The Gentle Horses of the Gypsies - Breed History

For hundreds of years, the nomadic people known as gypsies have traveled the roads of Europe and the U.K. in beautifully carved and decorated living wagons. To maintain this wandering way of life, they created an extraordinary breed of horse, with enough endurance and strength to pull a heavy wagon all day, the ability to subsist on whatever grazing it could find on the side of the road, and an extremely calm temperament, since a moment's panic could quite literally result in the destruction of its master's home. The result, after hundreds of years of selective breeding, is a beautiful, powerful and supremely gentle animal-the Gypsy Horse.

The appreciation of these horses has been growing in the U.S., spurred by the importation of a number of Gypsy Horses during the last few years. Gypsies, traveling in their caravans or vardos, have been known by a variety of names, including Travelers, Roma or Romany. The names for their horses reflect this - Gypsy Cobs, Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Vanners, Travelers Horses, Irish Cobs, Tinkers. In 2003 the title chosen by a newly created organization to preserve these horses' unique characteristics and promote their abilities as both harness and riding animals was the Gypsy Cob Society of America. In 2008, the membership voted a name change to the Gypsy Horse Registry of America, Inc.

To be registered with the GHRA, a Gypsy Horse must meet the published standard, then be DNA tested by the University of Kentucky. DNA markers for each horse are then compiled in a databank to provide solid proof of parentage for generations to come. In addition, to help make sure the quality of the breed is preserved, all stallions used for breeding must have on file a Breeding Stallion Qualification, completed by a qualified veterinarian who examines the stallion to make sure it is sound, and has both fully descended testicles and a level bite.

Gypsy Horses can be registered with the GHRA in one of three divisions: Section A, for Gypsy Horses under 14.2 hands; Section B, for Gypsy Horses 14.2 hands and over; and Section C, for Crossbreds. (In the Crossbred Division, one parent must be a purebred Gypsy Horse.)

Although membership is not required to register a Gypsy Horse with the GHRA, membership is highly encouraged to assist in educational exchange as well as supporting your registry financially to continue it's growth and ability to provide exceptional services.  Members do enjoy a variety of perks and services and also receive discounted fees. Members are included in the GHRA's published Membership and Breeders lists, receive a Breeders' listing and farm link on the GHRA web site, plus a newsletter and reduced registration and transfer fees. Members also have full voting rights and are encouraged to participate in the Registry by serving as Registry officers and on committees. Associate and Youth memberships are available, but do not include voting rights.

In the first year of operation the GHRA/GCSA participated in the Equine Affaire in Pomona, California, Columbus, Ohio, West Springfield, MA; Minnesota Horse Expo and the Western States Horse Expo in Sacramento, California. Wherever there are Gypsy Horses, people are just drawn to this rare and spectacular breed.

The GHRA also sends an educational packet which includes a full-color brochure, a Breeders List and a copy of the GHRA newsletter to anyone who contacts them asking for information.

Gypsies still travel the roads of England, Ireland and Europe. For centuries, their way of life has been the stuff of legend and romance. Van Gogh painted them at sunset, around their campfires. Composers from Brahms to Ravel wove their traditional melodies into classical music. But the most magnificent part of their heritage lives, breathes and trots, proud necks arched and feather flying.

The Gypsy Horses-beautiful, brilliant, kind and now enjoying tremendous growth and popularity in America!