The Gypsy’s dream horse has a special look and charm that is rare to find. Mark J. Barrett/WR Ranch
The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society
P.O. Box 177
Marlboro, New York 12542
www.gypsyvannerhorsesociety.org
A vision was born over half a century ago to create a special horse to pull the colorful caravans that Gypsies call home. Until recently, that vision was shared by only a few, but the love affair between Gypsies and their horses is legendary. Mystery and magic have always been part of the Gypsies’ charm, and this heritage is expressed in their beautiful and rare horses. Those encountering a Gypsy Vanner for the first time are awed by the presence of something beyond just a pretty animal. They experience the same passion Gypsies feel for a breathtaking animal, one filled with enchanting charisma and charm. The captivating Gypsy Vanner Horse inspires an amazing reaction wherever it goes.
“It’s a proper Vanner,” is a Gypsy expression meaning a horse that has the look most admired by the culture and is best suited to pull an owner’s caravan. The word “vanner” is simply short for caravan, but it also refers to a large Gypsy horse that pulls the biggest caravans. The name then evolved into a term of endearment, identifying the look of a Gypsy’s dream horse.
Proper Vanner horses are rare and can only be found in a certain small segment of the Gypsy horse population. Similar to small Shires, they have abundant leg feathering and a prettier head than most draft horses. They are bred with much love and pride by dedicated Gypsies, who rarely part with them and frequently keep them hidden from others. The deep feeling they have for their Proper Vanner horse is the same feeling all horse lovers know when they see the horse of their dreams.
Life of a Gypsy
To understand the Gypsy Vanner, it is important to understand Gypsies. The word “Gypsy” evolved from the word “Egypt,” or “little Egypt.” At one time, it was believed that Egypt was the original home of this society that had an inexplicable urge to roam. As Gypsies traveled throughout eastern and western Europe, they maintained a cultural likeness, even while developing other differences. Still, the love of music, horses, and the freedom to roam was a common thread bonding all people known as Gypsies.
They originally lived in what were called bender tents before they were replaced with caravans, which came into existence a little more than the past one hundred years. Today, Gypsy carts and caravans can still be found in many European countries, but it is only in Great Britain where the Gypsy caravan has become an art form, making the English Gypsy caravan the most highly decorated kind in the world. Gypsies want the perfect horse to pull their colorful castles of the open road and therefore only in Great Britain can quality Vanners be found.
The beginning of selectively bred horses for the English Gypsy caravan started about sixty or seventy years ago. The first horses that pulled Gypsy caravans and carts were not a defined type, nor were they spotted. The vast majority were bought and sold as a means of simple commerce and often were dramatically different from each other.
Like their horses, Gypsies evolved in unique and different ways. There are Gypsies of pure Romany heritage, there are half Romany Gypsies called Diddikoi, and there are non-Romany Gypsies who live the Gypsy lifestyle over many generations. The word “Travelers” is a common and accepted term to describe a broad group of people that live a Gypsy lifestyle. There are also people in Great Britain, and more specifically Ireland and Scotland, called “Travellers” who live the same non-conventional, Gypsy-like lives outside the norm of mainstream society. Not all of these groups are the Gypsies who breed the true Gypsy Vanner Horse as the breed is known in the United States today.
A pretty head and abundant mane are outstanding features of the Gypsy Vanner. Mark J. Barrett/WR Ranch
Foundation
It was the Romany Gypsies who created the Vanner horse primarily by using native breeds, such as the Shire, Clydesdale, Dales Pony (the heaviest pony breed in Britain), and the Fell Pony (in the lighter type). The Friesian is included in the Vanner’s background, because it was an important genetic element in the development of these other breeds, all of which have the wonderful personality of the cold-blooded draft. Originally, the Vanner was not recognized as a breed and had no name. Gypsy horses were primarily referred to as colored or piebald and skewbald horses, because most of them had spotted patterns.
Great Gypsy horse breeders, who fit every description of respected equine breeders, selectively bred toward the vision of the perfect caravan horse. After half a century, a few private Gypsy families succeeded in producing horses with this specific Vanner look. They proudly showed them off, but only to other Gypsies and kept them a secret from all others.
