Breeds of Horses - Gypsy Vanner

About Gypsy Vanner Horses

At the time I first wrote this article, there were only 16 in North America, the Gypsy horses are an old type used by Gypsies to pull their wagons and carts. The breed was developed by crossing Friesian, Clydesdale, Shire, and Dale Ponies. The Gypsy people needed an animal that was strong, gentle, had good stamina, and which was colorful.

    Recently a few selected mares and stallions (Like Gypsy King above - Sire of Kaulo Ratti - owned by Gypsy Gold Farm, Ocala, FL) were brought to the United States from Europe, by Dennis and Cindy Thompson, owners of Gypsy Gold Farm and founders of the new registry - The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. The Gypsy Vanner Horses registered in the U.S. are from stock purchased from Gypsy breeders in Europe. The lineages of these horses are known and documented. This gives the registry an excellent foundation to build on. Although there are many pinto colored horses in Europe and elsewhere that are similarly colored, only the Gypsy Vanner Horses registered with the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society are recognized in this country. Currently no crossbreeding is allowed, so all stock are purebred. These foundation stock are being bred using the latest embryo transplant technology. Embyo's are transplanted from Gypsy Vanner Mares into surrogate mares. The embryo's sell for $15,000 to $20,000 each. This allows one Gypsy Vanner mare to produce several foals each year.

Gypsy King, Owned by Gypsy Gold Farm, Ocala, FL

Cushti Bok, Owned by Gypsy Gold Farm, Ocala, FLAdult horses sell for about $35,000; imported from Europe, the process is time consuming and expensive. Yet, these colorful horses possess the beauty, stamina, and temperament that makes it worthwhile for those who have fallen under thier spell! (Cushti Bok, Owned by Gypsy Gold Farm, Ocala, FL)

    Showcased at Equitana 1998, the Gypsy Vanner won the hearts of Jeanne McDonald and Shiela Hardie. They purchased a lovely filly named Kaulo Ratti, which means "Purest Gypsy". She has been bred to Cushti Bok and the embyo transferred into a surrogate mare. You will be able to meet her and several other Gypsy Vanners at Equitana 1999 MANE EVENT.

The Gypsy Vanner Type and
Conformation

    * Height - 14 -15.2 hh
    * Weight - 1200 - 1500 lbs
    * Color - Piebald (Black and
       White), Skewbald
      (Any other color and White),
      Black, Bay, Grey, Palomino
    * Powerful, short neck and back
    * Rounded withers
    * Abundant mane, tail, feathering on lower legs and feet
    * Heavy hips
    * Uses - Pleasure riding, driving, companionship

Kaulo Ratti - "Purest Gypsy" Owned by Jeanne McDonald and Sheila Hardie