For nearly 100 years, the Gypsies have bred and used colorful cob horses to pull their ornately decorated carts and living wagons thru the country lanes of England and Ireland. The horses they used were heavy boned and feathered horses, which are strong, sensible, docile, and incredibly hard working. The beautiful colors of these horses were not only pleasing to the eye, but also made them instantly recognizable, which helped to prevent them from being stolen or swapped discretely for inferior horses. The heavy feather on their legs, along with long flowing manes and tails added to the overall flash and flare long associated with the misunderstood and usually discriminated-against gypsy people.
     
                    
     Traditionally, the gypsy horse is involved in every aspect of family life, faithfully pulling the caravan wagon by day, while still being amenable and patient enough to teach the gypsy children to ride when the day is done. The horses are tethered at the campsite with the family caravan when they are not working, in all types of weather. They live, and thrive on only the grasses that happen to be growing along the side of the roads. The heartiness and exceptional disposition of these horses are their trademarks. They are known for being one of the most docile and gentle horses in the world.
    
     The Gypsy Horse is a hearty little draft horses which usually stand between 13 and 15.2 hands. Their exceptional stamina allows them to go all day at a steady trot while pulling a loaded living caravan with the whole gypsy family. They are sturdily built with solid bone and, in order to be a “traditional gypsy horse”, they must have a good deal of feathering and hair.  The Gypsy horse comes in all colors, with the most common being the "pinto" patterns, piebald and skewbald.  Although they have been bred for a particular type for generations, they are originally descended from several draft horse and pony breeds, namely the Shire, Clydesdale, Irish Draft, and Friesian horses along with Dales, Fell, and Connemara ponies. 

UPDATED! July 2nd 2008

See our photos from the 4th of July Rodeo Parade

We just returned from Appleby and we are working hard on our new Fine Art Limited Editions Gypsy Cob Prints!

 

 

 

 

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