Gypsy Vanner Horses at Blarney Stone Acres

Gypsy Vanner Horses Nomenclature

Because of the extensive media work that Dennis Thompson and the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society have done to promote and establish a professional registry for this distinctive breed, Romany or Gypsy horses are known as "Gypsy Vanner Horses." In the United States, there are two other registries: Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association (GCDHA) and the Gypsy Cob Association (GCA). You can find high-quality, easily recognized, vanner-quality Gypsy horses in all three associations. Nevertheless, for the sake of simplicity, throughout the site we frequently refer to this breed of horse by its most common name, which is "Gypsy horse."

Among the Romany folk in the U.K. who breed and raise Gypsy horses, the term "Gypsy" is considered derogatory. The word means "Egyptian," since it was once believed that long ago the ancestors of modern-day Romany (or Romani) families had migrated from Egypt; in actuality, however, their ancestors were a group of nomadic people who left India over 1,000 years ago.

And when it comes to their Gypsy horses, even the most casual observer cannot fail to notice some of the characteristics that make these animals so distinctive: the remarkable beauty of the Gypsy horses, their coloring, the long mane and tale, and the thick feathering around the feet.

The Gypsies of the United Kingdom mixed many different Gypsy horse breeds, including some types of draft Gypsy horses, to create the animal that has come to be known in North America as the "Gypsy Vanner." Originally, these mixed-breed animals were prized for their strength and the sturdiness necessary for them to pull the large, heavy wagons in which many itinerant Romany people lived. Yet they had to be docile enough, too, to fit comfortably and safely into the relaxed yet close-knit family-oriented lifestyle of the Gypsies. Small children often played and crawled around these Gypsy horses after a long day of traveling; and so it was absolutely critical that their Gypsy horses not be skittish by nature or easily spooked. Thus it came about that, besides their beauty, the strength, intelligence, and placid nature that are the hallmark of this particular breed of Gypsy horse were perfectly suited to the Gypsy way of life, and those characteristics continue to be favored in the breeding of this line.

In the U.K, there is little in the way of a formal breeding standard or common nomenclature for so-called Vanners. Among the Gypsy people, the preferred term for this breed is "Romany horse," reflecting the heritage of the animal. Commonly, they are known as "black and white cobs" or "colored" horses. There are many other names for these Gypsy horses, but these names often reflect the differences in the quality and breeding. Most Gypsy men think of them simply as Gypsy horses. Just as you would not ask a Catholic priest if he has a Catholic Bible, you would not ask a Gypsy, "Do you have any Gypsy horses?" Most of these animals are considered to be trade Gypsy horses. The differences in their characteristics are a function of the different uses for which they are bred, whether for riding or pulling or show.

The very best of the Gypsy horses have been bred Gypsy horse to Gypsy horse for generations to create the look of the Gypsy horse that we see today. Over time, as more and more Gypsies abandoned their itinerant lifestyle and settled down in one area, there was less and less need for such large, heavy Gypsy horses to pull the huge "living" wagons of the olden times. Nowadays, many Gypsies may still own a living wagon (mainly used for family get-togethers and fairs); but more commonly, they will use a dray, which is a smaller lightweight cart, for day-to-day business.

Similarly, the Gypsy horse has changed over time, giving it the look that it has today. Though still strong and sturdy, it is also smaller. More importantly, one of the most prized characteristics (especially among the more well-to-do traders) is its beauty.

Through generations, the best of the Gypsy horse breeders have created this vision of strength, versatility, and beauty in their Gypsy horses that we admire today. Thus, over time, what started out as a "mongrel" breed has been transformed into a pedigree breed; and the very best of these horses are now known as Vanners. Many people (Gypsies included) may disagree about the use of the word Vanner. But in North America, it has come to define the essential difference that sets this breed apart from other "Gypsy" horses. Regardless of one's view, the word Vanner denotes a horse of true quality. They are the most elite of the mans' Gypsy horse, achieved through decades of precise breeding, to produce an animal that is much different from the "practical" Gypsy horse of long ago. Many Gypsy horses are Gypsy horses, but only the best of the breed can be called a Gypsy Vanner.

At Blarney Stone Acres and Bayhaven, our Gypsy horses spring from lines that have been bred Gypsy horse to Gypsy horse for decades by private families in the U.K. You will not find Gypsy horses of comparable quality just anywhere. Gypsy horses this good are hard to come by. These "blood" Gypsy horses have been carefully selected and bred over time for generations. Their lines are from old traditional family lines, which are often sought out by other Gypsy horse breeders themselves. With the help of some of the best breeders in England, we are able to make the very best of this breed available to Gypsy horse lovers in the United States.

We are very proud of our Gypsy horses; and in the end, their quality speaks for itself.