About the Gypsy Horse………

Gypsy Horses can be known by many names, Gypsy Cob, Romany Horse, Gypsy Vanner, Irish Cob, Tinker Horse or just Tinker. Even though there are many names they all come from the original Gypsy background.

The true Gypsy Horse is a traditional horse  and was bred and used by  Romany ( Roma) and other Gypsies in Europe for hundreds of years.  It is said that Gypsies bred colorful cob horses to pull their ornately decorated carts and living wagons thru the countryside of England and Ireland.  These horses were heavy boned , feathered, strong, sensible, docile and hardworking. They grazed the roadsides at the end of  a long day and still had the patience to teach the gypsy children to ride. This easy going temperament was essential with the Gypsy Horse.

These horses were beautiful and colorful to view with heavily feathered legs, long flowing manes and tails. All of these traits made the gypsy horse difficult to be stolen or swapped. They  were and still are a vital part of the Gypsy travelers way of life.

The Gypsy horse we have come to know today, has its  roots in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The traditional Gypsy will stand between 13 hands and 15.2 hands tall. Some are larger, but they were not and are not what is referred to as a Traditional Gypsy Horse. While the very ancient history of the Gypsy Horse is unknown, it is commonly thought that they descended from the crossing of several draft and pony breeds such as the Shire, Clydesdale, Dale pony and Galloway. In Wales and now all over the world, is a breed known as the Welsh Cob. They Gypsy Horse, in earlier days shared a similar ancestry. 

Gypsy Horses  have been imported into the United States for the past 10 years. They are gaining in popularity due to their striking appearance as well as movement and temperament.  They are athletic and can be used in most all disciplines of riding and driving and are always a hit in the parades!

For more information on Gypsy Horses check out the following websites:

 Gypsy Vanner Horse Society    www.vanners.org       

 Gypsy Cob Society  www.gypsycobsociety.com         

Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse  Association   www.gcdha.com/gcdha.htm