Blue Roan Gypsy Vanner Horse of Vanner breed: Price, Traits & More

Muhammad Ismail
4 min readOct 31, 2023

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Captivating and distinct, Gypsy Vanner Horses, also referred to as Gypsy Horses or Gypsy Vanners, are a vibrant breed celebrated for their strength, docile temperament, and striking colorful coat. They originated in the British Isles, predominately kept by the roaming Romani communities. The inception of these horses can be traced back to the vision of creating a draft horse that isn’t just sturdy but also gentle enough to mingle with family members, thereby representing an emblem of the Gypsy heritage.

Their foremost identifiable trait is the majestic feathering, long flouncy hair, starting at their knees and hocks, and flowing down to their hooves. Coupled with their elegantly long manes and tails, their appearance is awe-inspiring. Essentially, the Gypsy Vanner is known for its strength and gentleness, proving to be both a robust workhorse and a trusty companion. They have broad, powerful bodies, yet they are refined and radiate elegance.

History and Origin of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Breed

The Gypsy Vanner Horse’s history is richly entwined with the Romani Gypsies of Great Britain. The breed emerged from the need of the Romani Gypsies in the British Isles for a horse that was strong enough to pull their vardos (living caravans) yet was docile and manageable. They painstakingly developed this breed, utilizing the strength and size of the Shire and Clydesdale horses and incorporating the versatility of Dales Pony into the genetics. Thus, the result was a fascinating equine breed characterized by its power, resilience, exotic feathered legs, and unique coat colors.

The Significance of Gypsy Vanners in the Horse World

Gypsy Vanner Horses hold a cherished spot in the horse world. Owing to their resilient strength and affable disposition, they prove extremely adaptable, making them well-suited for a wide range of activities. Uniquely versatile, they hold sway in disciplines such as dressage, trail riding, and carriage driving. Moreover, these horses are increasingly being associated with therapeutic riding programs, having proven to be safe and healing companions for many who have unique needs. Their attention-grabbing appearance coupled with their unique heritage have contributed to their swift surge in popularity.

Gypsy Vanner Horse Variations

Various Names Associated with the Gypsy Vanner Breed:

Given their rich heritage, Gypsy Vanner Horses are known by several names around the globe. In the United Kingdom, they are fondly called Gypsy Cobs, signifying their robust, sturdy structure, which is reminiscent of traditional cob-type horses. In Ireland, they are often recognized as Irish Cobs. In some circles, it’s known as the Romani Cob or even the Tinker Horse, alluding to the traveling communities that first developed this breed. Each name highlights different facets of this breed’s multi-dimensional charm and intriguing back story. Regardless of the moniker, these horses symbolize a captivating blend of strength, beauty, and humility, which continues to bewitch horse lovers internationally.

Different Colors and Variations within the Gypsy Vanner Breed:

The Gypsy Vanner Horse breed presents us with an impressive array of color variants and markings, adding further allure to this already captivating breed. Their color spectrum ranges from solid black, chestnut, and bay to more exotic colors like piebald (black and white), skewbald (colors other than black, mixed with white), and blagdon (solid color with white splashes). Whether you’re looking at the plush silver dapples gracing a dark coat or the dazzling effect of a paint Gypsy Vanner Horse, there’s a hue and pattern for every equine aficionado’s palate.

The Blue Roan Gypsy Vanner Horses

Among these distinct color variations, Blue Roan genuinely stands out. A roan horse has an even mix of colored and white hairs on the body, with the head and “points” — mane, tail, and lower legs — predominantly solid-colored. The Blue Roan Gypsy Vanner achieves its unique color from a balance of black and white hair. The result is not precisely blue but bears a blueish or greyish tint that can alter in different lights or seasons.

Blue Roan Gypsy Horse Characteristics

Coat Color and Patterns of Blue Roan Gypsy Horse:

Blue Roan Gypsy Horses, true to their name, captivate with a unique ‘blue’ coat color that mesmerizes onlookers. The term ‘blue’ encapsulates a broad spectrum of hues, from deep indigo to icy blue, depending upon the density and distribution of white hairs mingled with the black base coat. This ‘frosting’ of white hairs on their body’s undercoat is the root of their magical blue appearance.

Added to their distinctive color are captivating patterns that further accentuate their allure. Some Blue Roan Gypsies present an evenly distributed mix of colored and white hairs, creating a uniform roan appearance. Yet, some others might display a patchier aspect as the white hairs are denser in some areas than others — there’s no set pattern, which adds to their charm and uniqueness.

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