The gypsy horse has a history that is uncertain, no official records were kept and there is no definitve path that its inception took. There are many variations in its background and many elements brought in to make it the current type.
Having researched and learnt from the older generations, this is our guide to the history of the gypsy horse.
Firstly, we should point out that they are called by many names such as Romany Cob, Gypsy Cob, Vanner,Tinker, Irish Tinker, amongst many others across the world, all these terms relate to the same horse, its just the quality that varies.

During the First World War a lot of the horses in the Uk were bought by the Army and taken overseas, all sizes and shape of horse were utilized to pull canons, carry regiments into battle and carry injured from the fronts. The only type of horse the Army did not want to buy was the COLOURED horse, obviously these would not be very good in camouflage ! The Romany Gypsy, ever resourceful, had available an abundance of cheap, colourful, easily recognizable horses.
They had been using horses to travel across Europe for centuries and some settled to travelling in England and Ireland. In England we have our own native breeds, which used to roam freely across certain parts of the country, such and the Fells and Dales of North England.
Romany Gypsy's favoured the flashiness and availability of the coloured horse, the feather, hair and steady, hardworking nature of the heavy draft breeds, and needed the sturdy, compact, sure footed bodies of the Fell and Dales ponies. They continued breeding their horses using this mix of breeds, adapting their preferred size and type to suit their particular needs and likes. This continued and flourished as the Gypsies strived to have the best horse they could, that did the best job it could to fit in with their way of life. Eventually the travelling way of life was replaced with motor homes and brick houses, but the loyal gypsy stuck with their cobs, and continued breeding to their own requirement.

One thing they will not tolerate was a bad tempered horse. All animals in a Gypsy family have to be totally safe with all the family. This has lead to the gypsy cob being bred as one of the best natured horses in the world.
Selective breeding has eventually diversified the Gypsy Cob into three categories.

Up to 14.2hh, short, stocky, compact ponies used for pulling working flat carts.
Up to 15hh big, powerful cobs used for pulling the living wagons and heavier loads.
Over 15hh cobs with more Shire/Clydesdale blood, were used for heavy loads and agricultural work.

The Romany people were, and still are dedicated, knowledgeable and skilful in breeding their own preferred type of horse, even though they have come up against severe discrimination against there way of life and their horses have been ridiculed in the outside equine world.

But, now the Romany has within its own tight knit community one of the most popular and sought after horses in the world, and they are rightly, quietly pleased with themselves

One of the most honest, hard working and gentle breeds of horse in the world today. Bred for generations solely in the Uk and Ireland by Romany Gypsy/Traveller folk for their temperament, stamina, strength and versatility. They have gradually found their way into the hearts of many a horse lover who recognize their practicality and adaptability, coupled with the intelligence suitable for many modern day equine disciplines.

Bred by Romany Gypsy families to pull their wagons across the length and breadth of England and Ireland all year round. They had to be hardy, fearless, powerful, yet docile and patient enough for the whole family.

True Romany folk have always loved their horses, still today the Gypsy Cob is highly prized and sought after amongst Romany Gypsy's, it was, and still is in some areas almost a currency. A mans' wealth and importance would be measured by how many and what quality horses he has. Some say a gypsy is not be complete without his horses.

They can fetch £100, 000 for a stallion , that's for a horse with no papers, no receipt or invoice and no guarantee ! These horses are still being carefully bred to ensure the type is as true today as it was generations ago.

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Loretta Rawlings © 2008