What are Gypsy Vanners?
Tinkers, Gypsy Cobs, Gypsy Vanners. Many names – one wonderful breed. Some people want to distinguish between the names, some don’t. It seems to be more personal preference and something that may take a long time to standardize, if ever. No matter what you call them, they are an amazing animal. Bred by Gypsies in Europe, they were cultivated for their intelligence, gentleness, and overall temperament. This large breed is prized for its strength and willingness. The Vanners are large in respect to heart and massiveness, but not necessarily height. Therein lies the “Cob” nomenclature you will see. Although the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society accepts all sizes, many others differentiate between the cob size and the “drum” horse size. Drum horses, which in almost all respects are large Vanners, are over 16.2. Thus the cobs are smaller than 16.2.
