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THE BREED Where to buy and how to buy. 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 travelled 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, a Traditional and more. However, be assured, they are all the same breed. That is of course, only if they have a background of true Romany and/or Traveller breeding. Do not be swayed by myths put about, that a horse called by one name, or registered in one registry or another, is somehow superior to those known by another name or registered within one registry or another. There are poor, good and excellent horses to be found, whatever the name or Registry. 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 and are, not what is 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. BE CAREFUL, WHERE YOU PLACE YOUR MONEY!. Deal with importers, exporters and breeders, who have a solid track record. Don't be afraid to ask for referrals and recommendations. The Gypsy Horse is a Horse with a solid background of Gypsy Horse Ancestors. One which breeds true, generation after generation. Unfortunately there are many breeders about today, who breed spotted horses of mixed breeding, with little or no "feather", light boned and weedy and sell them as Gypsy Horses. They are not Gypsy Horses. Nobody can "make" an instant Gypsy Horse. There is a lot more to the breed than color and a little feather. NOTE There are recently, many people - formerly in other breeds, who are purely importing Gypsy Horses for resale. Certainly, a few have the good of the breed at heart and have done their homework, but unfortunately, many saw the Gypsy Horses of quality, fetching good prices and thought they'd jump on the bandwaggon. They have no more interest in the breed, other than thinking they can make a quick dollar or two, from the growing interest. Unfortunately, they are importing many, many culls. Horses which would never have sold between the Gypsies themselves in England. Many have been purchased from newspaper advertisement in local papers with no known backgrounds. Suddenly they "happen" to have a made-up pedigree when advertised in this country. Many are cross-breds. Do your homework! Deal with those who have purchased good stock and can answer ALL your questions knowlegeably as to the background and breeder of the horses they advertise. Remember, there are many scammers in the breed, who are out to take your money and sell you something which is not a true Gypsy Horse. Thinking of importing yourself? It can be very expensive and complicated. If you are not incredibly knowlegeable in importing, we suggest you 
BUY AMERICAN!
For more information, Contact Jeff and Debra Gakstatter Oregon. Telephone and E-mail 541-382-3343 0r office 541-318-5955 TheGaks@yahoo.com Or call Juan our Ranch Manager if you would like. He is with our horses everyday! 541-410-8210 |