The Breed Standard
the gypsy vanner horse
- Short back in proportion to overall body.
- Broad chest.
- Heavy, well-rounded hips.
- Heavy, flat bone (flat at the knee), with ample hooves.
- Hair feathered, beginning at the knees in front, and at or near the hocks in the rear, that extends over the front of the hooves, ample to abundant mane and tail. Ideal hair is straight and silky.
- A sweet head with a strong neck in harmony with the horse’s overall look—a sweet head is more refined than a Shire.
- Disposition: The horse should exhibit traits of intelligence, kindness, and docility.
“A Golden Retriever with hooves.”
— Dennis Thompson, Founder of the GVHS
The points of the breed standard should be apparent in all three sizes of Vanners:
- The Mini Vanner (13.3h & under)
- Classic Vanner (14-15h)
- Grand Vanner (15.1h & over)
When asked to critique the original standard, International Horse Breed Judge Helmut Lekschas said, “I like how simple it is.” He then added, “Breed registries have a tendency to overcomplicate standards, and that’s what gets breeds into trouble. Just paint any judge a picture, and they can judge your breed. All judges know faults.”
K.I.S.S.
KISS is an acronym for “Keep it simple, stupid” as a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960.
The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple, rather than made complicated; therefore simplicity should be a key goal in design, and unnecessary complexity should be avoided. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson (1920-1990). At Gypsy Gold, we believe in the KISS principle.
We believe expanded definition can be achieved without forsaking the simple and original words of British Gypsies.
The Road Sweeper exhibits classic Gypsy Vanner Horse conformation.
Gypsy Vanner Brochure
This 8-page brochure tells you all you need to know about Gypsy Vannerse, and features photos of some of our earliest Vanners.