Breed Portrait: Gypsy Vanner

Learn about the Gypsy Vanner, a versatile and gentle small draft horse breed for equestrians of all types.

After World War II, the travelers (also called Gypsies) of the United Kingdom and Ireland needed a horse that could do everything: be strong enough to pull their ornate vardos, the wagons the families live in; gentle enough for the children to lead and look after, and comfortable enough to ride when needed.

Decades of mixing native breeds like the Clydesdale and Shire with various native ponies, including the Dales and Fell, created a small, colorful draft horse with a sound mind and willing nature.

The cob-type horses went unnamed for decades until Americans Dennis and Cindy Thompson fell in love with them. After much research, they imported the first ones to the U.S. in the mid-1990s.

In 1996, with input from the travelers in Europe, they named the breed the Gypsy Vanner as a nod to the families who had created the breed. The Thompsons then founded the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.

Today, the breed continues to grow in popularity throughout the world for its beauty, versatility, good mind and gentle temperament.

Meet GG Kiss Me Kate

Born in May 2013, GG Kiss Me Kate (aka “Kate”) is a black and white Gypsy mare owned by David and Samantha Crook of Ardmore, Okla. After purchasing her as a 3-year-old, they brought her along slowly, showing her in-hand at first.

“We were committed to letting her grow and mature before we began riding her,” Samantha says.

Their plan worked. As Kate matured, she flourished in the show ring. Her title of “Winningest Gypsy Vanner in the History of the Breed” means that in her 10 years of showing, she has won more titles than any other registered Gypsy horse in the U.S.

“Since it’s difficult for a mare to compete against a stallion, we are extra blessed to have a mare that can prove her character again and again against all sexes and all ages in all divisions,” Samantha shares.

When not showing, Kate loves a relaxing trail ride, to boss and groom her gelding pasture mate, or a good head hug and a peppermint from her people.

“What I love most about the Gypsy Vanner breed is their heart,” Samantha says. “Whether you have a pet or a world class show horse, they simply give you all they have. A Gypsy Vanner would rather be with you and share your affection than anything else. Yes, Kate is pretty special, but the Gypsy Vanner breed is special, too.”

A Gypsy Vanner as a 4-H Dream Horse

Amanda Ableidinger is the 4-H leader of the Ravenna Riders in Clark County, Wash. Her unique 4-H program is made up almost entirely of Gypsies. She provides free lessons to members of her 4-H group, who show her Gypsies, including Hopkin’s Infinite Perfection (“Infinity”), a 2015 black tobiano mare. Infinity began her journey as a 4-H horse at the age of 2 with in-hand competitions.

“From a very young age, Infinity’s ability to quickly pick up new concepts and her love for learning was astounding,” says Ableidinger. Due to growth spurts, Infinity really wasn’t trained under saddle until she was 4.

“Once again, she picked up the training so quickly that she entered into the riding part of our youth 4-H program only a few short months later.”

Since then, Infinity has been ridden by several members of the 4-H club, finding success in whatever discipline the kids want to try, from dressage freestyle and drill team to hunt seat and western.

“Over time, we’ve introduced several other new riders/handlers to her life,” says Ableidinger. “Not many other young horses could be patient enough to work with the newest beginner rider all the way through to the advanced. She is the type of horse that caters to each of their individual skill levels and allows her rider to learn and advance in their skills with confidence.”

True to the Gypsy breed, Infinity can take four youth riders to the same show, compete in their different age divisions, and earn high points for each of them.

“Without breaking a sweat,” adds Ableidinger.

These two Gypsies demonstrate the rule, not the exception, when it comes to the versatility and willingness of the Gypsy Vanner breed.

This article about the Gypsy Vanner breed appeared in the January/February 2024 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. Click here to subscribe!