The Gypsy Cob also known as the "Coloured Cob" or "Gypsy Vanner",
is a type or breed of domestic equine from the British Isles. It is a
small, solidly-built horse or pony of cob conformation and is often, but
not always, piebald or skewbald; it is particularly associated with the
Gypsy Romany travelling peoples of Britain and Ireland. From about 1850
travelling people in the British Isles began to use a distinct type of
horse to pull their
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| Gypsy Caravan |
caravans in which they had just begun to live and travel. The colour and
look of the breed were refined in the years after the Second World War.
The Gypsy Cob is usually, but not always, piebald. It may also be skewbald or any solid colour; a solid-coloured
horse with white splashing on the underbelly. The range of desired
heights is generally from 13hh to 15hh. A Gypsy Cob's facial profile
should be straight, neither overly dished nor roman nosed. The neck is
strong, muscular, and of medium length. The chest should be broad, deep,
and well muscled. Withers are well rounded, not high and fine, i.e.,
hardly noticeable. Most standards call for a well-sloped shoulder. The
back is to be short coupled with well sprung ribs and a deep heart
girth. Strong hindquarters define the breed as a small draught horse,
designed for strength and power, but with class, presence and style.
They are sometimes described as having an apple butt as the croup is
well rounded and very generous, smooth and broad. The legs should have
plenty of feather. The Gypsy Cob should be a strong, kind, (very) intelligent
partner that works
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| Appleby Fair |
willingly and harmoniously with its handler. They are also
described as mannerly and manageable, eager to please, confident,
courageous, alert, and loyal with a genuine sociable outlook. The Gypsy
Cob is renowned for its gentle, tractable nature and sensible
disposition as it was bred to live alongside a travelling family. Gypsy Cobs are shown and traded at traditional horse fairs,
of which the Appleby Horse Fair is the largest in Europe. Many Gypsies travel
to the fair in traditional horse-drawn caravans. Over time, the travelling way
of life has been replaced with motor homes and more permanent brick houses.
The loyal Gypsy, ever proud of their horses, still to this day have continued
with their traditions and with their breeding of these horses. The Romany people
were, and still are dedicated, knowledgeable and skilful in breeding their own
preferred type of horse, despite often severe discrimination against their way
of life. Now the Romany has within its own tight knit community some of the
most popular and sought after horses in the world, and they are rightly, quietly
pleased with themselves. True Romany folk have always loved their horses and still
today the Gypsy Cob is highly prized and sought after amongst Romany Gypsies. It
was, and still is in some areas, almost a currency. A man's wealth and importance
would be measured by how many and what quality horses he has. Some even say a
Gypsy is not be complete without horses.
