Vanner Horse Origins:

Over a half a century ago, a vision was born to create a very special horse. A magical, almost mythical , colorful, compact, small Draft horse. A horse powerful enough to pull the decorative caravans the Gypsy calls home, yet gentle and trustworthy for the keeping of their children and worldly possessions. The selective breeding of a few dedicated Gypsies has produced what is now becoming known as the Gypsy Vanner Horse.

The horse breeds utilized for the foundation of their new breed, Clydesdale, Shire, Friesian and Dales Pony each have imparted some traits and characteristics individual to their heritage. All of them combined have contributed to the long flowing hair characteristics that the Gypsy Vanner Horse will be remembered by. A true Gypsy Vanner Horse will have feathers emanating from the knees in the front and just below the hocks in the rear, long flowing manes, forelocks and tails that will drag on the ground.

In November 1996, Dennis and Cindy Thompson of Ocala, Florida, imported the first Gypsy Vanner Horses to North America and established the first documented breed standards as well as the formal breed registry. This registry was conceived to protect that vision.

Gypsy Vanner Breed Description:

Colorful and compact, this breed averages between 14 and 15.2 hands, although individuals do vary at both ends of the size spectrum. The short neck and back give the animal the power to pull the colorful gypsy caravans. An abundance of mane, tail and feather give this animal a magical look, true to it's heritage. Piebald (black and white) and Skewbald (brown and white) are the most common. However, all colors are prized. It is a belief of the gypsies that a Vanner with more white (considered "Fancy") is more valuable.

Heavy bone, flat knees and ample hooves give this magnificent animal the foundation to sustain a body that includes a broad chest and heavy hips. The withers are rounded making the horse very suitable for harness and the bareback riding style of the Gypsy children.

The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society's mission is to bring honor, recognition and a better understanding to one of the worlds' most colorful and least understood societies and the horses they so dearly love. This registry was established to protect a vision that was born over half a century ago to create the perfect horse to pull their colorful caravans. Our mission is to honor that vision by respecting the standards established from the spoken words of Gypsies who have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of their dream. A perfect caravan horse is strong, intelligent, docile, athletic, colorful and has excellent endurance.

It is our mission to promote the wide spread use of Gypsy Vanner Horses throughout the United States and the World. We hope you will be so moved by the magnificent beauty and versatility of these horses to join us in this endeavor. For more information on the possibility of owning a Gypsy Vanner Horse see our Contacts page for details on reaching the Gypsy Rose Ranch, home of GVH West.