FAQs

The Gypsy Vanner Breed standard says that the target size is 13.2-15.2 hands, however there are variations on both ends. The GVHS will register any height of Gypsy Vanner as long as it meets the requirements set forth in the registration rules. Some people like to market their horses as Mini Vanners (under 13.2), Classic Vanners (13.3- 15.1) or Grand Vanners (over 15.1). The GVHS does not register horses based on size or these classifications, but does not discourage if breeders like to market them as such.

Gypsy Vanners can be found in any color or pattern that exist in equines. The traditional colors and patterns are black, bay or chestnut, in solid or tobiano spotted. The splash pattern is also popular and is referred to as blagdon.

With training, a Gypsy Vanner is usually willing to give anything a try. The Gypsy Vanner was originally bred to pull carts and wagons, so they are often very happy to pull carts and carriages in the show ring or for fun. The breed has also been found to be very successful in dressage and the GVHS/USDF All Breeds Program. Breed shows demonstrate that the Gypsy Vanner will perform in western, hunter under saddle, trail obstacles, jumping and as well as being cooperative for in hand classes, showmanship and the fun of costume classes. Vanners will also perform Ranch horse classes and are also being used in cattle sorting.

The terms Gypsy cob and Gypsy horse are generic terms that can refer to any horse type originally bred or used by the Gypsy travelers in the United Kingdom. Gypsy Vanner is an actual breed name. Until 1996 when the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society was formed, this horse “type”, bred by Gypsies, was not formalized as an actual breed. When the GVHS was created, the breed was named & defined via a breed standard and systems put in place to record and establish pedigrees via DNA testing. With these elements in place, the Gypsy Vanner Horse breed was established. You can also look at it this way….you own a car. The generic term car, or automobile is not incorrect, it refers to the vehicle you have, but if you refer to the vehicle as a Mercedes or RollsRoyce for example, that is the brand name, same as the actual breed (brand) name, Gypsy Vanner Horse.

The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society is the original and official registry for the breed, Gypsy Vanner Horse. The Gypsy Vanner horse is a specific breed, so the GVHS has a detailed breed standard and registration rules in place to protect the breed as intended. The GVHS is governed by a board of directors elected by qualified voting members, and managed by the President/CEO and an Executive Director. There are also many volunteers involved in committees and other aspects of the organization. The GVHS offers many programs and educational opportunities for you to market and enjoy your Gypsy Vanners.

The GVHS does not register crosses. When the organization was established, the Articles of Incorporation specifically stated that the GVHS would not register crosses. This was important to establish the horse as a breed.

The first step is to fill out and submit a registration application. You can find this on the website as an online form or one that you can save and fill out and return via email or regular mail. Take registration photos and email them to the registrar. They must be conformation type photos; you can find an example on the website. Pay the applicable fees as shown on the form. If you purchased the horse you must provide proof of ownership in the form of a bill of sale or signed transfer form. If you are the breeder you need to be sure that the breeding information was submitted to the GVHS or provide a Certificate of Breeding. Once the registration is processed you will be contacted by the registrar to do DNA parentage testing (if applicable), or if any additional information or documents are required. You can always email or call the GVHS to ask questions. We attempt to answer calls but if we missed you leave a voice mail and someone will get back to you, ASAP.

Send the original registration certificate, and a signed transfer form (has to be signed by the owner of record as shown on the reverse side of the certificate) to the GVHS Registrar at P.O. Box 317, Iola (eye-o-la), WI 54945. A bill of sale signed by the owner of record will also suffice but you must also include a transfer form with the top information filled out so we have the date of transfer and the name and information for the new owner. Pay the transfer fee as shown on the form.

The GVHS offers many programs and events. You must have a GVHS registered horse and the owner must be a member of the GVHS. A youth should have a membership in order to participate in the youth programs. At recognized point shows an amateur can earn points toward awards by qualifying as an amateur per the amateur rules and showing a registered Gypsy Vanner. The amateur must submit an amateur declaration form annually before showing.