Gypsy Vanner Horse: 12 Revealing Facts About This Mystical Breed

The beauty and versatility of the Gypsy Horse, also known as the Gypsy Vanner Horse, Gypsy Cob, and Irish Cob, makes them one of the most sought-after equine breeds in the world today. This gentle and alluring horse makes you feel safe when you ride and leaves you in awe when you watch one compete. Their calm temperament and intelligence make them the ideal horse for beginners to ride. Whether you are a new or experienced rider, everyone can enjoy the adventure of a Gypsy Vanner Horse!

 

 

Gypsy Vanner Horse Characteristics

Although the Gypsy Vanner is a relatively small horse breed, they have broad chests and shoulders, allowing them to easily pull carriages or carts. They are best known for their spotted and mixed-color coats. The most common colors they come in are either piebald (mixed black and white) or skewbald (mixed brown and white). Gypsy Horses are easily recognized by their long, flowing manes and tails, as well as heavy feathering below the knees.

 

 

Gypsy Horse Size

The average Gypsy Vanner measures about 12-16 hands, or about 48-64 inches tall. They can weigh anywhere between 1,000-1,800 pounds, with those on the heavier side having more draft horse blood. Both male and female Gypsy Vanners are similar in size, although females tend to be slightly smaller, usually by just a few inches or pounds. This minimal size difference between the sexes is a characteristic trait of the Gypsy Vanner breed, emphasizing their well-balanced and sturdy conformation.

 

 

Gypsy Horse Personality

Gypsy Vanners are among the most popular horse breeds today because they are intelligent, docile, and easy to train. They are a great beginner horse and often the favorite option for families. They have a well-mannered nature, which allows them to bond with other people and children easily.

 

In recent years, trainers have also begun to use Gypsy Vanners for therapy treatments or equine therapy. This breed has become the ideal horse for therapy because of its easy-going personality. They have treated people from special needs patients to military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

 

 

Gypsy Horse History

The Gypsy Vanner is a breed with a deep and rich history, originating with the Romani people from Great Britain around the 1850s. At the time, the "fashionable" or popular breeds in Great Britain were solid coloured horses, and owners would often remove the mixed color horses from the main herd. However, the Romani people considered the piebald (mixed black and white) or skewbald (mixed brown and white) horses to be more valuable and would take the unwanted ones, eventually introducing them in the Appleby Horse Fair.

 

The Romani people wanted a horse breed that was beautiful, mild-mannered, easy to ride, and strong enough to pull their caravans throughout the countryside. By selectively breeding different horses, the Romani began to create the perfect caravan horse. They chose the Shire and Clydesdale horses for their strength and feathering and Welsh Cobs and the Dales Pony (coal horse) for the smaller sizes.

 

The resulting horse breed became what we know as the Gypsy Vanner Horse. In fact, the word vanner means "a coloured horse suitable to pull caravans" in Old English! The first Gypsy Vanner to arrive in America was in 1996, brought over by Dennis and Cindy Thompson (the second one being the Gypsy King, the first sire). While they were on a business trip to England they became increasingly fascinated with the breed.

 

After their travels, they researched the horse's background and how the Romanis selectively bred this gentle but sturdy horse. The Thompsons then established the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, the world's first Gypsy Horse registry dedicated to the in-depth study of the breed. Today, the Gypsy Horse Association oversees everything related to the breed.

 

 

How to Care for a Gypsy Horse

With its calm disposition, the Gypsy Vanner Horse is one of the most straightforward breeds to train. However, they require a particular diet due to their slow metabolism, which causes them to gain weight quickly. They are prone to quickly gaining weight if not monitored closely, so their diet should consist of high-quality hay, limited grains, and appropriate supplements to ensure they receive the necessary nutrients without excess calories.

 

 

Gypsy Horse Training

Many seasoned trainers have attested that Gypsy Vanner Horses are among the easiest breeds to handle and manage, thanks to their inherently calm nature and willingness to learn. These horses are not only docile but also highly intelligent, making them quick to pick up on new commands and routines.

