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Gypsy Vanner

Equus ferus caballus

Piebald Gypsy Vanner cob with heavy leg feathering
Photo: Mary E. Graybeal — Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Romani cob of Britain and Ireland — a small, strong piebald with a full mane and heavy leg feather.

TypeDraft / heavyBest asRiding & familyOriginEurope / UK

How to spot it

A compact, heavy-set cob of about 13 to 16 hands (132 to 163 cm), most often piebald (black and white) or skewbald, with a short strong back, abundant mane and tail and thick 'feather' flowing over the feet.

Temperament

Gentle, docile and people-loving — bred to be safe around family and children, which is its great selling point as a leisure horse.

What it's bred for

Developed by Romani (Traveller) families in Britain and Ireland to pull the family caravan and be utterly reliable. Today a popular riding and driving horse for all ages.

Care & upkeep

The feather and long mane need real grooming to stay clean and healthy. A hardy easy keeper that must not be allowed to get fat.

Health & lifespan

Around 20 to 25 years. The heavy feather is prone to mites and to chronic progressive lymphedema (CPL), so the legs need regular attention.

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