These horses were not easily sold, if ever, and never sold to outside cultures. Instead, they were passed down to succeeding generations as heirloom gifts and were not available for purchase. For such special horses to be sold by their Gypsy breeder was comparable to selling his heart and life’s work. This attitude is hard to explain or be understood by other societies. Simply said, a Gypsy Vanner horse easily bought is not “a proper Vanner.”
Characteristics
Due to their gentle natures and the natural culling process that takes place with a nomadic lifestyle, the Gypsy Vanner has one of the kindest dispositions of any horse. Gypsies had no tolerance for animals that might endanger lives, thus any horse displaying an ill temper was banished immediately. This led to the Gypsy Vanner Horse becoming one of the gentlest and most docile horses in the world, which must be experienced to be believed. It was common for a Gypsy mother to tell her children to stop bothering the horses as they crawled over and under them. The horses have a unique love for people, comparable only to the Gypsies’ love of their horses.
Gypsy Vanner pulling caravan with its feathering emphasizing each stride. WR Ranch
By the nature of its demanding existence, the Gypsy Vanner is extremely sound and easy to maintain, essential elements for a life of travel. Gypsies stake their horses on thirty-foot chains or ropes and move them daily. A Gypsy will tell you that a good Gypsy horse should live “under the hedge,” which simply means that it should thrive on very little, and it typically does. The cold-blooded genetics in the Vanner contribute to its thriftiness. The horses stand with their rear ends to the cold wind and rain and either flourish or get sick. The sick ones do not last; the hardy ones that stay healthy, do.
An abundance of mane, tail, and feathering not only give the horses protection from the elements, but also give the animal a look true to its heritage. There are many Gypsy horses that developed from non-feathered or smooth legged breeds, but a quality, magical feathered look is the signature of the Gypsy Vanner breed. Feathering is a cumulative or additive gene, thus horses with feathering must be bred to other horses with feathering to create and preserve this feature.
Gypsy Vanners are outstanding riding and driving horses, but to serious Gypsy breeders, they are primarily status symbols, a source of pride, and a means of cash flow. It is common for the best horses to reach very high levels of recognition and value. All serious Gypsy breeders know the great mares and stallions of heritage. These quality horses are a source of pride in the Gypsy community and are the centerpiece of the breed.
History
In 1994, horse breeders Dennis and Cindy Thompson of Florida traveled to England and, while there, noticed an unusual looking horse in a distant field. While pursuing more information about this special horse, they met a Gypsy named Fred Walker. He had a band of mares that looked just like the stallion and that he usually kept hidden due to their great value. The Thompsons spent the day in the Gypsy camp, listening to Walker as he expressed a deep sense of respect for the stallion they saw, called The Log, and explained Gypsy Vanner Horses to them.
Walker was a British Gypsy legend and pillar in the Gypsy community who lived in a horse-drawn caravan his entire life. He began his focus on breeding the perfect caravan horse in 1948 when he was only nineteen, and he maintained the genetics of his fifty-nine-year Vanner vision throughout his lifetime. He personally knew the stallions that inspired and began his Vanner breed. Over the decades of dedicated breeding, he produced or owned many of the most famous sires and dams.
Walker could trace The Log’s heritage through three countries. His dam and sire were in one country, while his grandparents were in another. Dedicated Gypsy breeders who focused on producing horses with a specific look raised each of these generations. The breeder and owner of The Log, Tom Price, treasured the day this stallion was born, recalling, “I held him in my arms and I knew he was special. He’s the best colt I ever raised!” In 1992, The Log was valued as the highest priced Gypsy horse colt at Appleby Fair, one of the oldest Gypsy fairs in the world, and was recognized as one of the finest bred Gypsy horses in all of Great Britain.
The Thompsons began a relationship with Walker that entailed learning more about Gypsy culture and their horses over the following years and, in the process, earned Walker’s trust. This was a feat in itself, because of the closed nature of the Gypsy society, particularly when it came to their Vanner Horses. Walker shared his passion for the Vanner horse, as well as the history and genetics of the breed with them. “It was like having Justin Morgan call you every two weeks to reminisce about his stallion,” recalls Dennis Thompson.
