Much like my ancestry, my mother was Native American of the Lumbee tribe and my father is of Hungarian gypsy decent, most gypsy people did not write down the history of the bred and the breeding. This was mostly due to the fact that many did not know how to read or write. So, as it is said by the mouth of the gypsy people the gypsy horse breed is believed to have started in England and Ireland.
They were bred by the gypsy people to pull the vardos (living wagons). The gypsy horse was bred for there strength and ability to consistently pull heavy loads without risk of lameness or injury to the horse. Docile, sane, and a sweet personality made them the perfect wagon pulling horse. Over time the draft horse history meshed with some obvious sense of good taste for conformation and flare the breed developed into the head turning stop you dead in your tracks looks. The flowing feather, long thick mane and tail with the heavy build is just breathtaking. When I ride my horses along the rode peoples eyes almost pop out of their heads, jaws drop, they almost go off the rode cause they can not take thier eyes of the horse. I always have cars slam on the breaks or stop and turn around to ask about my horse.
The gypsy horse comes in all colors and patterns. And are easily being trained all over the world to do many different disciplines. The gypsy horse is also called gypsy cob, gypsy vanner, Irish tinker, romany horse to name a few. You should not judge this horse by just what someone is calling it. You will need to look at its conformation, temperament , and feather to competently decide what type of "gypsy horse" you are looking at. Just like in any breed there are some "gypsy horses" that do not meet the breed standard . So it is buyer beware. There are many different registry all over the world. If you have choosen a horse that meets the breed standard you can apply to register with which ever one/s you wish. A gypsy horse is not of better quality just because it is called a certain name, is registered with a certain association or is listed at a certain price. You must look beyond the words and numbers spoken and written about the horse and look at the horse itself.
Rebel and the babies checking each other out.
The Vardo
This is a vardo or living wagon "Bowtop" style one type of wagon the gypsy horse was bred to pull. The wagon could became very heavy with all of the family belongings, so only the very young and old were allowed to ride. The others walked along side. The vardo are painted different colors depending on the part of the country you are from. The intricate detail is amazing! This vardo is truly a work of art. The wheels if done well should last about 20 yrs. The wagon photos here are of Jeff Bartko's vardo. They were taken when we visited his farm in Colorado a few years ago. This is the basic design and layout of the traditional vardos that I have seen. They very in condition and decor.
The inside of the vardo. A top bed and a pull out bed below it. Not much room so if you had a large family living out of it most slept under the stars or tents. Lots of drawers and the seats pull up with storage inside.
The iron stove in the vardo. The back of the vardo also has little rack tucked under it. This is where poultry or other outdoor stuff can be carried along.
Thank you to all the wonderful people throughout the world who have sent me photos and history of their vardos! I have such a fascination. I welcome information and photos. Please keep them coming!
