The Gypsy Cob
History & Culture
Gypsy Cob horses formed an integral part of the history, culture and traditions of the Romany Gypsy community in England. Originally bred to pull wagons, the conformation of the Gypsy Cob has been deliberately streamlined to make them excellent driving horses. This conformation was closely tied to their competence pulling such wagons and made them an excellent fit to a working harness and collar which sits comfortably on their shoulder. The “best” Gypsy Cobs are naturally well suited, both in conformation and temperament, to driving or pulling wagons, for a Romany family, for the entire day. According to the legendary Gypsy Cob breeder, Mr. Alf Down senior, “this was a horse that was meant to do a day’s work.”
To complement their value as a work horse, the standard or proper, Gypsy Cobs were bred for a particular temperament which allowed them to be part of the Romany family. These horses had to be sturdy, adaptable and kind and were considered prized members of the Gypsy family and community. They were bred to be gentle enough that everyone, even the young children, could handle them safely. A proper Gypsy Cob is a kind and willing partner…one that is true to its roots as a work horse of a proper Romany Gypsy family.
Today, in addition to driving, the Gypsy Cob excels in other equestrian disciplines owing to their relatively friendly and steadfast temperaments. They can be seen successfully competing internationally in dressage, western pleasure, trail and working equitation classes. The Gypsy Cob community, professional association shows, such as the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society’s Feathered Classic and the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association’s Traditional of the Year Show horse shows, and open show breed demonstrations continue to grow worldwide. With their striking mane and feathers these horses instantly capture your attention. When you have a chance to meet them personally the joy of being around these kind creatures will only make them more endearing.
Even though we (at Spirit Farm Gypsy Cobs Inc.) only entered the Gypsy Cob breeding world in the past few years, we have noted some unique aspects of the community in North America and beyond. There is a tendency to romanticize these horses and their origins, and forget that they were working horses first and foremost. Also, given that they possess such close ties with the Romany Gypsies, an ethnic group historically prejudiced against, it isn’t uncommon to encounter stereotypes about these horses or the people that breed them, particularly among newcomers to the breed. Our intention is to respectfully and accurately promote the Gypsy Cob breed and the people that breed them from our own knowledge and experience.
Genetic Lines and Conformation of the Standard, or Proper, Gypsy Cob
A short history of how this breed evolved over the past century can be found at the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA) website, https://www.tgca.co.uk/the-breed. According to their information, during the First World War, there was an exodus of British horses sent to work in the military service as war horses. Colored horses that could not be easily camouflaged did not travel to war. These horses, along with the Fell and Dale ponies and other heavy breeds, were incorporated into the Gypsy Cob breeding lines known in England today.
Based on the types of wagons pulled, the Gypsy Cobs were diversified into four main categories depending on use. These categories are:
- Up to 14.2 hh – stocky, compact ponies used for pulling the working flat carts
- Up to 15 hh – big cobs used for pulling the living wagons and heavier loads.
- Cobs over 15 hh – crossed with more Shire/Clydesdale blood, (corresponding to the Drum horses seen today), that were used for heavy loads and agricultural work.
- Trotter Cobs – lines crossed with Standardbred horses which were used for road racing in Sulky traps (also called sulkies).
The standard Gypsy Cobs seen at shows today tend to fall into the first two categories. As medium sized drafts these horses should have the same basic conformational points as any draft horse type. These points include, and are not limited to; a well-rounded croup, a short back with a well sloped shoulder which is angled to complement the angle of the croup, neck sitting well up on the shoulder and of appropriate length for the body, head in proportion to the size of the body with a gentle eye. Hind legs should have some angle to them and not sit too far forward or back from the hind quarters of the horse. The pastern should be at the same angle as the shoulder and should be long enough to give the horse proper flexion and spring when moving. Other conformational points, as listed on the TGCA website, are, possessing plenty of heart room and a deep girth to match. The horse should display ample bone and be well muscled within a broad compact body with powerful hindquarters.
The diagrams below illustrate the different aspects of desirable conformation and conformation faults (as copied from Gypsy Horses).
The Differences Between Standard Gypsy Cobs and Gypsy Vanners
So far, the information provided in this article applies to what are known as standard, traditional or proper Gypsy Cobs. There are other terms used for this breed internationally, including Gypsy horses and Gypsy Vanners. They are all used to describe the same breed. The Vanner is a term coined by Dennis Thompson of Gypsy Gold Farms, after he brought the first horses of this breed, the American Gypsy Vanner foundation lines, to Ocala, Florida, in the 1990s. The terms are often used interchangeably and the professional registry for Gypsy Cobs in North America is called the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society.
Interestingly, the typical breeding selections for Gypsy Cobs in North America have diversified the appearance of these horses so that there are marked visual differences between the U.K. and American counterparts of Gypsy Cobs. Here at Spirit Farm Gypsy Cobs Inc., we aspire to create a more vibrant representation of the standard or proper Gypsy Cob lines. We aim to Best the Best that this breed has to offer.
Types of Wagons in Traditional Romany Gypsy Culture
There are several examples of wagons found within the Romany Gypsy tradition, and each wagon correlates with a unique purpose and sociocultural status. Some examples of historically preserved and authentic wagons used by the Down family in the past century can be found on our website www.spiritfarmgypsycobs.ca. These excellently maintained and well-loved representations of the Romany Gypsy culture and family traditions are displayed with the express permission of Mr. Steve Down.
In the early part of 20th century England not all Romany Gypsy families could afford to own wagons – which were also a form of accommodation for the family. Standard accommodation was a bender tent. This was created by fastening pieces of wood with thick cloth. For families who relied on relatively basic lodgings, they may have used a bender tent that stood alone in a camp ground or by placing the benders and canvas on top of a work vehicle. For families who were more advantaged, there were bow top wagons. These wagons were either open (where a canvas sheet at the front could be left open or tied for privacy) or closed (where a door was constructed to close at the front of the wagon for privacy of the family). For wealthier families, other options included Ledge wagons, Reading wagons (including Dunton) and Bill Wright wagons.
Alternatively, families used the trolley, or dray, as a work vehicle for the daily sale and collection of scrap, rags or blacksmithing goods and services. It was common for a family to travel in the trolley, or dray, sell their load of scrap, logs and other goods, then collect up other items to use in the next day’s work. The dray was used for work or as a pleasure vehicle. The London trolley was a regular work vehicle to carry scraps or trades. There was also the flat cart, with two wheels and a seat on top, used when families wanted to dress in their Sunday best.
Other Livestock and Animals Valued in Romany Gypsy Culture
Although the Gypsy Cob horses, with their majestic feather (describing the flowing hair on their legs), temperament and color, are generally the most readily identified with Romany Gypsy culture and history, there are other livestock and animals that play a vital role in everyday Romany Gypsy life. These include chickens and Lurcher dogs.
English game chickens were historically used in cock-fighting and for show over the years. Even when they were not involved in such pursuits, most Romany families considered them to be prized and for good luck. The Lurcher dogs, also bred by Romany Gypsy families in England, were working animals. As hunting dogs they frequently captured pheasants, rabbits and deer for family sustenance during the cold winters. They also served as protectors of the camps, wagons, women and children when the Romany men were out at work.
These are just some examples of the purpose and value of animals within the Romany Gypsy community we have been exposed to. Our intention is to create a similar sense of kinship and respect for our animals in their various roles here at Spirit Farm Gypsy Cobs Inc.
