Gypsy Vanner Horses
The Gypsy Vanner Horse was originally bred by the gypsies or the Romani, in the United Kingdom in the 1800’s. They are also known as an Irish cob (Ireland/UK), Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Vanner (USA), Coloured Cob (UK/Ireland) or Tinker horse (Europe). These gypsy horses are a mixture of Shires, Clydesdales, Friesians, Dales and other native British horse breeds.
They were exclusively bred to pull wagons or caravans. They were also ridden by gypsy children for amusement. Although they no longer use them for pulling wagons, the Romani still consider these horses a status symbol.
Although they come in different colors, majority of them are of piebald coloring i.e patches of black and white.The skewbald horses are those with patches of any other color with white. The Gypsy Vanner characteristically has an abundant mane and tail as well as “plume” or “feathering” on the legs, long hair beginning at the cannon bone and flowing down over the hooves. The build is powerful and packed together, with a short neck and
back. The Gypsy vanner is weighty boned, typically measuring between 56 and 64 inches or 142 and 163 cm. They weigh in between 1100 and 1700 pounds. There is no height limit in the registry. The chest is broad with well sprung ribs, the hips are heavy, they have short backs, strong shoulders, and rounded withers. The hair is straight and silky, kinky hair is considered an abnormality. Their legs are heavy boned set on large hooves, their rear legs are not too straight. Gypsy Vanners have excellent stamina, and are able to go long distances without tiring.
The Gypsy Vanner was not considered a breed until the 1900’s. The first registered Vanner horses were imported to North America in November 1996. There are three different registry classifications for the breed in the US, based on height. If the horse is under 14 hands (56 inches, 142 cm), it is classified as ”mini Gypsy”. If the horse is 14-15.2 hands high, it is called a “classic Gypsy”, and if the breed is 15.2 and above, it is known as a “grand Gypsy”. The breed was recognized by the United States Dressage Federation All Breeds Program in 2004, and since then it was able to participate in breed-specific dressage events sponsored by the federation.
By Joe Tetteh for http://www.totalpaws.com
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