History of the Gypsy Vanner

The Gypsy Vanner Horse is a beautiful and rare new breed of horse envisioned by the European Gypsies. These shire-type horses have been selectively bred for the past 50 years to be the perfect caravan horse. Their genetic origins are Shire, Clydesdale, Friesian, and Dale Pony. "Gypsy" refers to the European travelers. "Vanner" refers to the type of horse suitable to pull a caravan. These horses are easily recognizable by their long flowing manes and tails along with a profusion of "feathers" on their legs. Although they possess a heavier body build, broad chest, and short back they look like as light as the wind when they move.

In addition to their stunning looks, the breed possesses a temperament that is friendly and engaging. Gypsy Horses work and live closely with their people in Europe and no aggressive or dangerous behaviors are permitted. A horse that showed such tendencies would not have been used for breeding. Only "The Golden Retriever with Hooves" type of Gypsy Vanner would be bred and used. Their docile and easy going personality is what has moved many people to fall in love with the Gypsy Vanner.

Vanners come in all colors and markings. Piebald (black and white), Skewbald (red or brown and white), Blagdon (any color with just a splash of white), and Odd Color (any other color) are the Breed Standard. Although very colorful, the Gypsy Vanner is not a color breed. It is a body type. They have a heavier bone and broad body like a draft horse, but smaller. The average Gypsy Vanner is around 14.2 hands. The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, www.gypsyvannerhorse.org, has more information including the Breed Standard. Gypsy Vanners are being used in all disciplines including pleasure, dressage, hunt seat, western riding, and driving. Not only are they unique looking, they are easy to train, smart and willing.