ABOUT THE BREED

The Gypsy Cob is stocky, strong, well built and in proportion. Characteristics include heavy feather, short back, muscular neck, well set head, kind eye, substantial bone and large, sound feet. They are renowned for their extremely docile nature, endurance, weight-pulling ability. A trademark of these horses is the extreme length and thickness of mane and tail, as well as the extravagant "feathering" on their legs. These hardy animals are gaining in popularity and are seen in trekking centres, riding schools as well as in the show ring and hunt field. A placid disposition and variety of uses’ have secured these colourful animals an ever increasing worldwide following. They make ideal ridden and driven animals and are especially safe for children with their kind temperament and behaviour.

Also known as a Gypsy Cob (USA and UK), Coloured Cob (UK), The Gypsy Vanner (USA), Irish Cob, Tinker Horse or Romany Horse, the breed is usually of Tobiano colouring and has many draft horse characteristics. There is no exact known history of the Gypsy Cob. It is believed that the Gypsy Cobs are descended from a combination of Shires, Clydesdales, Friesians, and Dales Ponies with their origins in England and Ireland. A related type is the Drum Horse which is a Gypsy Cob crossed with any type of draft horse over 16hands upwards (most commonly Clydesdales or Shires).

Characteristics

There is no set color standard for Gypsy Cobs, although the two most common are piebald (black & white) and skewbald, (brown & white) two variations of pinto coloring, although blue & white and palomino and white can also occur. The typical Gypsy Cob is known for an abundance of hair and "feather" (long hair starting at the cannon bone and flowing down over the hooves).

The build is powerful and compact, ranging in size from 14.2 to 15.2 hands, with a short neck and back. The cannon circumference can range from 8" to 12". The chest is broad with well sprung ribs, the hips are heavy, they have short backs, strong shoulders, and the withers are rounded. The hair should be straight and silky. Their legs should have heavy bone set on large hooves; their hind legs should not be too straight. Gypsy Cobs must also have excellent endurance, and be able to go long distances without tiring.

The Gypsy Cob was originally bred to be a wagon horse. Up until the late 20th century, the Gypsy Cob was not a recognized breed. However, in recent times a number of Breed Registries have formed.

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