The Thompsons were amazed that Walker’s stunning horses were not recognized as a breed and had no name. After they spent four years learning about these treasured horses and the handful of Gypsies who created them, they began a search for their own herd. After two years, only three stallions were identified that had the look, heritage, and proven ability to consistently produce the quality of a “proper Vanner.” They resided in the United Kingdom, which, until recently, was the only place beautiful Gypsy Vanner Horses of this type could be found. One was known as The King, which the Gypsies admired for his ability to reproduce his remarkable traits. There was also The Log and a third stallion, which was the pride of the Walker family. He was produced by two generations of magnificent Walker stallions and was never sold. In 1996, several fillies from this stallion were sold to the Thompsons and became the first Gypsy Vanner Horses imported to North America.
The Thompsons understood and respected the years of deep and careful thought that went into Gypsy Vanner breeding. It was their intent to select only the special type of horses that Walker approved of as foundation horses for their herd. They also established the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society as a registry in 1996, the first of its kind in North America.
Walker helped them pick the name Gypsy Vanner Horse for the new breed, which they registered as a trademark solely to establish the breed with a definable and focused look until an understanding of the new breed was achieved. Once the look was recognizable, it would be easier to identify the correct type and select specimens worthy of classification as Gypsy Vanner Horses.
By establishing trust over the years with established Gypsy Vanner breeders such as Walker, the Thompsons were able to buy and import The Log in 1997, renaming him Cushti Bok, which in the language of the Gypsies means “good luck.” He became the first Gypsy Vanner stallion to be imported to North America, and was soon followed by The King, which was imported a year later. The King was the sire of Dolly, one of the first imported fillies. He is now known throughout the world as The Gypsy King.
The other imported mare named Bat was bred to The King, producing Kuchi in 1999. ABC News with Peter Jennings reported the birth of Kuchi, the first U.S.-born Gypsy Vanner Horse. The name Kuchi means “nomad” and is also the name of a Gypsy tribe famous for the dance the huchi kuchi. The name proved to be appropriate, as Kuchi dances when she walks. She is a stunning example of the power of genetics. Her colt, Destiny, has the blood of all three stallions: Kuchi’s sire, The King; her grandfather, who was the pride of the Walker family; and Cushti Bok, Destiny’s sire. This foundation bloodline is extremely valuable for the correct type and quality of the Gyspy Vanner Horse in North America.
In 1998, the Thompson’s Gypsy Vanner Horses were introduced to the American public at Equitana USA in Louisville, Kentucky. It was love at first sight for everyone who saw them. The passion that the horses created with the crowds is the same that Gypsies know so well.
The Gypsy Vanner Horse became an instant hit in the United States. Its image was chosen for the cover photo of the Horse Feathers calendar by renowned equine photographer, Mark J. Barrett. Additionally, segments on Animal Planet and American Health Network showcased Gypsy Vanner Horses.
The Gypsy King’s image has appeared in Vogue with the magazine’s model of the year. His model became one of the top ten models for the Breyer Model Horses Company for 2001 and was chosen to be showcased and sold on QVC. Again the magic was felt as he made a special guest appearance at BreyerFest in Lexington, Kentucky.
This exposure brought recognition to Gypsies as one of the world’s most colorful and least understood societies, as well as the horses they love so dearly.
Breed Overview
What the American public is experiencing and responding to when it sees Gypsy Vanner Horses are the same feelings a Gypsy feels. It stirs the heart and excites the soul to see such an amazingly beautiful and unique animal. However, not all Gypsy horses create this magic, and not all Gypsy horses should be recognized as examples of the breed. If the look is lost, so is the magic.
There are an estimated four thousand to five thousand Gypsy horses in the United Kingdom. The selectively bred Gypsy Vanner horses, however, are very rare. Their numbers are estimated to be only about 20 percent of the total Gypsy horse population. It was the discovery of one of those rare horses, along with the dedication to understanding the Gypsy dream, that created the opportunity to establish the breed in the United States. Only quality Gypsy horses that were approved by Walker and complemented the vision of a proper Vanner were imported by the Thompsons.
