Horse Breeds: Gypsy Horse

Many people have heard of gypsies and their horses, but most don't realize the Gypsy Horse is a breed of its own. This breed, also called the Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Drum, or the Gypsy Vanner, are an ancient breed originating in Great Britain. It is likely that the breed is a combination of the Clydesdale, Shire, and ponies native to the British Isles such as the Dale Pony. Over the centuries the Gypsy Horse has been bred to make the perfect caravan horse, one that could accompany the gypsies on their long journeys to their gathering places. The modern Gypsy Horse is the result of centuries of selective breeding.

Though native to Great Britain, the Gypsy can now be found all over North America. There are established breeding programs in both the United States and Canada. All of the original horses were imported from England, but today most Gypsy Horses in North America were bred on that continent, just as most of the horses in Europe were bred in Europe. Most of the European horses are used for driving, but in North America the breed is popular for trail riding and shows. They are also excellent carriage horses.

The Gypsy Horse is gorgeous enough to attract a great deal of attention. Strong and compact, the breed is known for its short back, large hooves, and heavily muscled hindquarters. The tail and mane should be thick and the legs should be generously feathered. Though the Gypsy Horse is not a color breed (meaning all colors are acceptable), blagdon (solid color with splashes of white on the belly), piebalds (black and white pinto), and skewbalds (brown/red and white pinto) tend to be preferred. This breed may be of any size, but 14 to 15.2 hands high is typical.

The Gypsy is not a common horse in either North America or Europe, but they are excellent as driving or carriage horses. They have a sweet nature and make a good riding horse for children. Lovely to look at, the Gypsy Horse is one of those horses that attracts and delights people of all ages.