The Gypsy Vanner Horse is a beautiful breed envisioned by the Gypsies of the UK and Ireland. This horse was selectively bred for over half a century from a vision to create the perfect horse to pull the Gypsy caravan. Americans began to import Gypsy Vanners in the mid 1990's. In 1996 the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society was established as a registry for the breed.
They Gypsy Vanner is often referred to as a “people-sized” draft horse. The genetic origins of the breed include the Shire, the Clydesdale, and the native British ponies such as the Dales. The majority of the breed stand 14-15 hands at the withers but there are horses outside both the top and bottom range. There is not a height requirement in the breed. The Gypsy Vanner comes in any color, the most common colors, however, are piebald (black and white) and skewbald (brown and white). All colors are accepted. You will see roans, buckskin, duns, palominos, silver dapples, perlinos, cremellos etc. The first characteristic often noticed is the abundance of feather flowing from behind the knees and hocks, as well as the long free flowing mane and tail. In addition to amazing looks the Gypsy Vanner posses a temperament that is friendly and engaging.
Originally bred to pull the Gypsy wagon, these horses excel at driving but you will find them being used in all disciplines. They are typically willing to do anything their owners ask of them- riding in the dressage ring, over fences, western pleasure, hunt seat, trails- whatever! The Gypsy Vanner is a wonderful family horse and is popular as a trail or therapy horse due to its unflappable nature.
They Gypsy Vanner is often referred to as a “people-sized” draft horse. The genetic origins of the breed include the Shire, the Clydesdale, and the native British ponies such as the Dales. The majority of the breed stand 14-15 hands at the withers but there are horses outside both the top and bottom range. There is not a height requirement in the breed. The Gypsy Vanner comes in any color, the most common colors, however, are piebald (black and white) and skewbald (brown and white). All colors are accepted. You will see roans, buckskin, duns, palominos, silver dapples, perlinos, cremellos etc. The first characteristic often noticed is the abundance of feather flowing from behind the knees and hocks, as well as the long free flowing mane and tail. In addition to amazing looks the Gypsy Vanner posses a temperament that is friendly and engaging.
Originally bred to pull the Gypsy wagon, these horses excel at driving but you will find them being used in all disciplines. They are typically willing to do anything their owners ask of them- riding in the dressage ring, over fences, western pleasure, hunt seat, trails- whatever! The Gypsy Vanner is a wonderful family horse and is popular as a trail or therapy horse due to its unflappable nature.