The History of the Gypsy Vanner Breed

Discovering Gypsy Gold

“Gypsy Gold does not chink and glitter, it gleams in the sun and neighs in the dark”

Cindy Thompson meets “The Log” for the first time. Photo by Dennis Thompson, 1995.

On a trip to England in 1995

While near Oswestry England a horse caught Cindy’s eye—they went back and pulled over for a betterlook and the horse came running. There was something almost mythical about the moment, he was a striking stallion, the height of an average size horse, yet built with the power and presence of a draft horse . His color was black and white, his legs thick, covered with abundant hair, with a head more refined than a draft horse.

The farmer, who was temporarily keeping the horse, added to the enchantment when he said, “he belongs to a Traveler… and minutes later, “and he has a band of mares that look’s just like him—that he keeps hidden.” “they cant look like this horse” Dennis said, “ I assure you they do”, the farmer replied. Words that would echo into equine history.

Dennis & Cindy Thompson with Cushti Bok at The Cattle Barrons Ball on
the original South Fork Ranch in Dallas Texas, 1997.

The Log leads as he crosses The River Eden in Appleby England, he was the most highly prized yearling colt in all of Great Britain and Ireland that year.

Fascinated, and smitten by the personable, colorful stallion, the Thompsons spent the rest of that day in a Gypsy camp, listening intently as a man named Roy Evans spoke with heartfelt passion about his cherished horse, The Log. To their delight, they learned that Roy was willing to part with his prized stallion—but not before completing one more year of breeding.

The Thompsons returned to America filled with curiosity and awe. As they pored through dozens of books, their fascination turned to astonishment: this extraordinary horse—with his distinct look and charm—was not recognized as a breed. In fact, he didn’t even have a name that identified him.

What followed was a four-year journey—driven by obsession, wonder, and purpose—to understand exactly what this horse was, and what it was not. They would trace The Logs genetic history through three countries, discovering the genetics and the inspiration for the look of his unknown breed born soon after World War II.

Their mission would ultimately lead them to assist in naming the unknown, unnamed breed. The final choice came down to two: Romany Horse or Gypsy Vanner Horse. Breeders from every dimension of the umbrella term Gypsy in Great Britain and Ireland responsible for the breeds development chose Gypsy Vanner Horse—a name that honored the people and the noble task the breed was bred to do : to pull the cherished Vardo, or caravan.

Detailed drawing of an English Gypsy Caravan wagon, this one, a Redding Wagon

The video below offers a beautiful glimpse into the history and foundation of the breed. It features a recently rediscovered recording of a very special English Gypsy Open Lot Bow Top caravan, once owned by the late Fred Walker.

Revered by many as the “King of the Coloured Horses,” Fred Walker focused on the vision that inspired the creation of the Vanner breed beginning in the years following World War II. when Fred was nineteen years old until his passing at seventy eight years old. Dennis and Cindy stood with Fred and his iconic caravan and ask him to choose between Romany Horse and Gypsy Vanner Horse—“ why Gypsy Vanner Horse is the perfect name, that’s what they are, a Gypsies Vanner Horse” Fred said to Dennis and Cindy…… Fred Walker, was the last to choose, the agony was over.

On November 24, 1996, Dennis and Cindy Thompson founded the world’s first registry dedicated to a selectively bred horse created by British and Irish Gypsies: the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.

The breed’s iconic look was shaped primarily by the Shire, Clydesdale, and Dales Pony and through genetic connection, the original Friesian—The original Friesian was used in the development of all three of the primary breeds—so the original Friesian is also woven into the tapestry of the Gypsy Vanner’s heritage.

In 1995, nearly 80% of the horses raised by British Gypsies were not a breed—they were a type, called “trade horses,” “knacker horses,” “export horses” or “colored riding horses.” bred for the riding or meat industry in parts of Europe, most with smooth-legged genetics and unknown heritage, though some looked deceptively refined.

The word Vanner once meant “a horse suitable to pull a caravan,” and in the Romany language, Vana means “a caravan horse.” Before motor engines, Vanners were the original freight haulers of Great Britain and Ireland.

Ironically, the word, Vanner was dropped from the English dictionary in 1996 for lack of use — the same year the Gypsy Vanner Horse was officially recognized as a breed.

Known for their kind and willing nature, Gypsy Vanner Horses are intelligent, easy to train, and well-suited for both riding and driving. British and Irish Gypsies envisioned a small Shire with more feather, more color, and a sweeter head—and that vision lives on in today’s Vanners.

With heavy bone, broad chest, short back, and refined head, the Gypsy Vanner stands apart from other draft breeds. Feathering—long hair on the legs—is a defining trait, starting at the knees and hocks and flowing over the hooves. Only horses with hairy legs could have created this breed, hair is a recessive, also called additive or cumulative gene and Gypsies knew it.

A 1904 Open Lot English Gypsy Caravan imported to the U.S. by the Thompson’s for the official introduction of the Vanner breed at Equitana USA, Louisville Ky, 1998.

Common colors include:

Piebald (black & white)
Skewbald (brown & white)
Blagdon (solid with white splashes)
Splash Blagdon (what Americans would call an “Overo Paint”)
Solid Colors (bay, gray, black, white, red)
Odd Colored (any other color & white)

While more exotic colors now exist, it’s essential to remember: the Vanner is a body type, with specific character like head, bone, and hair, it is not a color breed. Preserving conformation and character must remain the priority.

The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society initially recognized three sizes, and at Gypsy Gold, we still do.

Mini Vanner
Classic Vanner
Grand Vanner

All sizes share the same desired look of a small, charismatic Shire draft horse.

The breed made its U.S. debut at Equitana USA in 1998, and again in 1999, with the first American-born Vanner foals—instantly capturing hearts and turning heads.