Breed Characteristics
The Gypsy Vanner possesses a temperament that is friendly
and engaging. They are extremely social and eager to please.
The Gypsy dream was to breed a perfect horse to pull their
colorful living wagons (vardos) through England and Ireland.
“Vanner” means acceptable to pull vardos. The Gypsy Vanner
had to be strong and athletic to pull heavy vardos and
bear cold winters but be gentle and docile enough to teach
the Gypsy children how to ride.
The Gypsy Vanner was bred
from a combination of Shire, Clydesdale, Friesian, Dales
Pony and to a lesser degree the Fells Pony.
Most Gypsy
Vanners are Piebald (black and white) or Skewbald (brown
and white) but all colors are acceptable to a Gypsy. The
average Vanner is around 14.2 hands. The feathers should
begin at the knee/hock and fully cover the hooves. Manes
and tails are long, thick, and flowing.
Vanners are heavy
boned horses but their movement is very floaty and agile.
They are very versatile breed for most equestrian activities.
The United States Dressage Federation officially recognizes
the Gypsy Vanner as an accepted dressage horse and lists
them in All Breeds Program.
Breed Standards
The Gypsy Vanner is a “people sized” Draft Horse, with heavy bone and broad body
but on a small scale than the large drafts.
1. Color - The Gypsy Vanner is not a color it is a body
type, therefore, all colors, markings and patterns are acceptable.
2. Height - All heights are
acceptable and all have the same standard.
3. Body - the Gypsy Vanner has the look of a small
to average size horse with a draft horse type of body.
4.
Legs - Clean, heavy to medium heavy bone set on medium to
large hoof.
5. Hair - Ideal hair is straight
and silky, with some wave, curl and body being acceptable.
6. Head – A sweet
head is a more refined head than a typical shire might have,
set on a strong neck in harmony with the horses overlook
look.
7. Nature – A Gypsy Vanner should be alert and willing
with traits of intelligence, kindness, and docility.
For more information about Gypsy Vanners visit:
www.aghba.org
www.gypsyvannerhorse.org
www.vanners.org