 

Their intelligence, combined with a strong work ethic, allows them to excel in various disciplines, from riding to driving and even competitive events. However, like most horses, Gypsy Vanners require patience, time, and consistent training to fully develop their skills. While they are quick learners, they thrive in environments where they are treated with understanding and respect.

 

 

Nutrition & Feeding for a Gypsy Vanner

Many owners opt for a high-fat, low-sugar diet to combat the issue of slow metabolism in this breed. Their slow metabolisms can be beneficial because Gypsy Horses need less food to maintain their weight. This breed may need to be restricted with a grazing muzzle in the springtime when the grass grows quickly. Because activity level influences every horse's caloric needs, performance, and competition Gypsy Horses may require a high carbohydrate and protein diet as well.

 

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Coat Color & Grooming

Gypsy Vanners require consistent and dedicated grooming. If they live in a rugged environment, dirt or mud can get stuck in their coats or feathering. The buildup can cause the feathering to become knotted, so owners will have to pay this breed constant attention. The feathering can also cover up swelling or attract moisture, so it's important to clean as necessary.

 

A common way to clean a horse's feathering is using shampoo and conditioner. This can be time-consuming as the feathering will still need to be checked daily if the horse owner wants to keep the hair in good condition. Braiding is also an alternative to limit the amount of dirt collected. If the feathering continues to get dirty often, the owner can decide to shave it off if needed.

 

 

Health Problems

The Gypsy Vanner Horse is strong and robust but can be prone to certain health conditions if not cared for properly. If dried dirt or mud gets caught in the feathering, it can often lead to many cuts and scratches on the legs. These cuts and scrapes can cause significant health issues, such as deep swelling or even lameness.

 

 

Hyperkeratosis

An over-production of keratin, or hyperkeratosis, is also a significant risk factor for Gypsy Horses. Keratin is the protein responsible for the breed's long mane, tail, and feathering. Too much keratin can cause thick, crusted growths to form in the feathering.

 

 

Mallenders and Sallenders

Keratins growths can lead to mallenders and sallenders, scabs that form in the back of the legs, or the front legs, respectively. These growths need to be checked for and removed early on to prevent bacterial or fungal infections. Owners will need to be watchful for these infections since repeated cases can cause lymphedema in horses. The infections can cause intense discomfort for the horse, causing lesions, scabbing, and deep swelling in the skin. Sometimes, it can even lead to maggot infestations if not treated early.

 

 

How to Get a Gypsy Vanner Horse

As one of the more popular horse breeds today, Gypsy Vanner Horses are becoming increasingly expensive. They are in the $10,000 price range, with purebreds going for more. However, they can be a lot harder to find. People have started to breed more Gypsy Horses to match the increasing demand, so it is essential to find a reputable breeder for a healthy and strong horse. Check out the Gypsy Horse Association for more information about this wonderful breed.

 

 

More About this Breed - Gypsy Vanner Horse

A popular breed often associated with Gypsy Vanner Horses is the Drum Horse. However, these two breeds are not the same. Gypsy Vanners must be bred with a larger feathered horse such as a Shire or a Clydesdale to get what we know as the Drum Horse today. In 2017, Lexlin Gypsy Ranch, the largest Gypsy Vanner Horse ranch in the US, donated 65 Gypsy Horses to the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).

 

They estimate that these horses will provide over 175,000 therapy sessions per year and can offer millions of sessions throughout their lifetime. As the success of horse therapy begins to pick up, more people will start to realize the usefulness and versatility of the Gypsy Vanner breed. Before you leave check out our premium products for horses that are packed full of beneficial ingredients.

 

 

Final Thoughts - Gypsy Vanner Horse

The Gypsy Vanner Horse is a unique and captivating breed, known for its calm temperament, striking appearance, and ease of training. With their deep history rooted in the Romani culture, these horses have become a symbol of beauty and versatility. Proper care and understanding of their specific needs, particularly their diet and training, are essential to maintaining their health and well-being.

 

Whether admired for their stunning looks or appreciated for their gentle nature, Gypsy Vanner Horses continue to enchant horse enthusiasts around the world, making them a truly remarkable breed.