About Gypsy Vanner Horses

The Gypsy vanner horse is a breed of draft horse developed by the Gypsies for pulling caravans. Though the Gypsies have used horses for centuries, the Gypsy vanner breed was not recognized until the 1990s. The breed is best known for its pinto coloring and heavy feathering, or long hairs on the legs.

  1. History

    • The Gypsies of Great Britain first began developing the Gypsy vanner breed after World War II. The goal was to create a horse similar to a shire (a very large British draft horse), but with predominantly pinto coloring and heavier amount of feathering on the legs. The foundation studs were called Sonny Mays and the coal horse, and the breed developed out of crossings between shire horses, Clydesdale horses, Dales ponies and Friesian horses. The breed was brought to the United States in 1996, where the horses' owners coined the term "Gypsy vanner horse."

    Characteristics

    • The Gypsy vanner horse is a small draft horse of between 13.2 and 15.2 hands, though there may be larger or smaller horses in the breed. The Gypsy vanner horse's neck is slightly arched (curved along the top of the neck muscles). The breed has a level topline, meaning neither the shoulders or hindquarters rise higher than the other.

    Coloring

    • Generally a Gypsy vanner horse is pinto in coloring, though solid-colored horses are allowed in the breed. All types of pinto are allowed, as well, whether the horses are white with another color splashed on, or another color with white patches. Also, solid horses are also allowed to have large amounts of white on the face and legs.

    Presentation

    • It is considered correct by the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society for the Gypsy vanner horse to be shown with all leg feathering and a long forelock, mane and tail, as the amount of feathering was bred onto the horses for protection. The mane and forelock can be braided for showing, and the tail can be trimmed. It is allowed to trim or clip the horse's muzzle and under the jaw for showing.

    Showing

    • Gypsy vanner horses can be shown in any type of competition open to all breeds. The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society also recognizes shows each year that are open only to Gypsy vanner horses. At the Gypsy vanner horse shows, classes are offered in halter, driving, western, dressage and English pleasure. Gypsy Vanner Horse Society-registered horses can also participate in the United States Dressage Federation's All-Breeds Program, which chooses a top horse in each recognized breed.