Welcome... 

We are a small farm by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of beautiful Virginia.  I have been involved with Gypsy horses for over ten years and ever since I had my first gypsy mare (in 1994 at a time where no one in the U.S. even heard about this breed) I  knew that those are the right horses for me and I have been gathering all the information that exists about this wonderful breed. 

 In England and Ireland, gypsy horses are officially titled as "Romany Horse", "Coloured Cob" or "Irish Cob", but in other parts of Europe and the U.S. they are known under many different names like: Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Cob, Irish Tinker, Gypsy Vanner, etc. Those names refer to the same breed. The only difference between a Vanner and a Cob is basically their size. Cobs range in sizes between 13.1hh and 15.1hh and Vanners between 15.2hh and 16.2hh.

There are currently four registries for this breed in the U.S., the "Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association", the "Gypsy Cob Society of North America", the "North American Gypsy Horse Association" and the "Gypsy Vanner Horse Society". 

But despite their names they do allow Gypsy Cobs and Vanners of all sizes in their registries.

 The majority of the Cobs imported to the U.S.  are mostly from England and are no of lesser value than the ones that are called 

Gypsy Vanner horses as some who are new to this breed may believe. It's just a preference of the owners here in the US in regards to where they want their horses registered and in no way makes them horses of lesser quality. The cob sized horses of good quality as well  have become harder to find on the british isles and therefore have become more expensive. 

A good deal of vanner sized horses are registered with the "Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association" and many Cobs are registered with the "Gypsy Vanner Horse Society".

 Feel free to compare both breed requirements: 

 Breed Standard with the GVHS - Breed Standard with the GCDHA 

Where to register?

After comparing those two standards you gotta ask yourself: What is the difference between a Gypsy Vanner and a Gypsy Cob? It's just a name and again, the different registries here in the U.S. don't distinguish between the sizes anyway! So don't get yourself confused; I think they all do a great job and working hard to promote and preserve the true gypsy horse type and all have strict regulations when it comes to registering your horse but none is the only true and better one.

The reason why Gypsy Horses are so popular is for once the fact that  it is a very beautiful, gentle and people loving breed. Because of their temperament, they are perfect for driving, trail riding and therapeutic riding but can also be used in every other sports discipline like dressage, western, jumping and more. The "Travellers"* of the British Isles have been breeding these magical looking horses to pull their colorful caravans through the countryside. These days the Travellers* (aka Gypsies, Romanies, Travellers or Pavee) are mostly motorized but still keep the tradition alive of breeding exceptional horses which have become well known for their great disposition and beauty.

Gypsy Horses have been making their way into the hearts of the American people since the

 late 90's 

what everyone has been looking for in Europe and now the majority in the U.S., are Gypsy Horses* suitable for the dressage ring and for trail riding*.

Up into the early 1990's the Gypsy Horse, which comes in all sizes and colors wasn't well known outside Ireland and England either. But between that time and recently they were exported in large numbers to other parts of Europe; like the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland. For example, Gypsy Horses are to be found in the several thousands alone in Germany these days and are mainly being used as trail and dressage horses and seldom kept as broodstock. The reason for this is that their export from Ireland or England to the main coast isn't nearly as costly as their export to the states and there used to be plenty of Gypsy (Vanner) Horses to get until the late 90's, so the Travellers* weren't selling their horses for huge amounts like it is the case today.

  There are of course many beautiful examples to be found outside England but they are harder to locate since many breeders on the continent simply don't speak any english and don't advertise their stock. 

Since I grew up in Germany I actually did get the chance to get to know many (but still not all) gypsy horse breeders in this country. For some beautiful examples of gypsy horses that have been imported to the states and the ones that are still in Germany click here 

But to this date the gypsy horse market in Ireland has been pretty much swept empty over the last years and not so many good ones are left. Some beautiful horses can still be purchased in England but mainly at skyrocketing prices. Due to their popularity a great deal of the best gypsy stallions and mares is actually residing in this country, numbering at least 4000 (and not in the hundreds anymore, as it is sometimes still stated elsewhere). So if you are looking for an exceptional addition to your broodstock you may want to look around for horses that are for sale in the U.S. Sales prices for weanlings generally range between $8,000 and $60,000. 

  We prefer our full blooded Gypsy Horses in sizes between 14.3 hands and 16.1 hands (not too small and not too tall). The conformation of our horses comes first along with a sweet disposition and of course tons of feather!

 I believe that over the years I have gained enough experience so that others won't have to make any mistakes when they want to buy a gypsy horse and don't have to regret their purchase.

 Please send us an email first and I will usually answer any kind of question within the next day. 

                                                                                                                       Sincerely,

                                                                                                                         Doro Bergeron

  magichorseranch@yahoo.com

*Irish Travellers are a nomadic or itinerant people of Irish origin living in Ireland, Great Britain and the United States. They refer to themselves as the Pavee. It is estimated that 23,000 Travellers live in Ireland, 15,000 in Great Britain and 7,000 in the United States. For more info about the Travellers and their history click on our History  page. 

Out of the FAQ page from the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society:

 2. What can Gypsy Vanners do?

Gypsy Vanners are very versatile. Of course they were originally bred for pulling so they excel at any driving activities. Americans in particular are finding them very fun and comfortable for riding. Because of their steady nature and that they are less likely to spook, they are getting to be very popular for trail riding*. You can see them in the dressage ring, or in the show ring under western saddle, hunt seat, and saddle seat. They can be used as a hunter hack because they will jump. They have even been seen herding cattle. As a family horse there is nothing to beat a Gypsy Vanner.

*By the way, there is a wonderful horse magazine, called "The Trail Rider" www.trailridermagazine.com . If you happen to love being on a trail with your best buddy (like myself) and enjoy nature, I am certain that you will find this magazine very helpful. 

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                                                                     Richard & Doro Bergeron 

                                                                           Concord, VA 24538

                                                                            (434) 993-9108       

                                                             Email: magichorseranch@yahoo.com

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