Breed of the week........ The Gypsy vanner horse

Ahh..... The Gypsy vanner horse. I don't know about you, but when I think of this horse I think things like dream horse, magical horse, the horse my knight in shining armor will ride up on. While all of us might not think these things, I know we can all agree on this: These horses are breathtaking! While I've never spent much time with them in person, I can give you a little history on them.

The Gypsy dream was to breed a perfect horse to pull their colorful vardos, or living wagons, through the hillsides of England and Ireland. The Gypsy Vanner had to be strong and athletic so that they could manage the heavy vardos with the gypsy family and it's belongings. The horses had to be hardy and easy to keep, because they were often tethered on the side of the road or in fields, eating whatever grass they could find and living without shelters in the cold winters.... And when the day's work was done, the beautiful Gypsy Vanner had to be gentle enough to teach gypsy children to ride!
They are bred from a combination of draft and pony breeds, and until now the breathtaking horse was not a registered breed. While the breeding of these horses was careful and deliberate, the detailed history of the breed bloodlines was kept in the memories of the families who bred them. But due to the recent demand of these horses, registries are now being established here and abroad, to protect and continue the established bloodlines.

These magnificent horses, are also known as "feathered horses", Drum horses, and Gypsy Cobs. They can now be seen in show rings around the world, and excel at almost anything you put them up to. They are reliable, trustworthy, and beautiful. What else can I say about these horses?

They are gentle giants, slowly winning over hearts all over the world!