#1 Color: The Gypsy Vanner Horse® is not a
color breed it is a body type, therefore all colors, markings and
patterns are acceptable. In honor of the British Gypsy heritage
of the breed, the following names will be used to describe a Gypsy
Vanner horses color.
A. Piebald: Black & White
B. Skewbald: Red & White, Brown & White, Tri-Color
C. Odd Coloured: Any other color
D. Blagdon: Solid color with white splashed up from underneath
#2 Height: No height limits, all sizes have the
same standards, all equally acceptable.
#3 Body: The Vanner has the look of a small to
average size horse with a draft horse type body.
A. Back: Short coupled and in proportion to overall body
B. Withers: Well rounded, not high and fine
C. Chest: A deep, broad chest with well sprung ribs.
D. Shoulder: Sloping shoulder with well developed muscle
E. Hindquarters: Heavy, powerful hips with a well muscled rounded
croup, tail not set too low.
Slab sided or severely sloping hindquarters are considered a fault.
F. Neck: Strong and of ample length, stallions must display a bold
look with a rainbow (well arched) crest.
#4 Legs: Clean, heavy to medium heavy bone set
on medium to large hoof .
A. Front: Set square, muscular with broad flat well developed knees.
B. Rear: Hocks that are broad and clean, a Vanner will have the
modified closer hock set of a
pulling horse, but not as close as the modern draft horse. Set back
or sickle hocks are a fault.
C. Hoof : large round hoof , open at the heels with well developed
frogs. Small contracted hooves are considered a fault
D. Leg movement: Clean, straight and true with energy and a distinctive
and effortless trot.
#5 Hair: Ideal hair is straight and silky, with
some wave, curl and body being acceptable, kinky hair is a fault.
A. Abundant feathering should begin at the back of the knees on
the front legs and at or near the hocks on the rear, extending over
the front of the hooves.
B. Mane, forelock and tail should be ample to profusely abundant,
double manes are common but not required.
#6 Head: A sweet head is a more refined head than
a typical shire might have, set on a strong neck in harmony with
the horses overall look.
A. Throat and jaw: Clean throat-latch and jaw.
B. Nose: Flat and tapered, a slightly roman nose is acceptable if
it goes with the horses over all look. A
heavy roman nose is not acceptable.
C. Eyes: Any color, wide set, bright, alert and kind.
D. Ears: In proportion to the head, not too large.
#7 Nature: A Vanner should be alert and willing
with traits of intelligence, kindness and docility, a Golden Retriever
With Hooves®.
It is in the mission of The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society to respect
the spoken words of Gypsies who have dedicated lifetimes in the
pursuit of breeding the perfect Vanner/caravan horse. The breed
standards were reviewed and approved in detail by a Gypsy who has
maintained the same genetics born from his Vanner vision for over
56 years. He has raised several of the breeds most famous sires
and dams and was instrumental in choosing the name Gypsy Vanner
Horse® for his breed. His name is Fred Walker. Upon reviewing
this breed standard, Fred said, “I couldn’t have said
it better myself”. Fred Walker, a.k.a. King of the Coloured
Horses.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
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