What are Gypsy Vanners?

Tinkers, Gypsy Cobs, Gypsy Vanners. Many names - one wonderful breed. Some people want to distinguish between the names, some don't. It seems to be more personal preference and something that may take a long time to standardize, if ever. No matter what you call them, they are an amazing animal. Bred by Gypsies in Europe, they were cultivated for their intelligence, gentleness, and overall temperament. This large breed is prized for its strength and willingness.

The Vanners are large in respect to heart and massiveness, but not necessarily height. Therein lies the "Cob" nomenclature you will see. Although the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society accepts all sizes, many others differentiate between the cob size and the "drum" horse size. Drum horses, which in almost all respects are large Vanners, are over 16.2. Thus the cobs are smaller than 16.2.

So what should you see when you look at a Gypsy Vanner? Each horse should be project a strong, muscular, hardy animal, well feathered with a soft eye. Any color will due - but you will see quite a few piebalds (black and white) and skewbalds (white and any color besides black). All in all, you should see the ultimate "Romantic" horse when you view a Gypsy Vanner: the strong, beautiful horse upon which rides your strong, beautiful prince or princess!

Vanners are well suited to almost any equine task. They are excellent at driving. They perform at Dressage competitions all over. They are ridden in western pleasure and equitation classes. They are even used for jumping!

As the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society states, the Vanner is a "Golden Retriever with Hooves®."