What is a Gypsy Vanner Horse?

Gypsy Cob, Tinker Horse, Romany Horse, Colored Cob are all names commonly used to describe the horses that have been traditionally bred by the Romany Gypsys, of England and Ireland.

The name "Gypsy Vanner" was established in North America to delineate a distinct subset of  Gypsy horses...those horses that would be selected to pull the family caravan and live amongst the Romany family & children. A Gypsy Vanner horse must be correctly put together with ideal body type and temperament.

In addition to practicalities of daily life, the Romany are known for their flamboyant style in dress and décor.  Bold jewelry, flowing colorful clothing and intricately embellished, colorfully painted caravans (vardo) are all trademarks of the Romany heritage. 

With Gypsy Vanner horses, the embellishment is the feather.

Some Gypsy Vanner horses will grow a mustache.  Generally growing on horses with abundant mane, tail and feather, the mustache is said to be a sign of a lucky horse. Click on photos below to see larger images of the mustaches on our mares Sasha and Andi.

Once you’ve got the correct body type and temperament, the value of a Gypsy Vanner horse will increase exponentially with an increase in feather.  

While the term Gypsy Vanner is not common with the Romany breeders overseas, the intent was to establish a registry for Gypsy horses that are bred with the Romany vision of the ideal caravan horse, to honor the heritage of the Romany Gypsys and their way of life.   

By recognizing and understanding the origins of the distinct characteristics of the Gypsy horses, breeders of Gypsy Vanners will thoughtfully breed to maintain these characteristics.

While many Gypsy horses are black and white tobiano, the Gypsy Vanner is not a breed of a specific color. Gypsy Vanners come in all colors.

All of our GYPSY HORSES are registered with the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society

"The Gypsy Vanner is a “people sized” draft horse with heavy bone and broad body, but on a smaller scale than the large draft breeds.   A Vanner should be alert and willing with traits of intelligence, kindness and docility... a Golden Retriever With Hooves®".