Gypsy Vanner Facts

It is hard to imagine the Gypsy travelers without envisioning colorful horses, with their flowing manes and tails, and feathered legs. An ideal caravan horse and companion, the Gypsy Vanner is widely considered a calm, sound and eye-catching horse.

  1. History

    • Gypsy travelers originally bred Gypsy Vanners to pull carts. They were also used as baby-sitters for children at camp, as well as for currency.

    Characteristics

    • Gypsy Vanners come in all colors, though the most common, and highly prized, are the black-and-white or brown-and-white colors. They are normally between 14 and 15.2 hands high (a hand measuring four inches), with a short neck and back.

    Geography

    • Originally bred in Ireland, the Gypsy Vanner can be found all over the world, though they are still rare in the United States.

    Influences

    • The interbreeding of four breeds--Friesian, Shire, Clydesdale and Dales pony--developed the Gypsy Vanner horse.

    Fun fact

    • Gypsy Vanners were bred for their docile nature and ability to remain calm. In Gypsy camps, any horse showing ill temperament was banished immediately.