In addition to the Vanner’s amazing looks, it is friendly and engaging. Mark J. Barrett/WR Ranch
Gypsy Vanner Horses are colorful and compact, with the muscling to provide the power to pull the caravans so integral to the Gypsy society. Heavy bones, flat knees, and ample hooves give this magnificent horse the foundation to sustain a body that includes a broad chest and heavy hips. The withers are rounded, making the horse suitable for harness and the bareback riding style of Gypsy children. In addition to the Vanner’s amazing looks, it possesses a temperament that is friendly and engaging.
Feathering is important to the Vanner look. According to Fred Walker, there is no question that only feathered horses were used to develop the breed. It is the intention of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society to establish the breed with only feathered foundation animals. Genetics dictate that the degree of feathering on the offspring of those foundation animals can range from minimal to profuse. Breeding stallions should always have an abundance of feather.
The Gypsy Vanner is extremely easy to train, strong, intelligent, docile, athletic, distinctive, and willing, with excellent endurance. It is the perfect horse for any number of pursuits, such as English and western pleasure, freestyle riding, driving, carriage, dressage, hunt seat, saddle seat, hack classes, trail classes, jumping, or bareback riding. It is exceptional for trail rides due to its unflappable nature.
Gypsy Vanners can be shown both at Gypsy Vanner shows and any other show they qualify for. The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society is associated with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Dressage Federation (USDF) All-Breeds Program, and the Ontario Equestrian Federation. There are just over 1,200 registered Gypsy Vanner Horses in North America as of 2008.
Vanners are becoming very popular for trail riding, due to their unflappable personality. They create a sensation wherever they go. One owner who trail rides her champion Vanner stallion is continually stopped by others who want to talk to her about her horse.
The first long distance Vanner was a gelding named Spenser, owned by Julie Anthony. Spenser did a 25 mile ride in 2008 with thirty-one other horses and finished 26th. This is remarkable, considering that most distance runners are Arabian or similar horses. Everyone was amazed that Spenser’s pulse rate and overall hardiness handled the distance so well.
Vanners create a sensation wherever they go. At exhibitions, there are so many people who are enthralled with the Vanners, that the reaction is the same as to that of a rock star. The Vanners have to be continually moved around the crowds, who want to touch and mob the horses.
Breed Types
The Gypsy Vanner Horse is no different than other well known breeds that evolved over half a century, often producing different types through clear and carefully orchestrated plans of the breeders. Like other breed types named after a group or area of people who bred for a specific capacity and look, Gypsy horses experienced the same diversity of types within the original group. Just as there are different types of people referred to as Gypsies, there are different types of horses referred to as Gypsy horses.
There are three primary types of Gypsy horses: Gypsy Trotters, common types, and the classic types, or “proper Vanners.”
Gypsy Trotters are typically a cross between a colored Gypsy horse stallion and usually a Standardbred mare. They are a lighter, leaner horse used for roadracing, and they can become quite valuable. Roadracing colored Gypsy trotters are very much a passion of Gypsies.
Common types of Gypsy horses evolved from many different breeds and are not easily definable. Smooth legged riding horses were often involved, which gives these horses a lighter, less distinct look. The majority of these horses can’t be defined as a breed and are typically very inexpensive.
Classic types may be referred to as proper Vanners and have the look of a small Shire or light draft. They are the direct result of a focused breeding goal instituted sixty or seventy years ago. Their history is documented and their look is easily defined. They were developed exclusively by Gypsies who were breeders of this type. Like all breeds, great stallions and great mares can be identified and are an important part of their history. The Classic type is recognized as the correct type horse of The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (GVHS) in the United States.
Vanners are the perfect horse to pull the colorful Gypsy caravan. Mark J. Barrett/WR Ranch
This type has a short back, heavy flat bone (flat at the knee), broad chest and hips, and also has what a Gypsy would call a “sweet head.” This simply means its head is more refined than that of most draft horses.
Feathering starts at the knee on the front legs and at, or near, the hock on the rear legs. The feathering is typically profuse and almost always covers the front hooves.
The height is between 13.2 and 15.2 hands tall. Their average weight is from 1,100 to 1,700 pounds.
