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The History
 Though breeding influences can be linked to the likes of Shires, Clydesdales, Fell and many others, the refining of the gypsy breed itself originated among the Romany gypsies in England and Ireland. Bred for strength and endurance, the gypsy was an integral part of the family and provided the ‘horsepower’ needed to pull their colourful, traveling caravans. Part of the gypsy’s everyday life, these horses have been delicately bred for generations to display quiet, gentle dispositions and with no compromise to the safety of family children. Gypsy horses have only as recent as 1996 been imported to North America and are still relatively unknown to many people.
The Breed
 As one can see from the first glance, the physical beauty of these horses is unrivalled by any other. Their stamina and athleticism is reflective in the heavier, muscular body style we see today. The long, double manes and abundant feathering at the hooves are trademark characteristics of this unique breed. Coupled with their flashy looks, the gypsy is not lacking in agility or intelligence. The height of a gypsy horse can be anywhere from 13 – 15.2 hands. The body should be well proportioned with broad shoulders and a thick neck. A small head with finely proportioned ears should be contrasted by well -rounded hips described and knick-named an ‘apple butt’.
The Name
 The gypsy horse goes by many different names. Gypsy cob, vanner, irish tinker, romany horse and numerous others name variations are all representative of the same breed. Still very popular today, the original gypsies were mostly black and white (piebald). But as the breed becomes more known, the diversity of colour continues to expand. Red and white, brown and white, tri-coloured known as skewbald and blagdon (solid colour with white socks and splashes of white underneath) are popular as well.
The Future
As the well-kept secret of the gypsy horse becomes more known to those of us in the ‘Americas’, the future of the gypsy is limitless. As we promote this amazing breed, toting the complete package….looks, strength, intelligence, character and so on….the gypsy will surely continue to break the barriers of all horse disciplines. The challenge we see lying ahead as committed breeders, is not to sacrifice generations of breeding excellence as the gypsy’s popularity and demand increases to grow.
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