Gypsies.

On Saturday I took my sister,

(well, technically Mom drove, so she took her)

to an open house at Sonview Gypsy Vanner Farm.

 

Here’s what wikipedia says about Gypsies:

 

 

 

 

There is no exact known history of the Gypsy Cob. It is believed that the Gypsy Cobs are descended from a combination of Shires, Clydesdales, Friesians, and Dales Ponies with their origins in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

The Gypsy Cob was bred to be a wagon horse. These horses were bred by the Romany, and pulled wagons or "caravans" known as Vardos, which is a type of covered wagon that people lived in. They were also used as riding horses for children. Today, the Gypsy Cob is no longer used for pulling Vardos, but it is still looked upon as a symbol of power and strength among the Romany

Up until the late 20th century, the Gypsy Cob was not a recognized breed. Not much is known about the bloodlines of Gypsy Cobs because pedigrees were usually kept secret and only family members knew the details. However, as the interest in the breed grew, several breed registries developed. The first registered horses were imported to North America in November 1996. There are three different registry classifications for the breed, based on height. If the horse is under 14 hands, it is considered to be a "mini Gypsy". If the horse is 14-15.2 hands high, it is known as a "classic Gypsy", and if the breed is 15.2 or taller, it is known as a "grand Gypsy".

Gypsy Horses are very versatile, they can be used for riding English style, Western style, as well as for driving. They are known for their sweet, loving nature and to keep this strong in their breeding, the Gypsies who originally bred them would sell horses who didn't display this nature.

Having been on a few horsey forums, I heard a lot of mocking of the

Gypsy Vanner. 

Their conformation doesn’t always match up with the "equestrian ideal”.

And I’ve seen a few with terrible horrible conformation.

But, what I learned at Sonview,

is what they say about the temperaments?

Totally true.

These were the nicest, friendliest horses I’ve seen.

They LIKED people.

The breeding stallions?

In open front stalls, sticking their heads out and visiting with the many, many people invading their stable.

Here’s one.

This is Sir Collin, I think he’s the main Stallion.

This is Falcon.

He had a warning saying he may bite,

but he just nibbled fingers a bit.

People were petting him constantly.

This is the third Stallion.

 

I don’t remember his name.

But check out his hair!!!

This is their home.

This guy decided to have a nap, right there beside the fenceline.

Where the people were.

Rachel gave him some shade.

It was fun.

I know, cliché’, right?

I had more to say, but it’s late and I’m petering out.

And it was fun.

So there.

The end.

No, really.

The END(s)!