While fairly new to those outside the UK, the Gypsy Horse has been well known within the Romany and Irish Traveller communities, for many generations. The Gypsy Horse was first bred, as all breeds, from a mix of several other horses.

Early nomadic families used small flat carts and needed horses to pull them. Later, they moved into living wagons, which were incredibly heavy and had to carry everything the owned, so a heavier horse was desired.

That is when they started breeding heavy, Draft type horses, strong and powerful enough to pull their loads. Since they traveled constantly, they met up with other roaming families who also had horses and began to trade and breed. There was much competitiveness within the Gypsy communities, so flashier and prettier horses were strived for. However, they still had to be strong, willing and of sweet enough disposition, to live within the families at night when they camped.

Horses with ill-temperaments were quickly sold off and not retained or bred.

While we prefer to call him a "Gypsy Horse", the breed is known by many names across the world. According to where you might live or to which registry you prefer to belong, you might hear him called a Gypsy Horse, a Gypsy Vanner, a Tinker, an Irish Cob, a Colored Cob, or a Traditional.

Your horse will probably stand between about 13 hands to about 15.2 hands tall - give or take a little at either end. Certainly some were much larger, but they were not what was referred to as a "Traditional" Gypsy Horse.

While the very ancient history of the Gypsy Horse is unknown, they are probably descended from several early draft horse and pony breeds. There is no doubt that Shires, Clydesdales, Dales Ponies and Galloways, found their way into his early makeup. It is even thought that some Welsh Cobs were added along the way.

The Gypsy Horse is found in all colors. Solids from Black to White and spotteds or Appaloosa type patterns. The most well known though, is probably the Piebald or Skewbald. They should possess lavish hair and feather.

Do your homework! Deal with those who have purchased good stock and can answer ALL your questions with knowlege as to the background and breeder of the horses they advertise.

For more information,
Contact Jeff or Debra Gakstatter
Oregon
Telephone and E-mail
541-382-3343 0r office 541-318-5955
TheGaks@yahoo.com

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