulting in a drastic loss of feather despite previous coverage. Feather is a recessive gene, as well, making it difficult to hold onto despite best breeding plans. It's always a gamble, and you'll never cease to be surprised by the complexity of the feather gene.
One will find that many unethical breeders/sellers/traders will sadly try to sell partbreds as purebred Gypsy horses. The particular horse's loss of feather will be blamed on a condition known as Bog Burn, where wet weather/marshy land breaks off and burns the feather to a much shorter length. While some feather types are harder to keep, it is rare that the majority of the horse's feather will be burned. Even if a horse sheds its feather during the seasons, evidence of previous hair growht is usually visible.
Don't allow yourself to be mislead, and do not be afraid to ask for pictures of the horse throughout the seasons. Should the horse be suffering from temporary Bog Burn or Seasonal Shedding, you'd be able to see variations in the feather's amount. If you aren't sure, always feel free to ask somebody else for their advice or opinion. It's better to be safe than sorry, because feather isn't here just for aesthetic value. It's a vital part of what makes this breed so flashy and is part of its heritage.
| | | What is the Gypsy Vanner disposition like?
It's very rare that you'll find a horse with as kind of a disposition as a Gypsy Vanner. The Gypsy People have spent centuries breeding these horses, with a focus not only on quality of build but also that of temperment.
Keep in mind that Gypsy Horses were given the prestige of carrying the Gypsy family's home and livelihood from place to place. The ornate caravans that they were hitched to were of extreme value, and so this breed couldn't be flighty. As if that job wasn't enough, many of the Gypsy horses spent their evenings giving riding lessons to children and babysitting the kids that crowded around their feet.
Now while all horses need training, you'll rarely find a breed such as the Gypsy Horse. Many of them look forward to being worked and handled, often hogging the spotlight. The only thing that can really distract them from their people is food, which they have an extreme passion for.
In general these horses are easy to train, rather unflappable, and overall affectionate. WITH THE HELP OF A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER, I believe that this breed makes a wonderful first horse. Just keep in mind, that no matter how kind these horses are, they're still horses.
| | | What type of Athletic Disciplines can the Gypsy Vanner participate in?
While this breed was originally used as a driving horse, you'll be surprised at how well rounded this breed can be. In fact, the Gypsy Horse is one of the more popular mounts used in riding schools as schooling mounts.
Here in the U.S. you can find the Gypsy Horse participating in a number of athletic endeavors, and they are introduced to more almost daily. They include reining, dressage, cross country, pole bending, three day eventing, barrel racing, cutting, trail riding, jumping, driving, and so much more.
| | | What colors do the Gypsy Vanner come in?
The Gypsy Vanner comes in a plethora of colors and markings, producing amazing combinations.
The most common colors are Piebalds (black and white markings), Skewbald (red and white markings), Blagdons (solid colored with high white markings and sometimes excessive roaning), as well as Solids (same as blagdon, but without the large white markings).
On top of the most common colors such as Black and Chestnut, bays, palominos, buckskins, and even roans can be seen within this breed as well.
| | | How tall can a Gypsy Vanner be?
Due to the diversity of breeds brought together to help produce the Gypsy Horse, you can find a wide array of heights to choose from. Generally, however, there are three height ranges associated with a Gypsy Horse. 1) 13.3hhs and Below: These horses are considered Mini Vanners. Despite the smaller size, these horses should still have a depth of bone and body, and substantial hair and feather, true to their larger counterparts. 2) 14.0hhs-14.3hhs: This is what breeders consider the "Traditional" height. Most of the Gypsies you will find fall into this category. 3) 15hhs-15.3hhs: Though much harder to find, the "Grand" Vanner is a slightly larger version of the traditional type. Due to the additional draft influence, some in this breed will have a larger, more drafty head. Anything over 15.3hhs is more than likely a Drum Horse, which is a cross between a Gypsy and a Clyde, Shire, or Friesian. I have yet to meet a true Gypsy Vanner that was taller than 15.3hhs.
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