Discover what the Gypsy can do!

In our semi retirement Bill and I decided to take on a new challenge with a couple of Gypsy Vanners. Having had a serious concussion (riding accident) and a longish journey to recovery I cannot afford to be sidelined in my late 60’s. Our vet suggested we try Gypsy Vanners and boy did we dive in. Instead of a couple we accumulated a whole herd of mares, weanlings, yearlings and geldings. Add to that we had seven foals this year. We are definitely hooked.

After many years raising and working with many breeds, but primarily quarter horses we are aware of what it takes to raise and train a horse. We have been smitten by the Gypsy breed. They are the happiest horses we have ever worked with. They love people, they are very easy to train and they are very, very level headed. I won’t say that they never spook but it is pretty close to never. And when they do it isn’t really a typical spook but a stop and take notice of what is going on. I feel extremely comfortable riding them. They bond with their people in a way we have experienced with few horses in the past.

When we got two middle aged mares (12 and 13) who had only been brood mares (and as the owner told us ‘pasture pets’) we decided to drive them. A couple of times ground driving each, a couple of times each on the forecart, a couple of go rounds together on the cart and next the big wagon to feed the herd. They acted like they had been doing it for years and we know they had never been hooked up. We decided to start our 10 year old stud who had never been started to ride or drive. We were blown away by his willingness and eagerness to participate in the process. He loves the work and is disappointed if it isn’t himyou bring in. He has been ridden soley by our 13 year oldneighbour who is doing fantastic with him. He is so athletic, so willing and a beautiful mover. Again a testament to how responsive they are to training. 

We find they are also very versatile. English, western, driving, liberty – just about any direction you choose. They are being roped off of, moving cattle, packing fencing supplies and brush popping. They will jump, go western or English dressage, pole bend and even barrel race (although we only have a couple who have shown winning type speed). We have most of them driving and are again impressed with their willingness, work ethic and ability to accommodate what you ask.

In short we think the Gypsy horse is ideal for all horse people, but especially for the more mature person like myself who wants a quiet (not shut down), willing partner with a special way of bonding with people. We also believe they are the ideal horse for kids, or for youth wanting to start their own horse with the proper support. New riders of any age will enjoy their willingness and gentle behaviours.