Gypsy Vanner Horses are considered an exotic breed of horse due to their flowing mane. Here's everything you need to know about this horse breed.

Gypsy Vanner Horses - Horse Breed Facts

1. Breed Group:

   Cold blooded horses which may be uncomfortable in strange surroundings.

2. Height & Weight:

   They are compact, up to 14 to 15 hands tall, weighing 1100 to 1700 pounds.

3. Coat:

   Coat is smooth except at the mane and above the hooves, where there is a lot of hairy growth.

4. Head & Neck:

   Head is elegant and fine-shaped, which is placed on a short stocky neck.

5. Body:

   They have compact bodies with showy manes, tails and feathers above their hooves.

6. Conformation:

   They have a powerful compact body with a short neck and back. They have a strong chest and rounded withers.

7. Colors:

   Black and white (piebald) or brown and white (skewbald).

8. Gait:

   They are fast runners, even with loads attached to them.

9. Popularity:

   They are extremely popular in Europe, and are considered an exotic breed especially in the US.

10. Registries:

    The original registry was done by Cindy and Dennis Thomson who founded the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. Other registrations have been done by US Equestrian Foundation, US Dressage Foundation and Ontario Equestrian Foundation.

Gypsy Vanner Horses - Horse Breed Origins

1. Country of Origin:

   United Kingdom

2. Lineage/ Bloodline:

   Originated from stocks that included Friesian, Clydesdale, Shire and Dales Pony.

3. Historical Information:

   Gypsy Vanner horses were bred first by a band of nomadic Irish gypsies to pull their caravans. It was not until 1996 that they were imported into the United States from Europe.

Gypsy Vanner Horses - Horse Breed Defining Characteristics

1. Training Ease:

   Intelligent animals that are quite willing to be trained.

2. Temperament:

   Extremely gentle and mild animals. Very loyal and obedient to their masters.

3. Child Friendly:

   They accept children effortlessly. They don't mind children playing over their bodies.

4. Behavior:

   Gypsy Vanner horses are mild-mannered and perform work for their masters tirelessly.

5. Riding Ease:

   They offer ease to the rider along with speed.

6. Uses:

   They were originally bred for pulling caravans. Today they remain as show horses. They can also be used to participate in jumping and dressage events.

Gypsy Vanner Horses - Horse Breed Concerns

1. Health Issues:

   Health problems can be avoided with good food enriched with supplements.

2. Feeding:

   They require good nutritious food at regular intervals. Food is important for their manes, tails and feathers to grow more elegant with softer hairs.

3. Outfitting:

   Being short and compact horses, they need smaller bridles with higher stirrups.

Gypsy Vanner Horses - How to Choose a Horse Breed

1. What to Look for:

   A healthy horse with more proportion of white in their colors is desirable. Long manes, tails and feathers are also in fashion.

2. What you will Need:

   A special harness to attach the horse to the carriage is needed if used for pulling.