There is a similar, lighter Sport Gypsy horse, which also has a set look that is worthy of recognition as a breed type, because its heritage and look are distinct. Its value rises with its quality, and like most things of value, quality is rare. The best stallions of this type can cost £20,000 ($30,000) or more. In recent years, there has been a trend by Gypsies to place great value on this smaller, lighter sport Gypsy horse rather than the larger Gypsy Classic type.
The word “lighter” is a relative word, as these quality horses have substantial bodies and lots of feathering. They simply have a lighter look than the heavier draft appearance of the Classic Gypsy Vanner Horse. Dedicated Gypsy breeders know this type of quality horse very well.
It is very likely that the Fells Pony contributed more to this lighter quality type, along with the other primary breeds that created the heavier Classic Gypsy Vanner Horse. The Fells Pony is a lighter quality pony with a feathered Friesian look similar to the Dales pony, only lighter in build. It is also important to note that the weight a horse carries can influence its look.
Registry Requirements
Horses with both parents registered in the GVHS are automatically eligible for registration. Eligible horses must be approved by the registration committee; they must have an acceptable score at a Gypsy Vanner evaluation performed by the registration committee, which is available in different parts of the United States. Since the stud book is still open, other horses can also apply for registration, but must pass the evaluation by the registration committee. The GVHS provides judging seminars to teach the judging and evaluation of the breed.
Standards
The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society respects the standards established by the oral history of Gypsies who spent their lifetime perfecting the caravan horse. The breed standards were reviewed and approved in detail by Fred Walker, who maintained the same genetics of his vision for the perfect Vanner horse for more than fifty-six years. The Gypsy Vanner is a “people sized” draft horse with heavy bone and broad body, but on a smaller scale than the large draft breeds.
Color: The Gypsy Vanner Horse is not a color breed, it is a body type. Therefore all colors, markings, and patterns are acceptable, with piebald and skewbald being the most common.
In honor of the British Gypsy heritage of the breed, the following names are used to describe Gypsy Vanner Horse colors:
• Piebald: black and white
• Skewbald: red and white, brown and white, tri-color
• Odd coloured: any other color
• Blagdon: solid color with white splashed up from underneath
Height: The Vanner is 13.2 to 15.2 hands, although there may be a few individuals outside of this range.
Body: The Vanner has the look of a small to average size horse with a draft horse type body. The back should be short coupled and in proportion to overall body. Withers are well rounded, not high, and fine. The chest should be deep and broad with well sprung ribs; and shoulders are sloping with well developed muscle. The hindquarters should have heavy, powerful hips with a well muscled and rounded croup; tail should be not set too low. Slab sided or severely sloping hindquarters are considered a fault. The neck should be strong and of ample length. Stallions must display a bold look with a rainbow (well arched) crest.
Legs: The legs should be clean, with heavy to medium-heavy bone set on a medium to large hoof. The front legs should be set square and muscular, with broad, flat, well developed knees. Rear legs should have hocks that are broad and clean. A Vanner will have the modified closer hock set of a pulling horse, but not as close as the modern draft horse. Set back or sickle hocks are a fault. Hooves are large, round, and open at the heels with well developed frogs. Small contracted hooves are considered a fault. Leg movement should be clean, straight, and true, with an energetic, distinctive, and effortless trot.
Hair: Ideal hair is straight and silky with some wave, curl, and body being acceptable. Kinky hair is a fault. Abundant feathering should begin at the back of the knees on the front legs and at, or near, the hocks on the rear, extending over the front of the hooves. Mane, forelock, and tail should be ample to profusely abundant; double manes are common, but not required.
Head: The Vanner should have a sweet head (more refined head than a typical Shire horse) set on a strong neck in harmony with the horse’s overall look. The horse should have a clean throatlatch and jaw. The nose should be flat and tapered. A slightly Roman nose is acceptable if it goes with the horse’s overall look, but a heavy Roman nose is not acceptable. Eyes can be any color and should be wide set, bright, alert, and kind. Ears should be in proportion to the head and not too large.
Nature: A Vanner should be alert and willing, with traits of intelligence, kindness and docility—a Golden Retriever with hooves.
Credit: The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society