Gypsy Vanner horse

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Gypsy Vanner mare with colt

The Gypsy Vanner is a breed with its origin among the Irish Travellers, or Gypsies, of the British Isles. These horses are called Irish Tinker Horse (Germany and Netherlands), and also known as Irish Cob, Piebald (Ireland), or Gypsy Vanner (USA). However, the term "Tinker" is considered a slur by travellers, and so the term is not used by English-speakers to describe the horse, it is usual to refer to them as "traditional coloured cobs", or "piebald/skewbald cobs". Bred for strength and docility, the breed is a mix of draught horse and pony breeds giving quite a large variation in size and appearance. The typical horse measures 12.0 - 15.3 hands and the larger variation—the Drum Horse— may reach as high as 16.0 hands and over is a cross with either a Shire Horse or Clydsdale Horse. The Gypsy Vanner Horse was only recently registered as a distinct breed, and was considered more of a "type" of horse until 1996.

The idea of the Gypsy Vanner being "bred for centuries" to this end result is false. For as long as Gypsies have been around, they have bred whatever type of horse that best suits their needs. The availability of horses may have contributed to this, as well as breeding different horses to achieve desired results. Thus, the planned breeding of "Vanners" is a relatively new concept.

The very use of the term "Vanner" is testament to that. A proper "Vanner" is a heavy carriage/cart horse that is lighter than a cob or heavy horse, but heavy enough to pull relatively large loads.

To be legitimately called a drum horse the horse must have served as a drum horse with the cavalry - true of only a very small handful of horses. These horses often have cob and/or shire/Clydesdale ancestry and may or may not be coloured.

[edit] Characteristics

There is no set color standard for Vanners, although the most common are piebald, skewbald, and pinto. The typical "Gypsy Vanner" or "Drummer" horses are known for their abundance of hair and feathering (hair starting at the canon bone and the hock and flowing down over the hooves).

Their build is powerful and compact, with a short neck and back. The chest is broad, the hips are heavy, and the withers are round. They must have what is called a "sweet head", which refers to the balance of the head to the rest of the body. Vanners must also have excellent endurance, and be able to go long distances without tiring.

They are also well known for a gentle, kind temperament suitable for a horse pulling a caravan and frequently around small children. They are sometimes referred to as "golden retrievers with hooves". Because of this, they make good riding and show horses.