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come into the world and more.
The quick answer, is anything you want them to do. They were in the old days, obviously first and foremost, a driving horse, having often, enough weight and bulk, to pull the very heavy caravans in which the Gypsies lived and travelled. When the Travellers and Gypsies of bygone days, moved from their living caravans into motorhomes and settled housing and farms, the Gypsy Horse was seen less often pulling their loads along the roads of the UK.
Still, it didn't stop many Gypsies from still breeding, buying and selling, their beloved horses, in great numbers. They can still be found almost weekly, at sales and fairs all over the country. Little by little, these flashy, feathered horses, found their way into the favour of the general public, as being terrific riding horses, for young and old alike.
They can now be seen in the show rings of the US, UK and many other countries, showing the rest of the equine world, just how incredibly versatile these horses can be. Some of the larger horses, became noted Dressage mounts. We have a Dressage horse of our own, in our stallion Sligo. He and many of his offspring have made their mark in Dressage.
Many young people in the US, found these horses to be game for rodeo events and even though some old rodeo people smirked at first and whispered behind cupped hands, lately they've had to eat their words, when Gypsy Horses are seen to be just as fast and can turn on a dime, as handily as many Quarter Horse.
Gypsy Horses are used for weddings and even funerals, pulling carriages and hearses.
There are even a few now, who are being used as very handy cutting horses, for owners who before, would never have used anything but a Quarter Horse with a lot of "cow".
There are already a few of the breed, who are making a name for themselves as jousting mounts. Another is becoming known on the Polo circuit and yet others follow the hounds. Many can be found in circus's across the world. Others are finding great favour as vaulting mounts, since with their solid nature and broad backs, they are perfect for that endevour. Still others have gained fame as reliable mounts for the handicapped.
As the general public ages, many don't like to ride, but still wish to do something with a horse. They have found, that driving is a wonderful hobby and these horses were absolutely made for it. We see the breed in the shafts of all kinds of wonderful carriages, carts, coaches, drays, waggons etc. in the shows these days. Even pulling sleighs in winter for many owners. And yes, they'll happily pull your plough on Friday, pull a waggon-load of kids for a hayride on Saturday and then take your child into the show ring on Sunday!
If you are so inclined, you can still purchase or even have built, wonderful real Gypsy Caravans and drays. Should you wish to travel and at the same time, have charge of one of these great horses, you can take a Caravan holiday in Ireland and wander through the country lanes, with your confident Gypsy Horse at the helm.
In the last couple of years, the Gypsy Horse has been seen, proudly taking part in The Rose Parade, in Pasadena, California. Many have also participated in many other parades, throughout the United States - and they always are a crowd favorite!
So what can they do?
Just about anything you fancy asking of them!
They definitely are NOT - just another pretty face....
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She and her owner live on an island, so must go everywhere on a raft!
Amazing eh?
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travel on public roads, for sixty or more miles to the various fairs.
Photo courtesy of Loretta Rawlings.
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Lyd shows this mare all over England and also follows the hounds with her.
When this photo was taken, she was shaved, as are many in England for the
show ring.
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Photo courtesy of Black Forest Shires and Gypsy Horses.
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under the Big Top.
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in hand and proudly showing her ribbon. This young lady trained this gelding
to ride and drive herself. Photo courtesy of her Mom - Loretta Rawlings.
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Photo courtesy of Loretta Rawlings.
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Photo courtesy of Clononeen Farms.
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This lovely stallion, has already made a name for himself, in
Western AND English Pleasure classes.
Photo courtesy of N'Co Gypsy Vanners.
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A Gypsy Horse who appears in a popular children's TV show
in Finland. Shown here with his trainer and good friend, Tina.
Photo courtesy of Hoviajelu
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Did I mention these horses make fabulous jumpers?
Photo Courtesy of Blarney Stone Acres.
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Sligo has been at stud since 1997, and is the sire of 5 licensed
and proven sons, 3 gold medal foals, and 2 state premium mares.
He is trained in dressage and driving. He is also a willing jumper.
Photo courtesy of Tinker Pierkes.
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Yes, these guys really can turn on the speed when required.
Photo courtesy of Judy Brodland.
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Photo courtesy of Judy Brodland.
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in Ireland.
Photo Courtesy of Clononeen Farms.
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in Ireland.
Photo Courtesy of Clononeen Farms.
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She's shown here, riding her lovely mare, Bayonetta.
This breed seems to have been just made for children to enjoy.
Photo courtesy of Image Setter Ranch.
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and also a reining horse. See - they really can do anything asked of them.
Photo courtesy of GlennRainier Gypsy Cobs.
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Rose Parade.
SO WHAT CAN THEY DO?
ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING!
Whatever you have named your Gypsy Horse - "Versatile" is his middle name!
He can and will, embrace a huge variety of skills.
As we collect more photos of Gypsy Horses performing in different
venues, we will add them to this page.
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You may email us here..
Or for more information,
Contact Jeff and Debra Gakstatter
Oregon.
Telephone
541-382-3343
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