As a child, when I closed my eyes and imagined my dream horse it didn't look like Secretariat. It was a unicorn- one drenched in mane and feather; thick with bone and personality. It wasn't until I was 16 that I learned these horses had a name- the Gypsy Cob.

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While the Gypsy Cob is also a relatively young horse breed, its pedigree and history are deeply entrenched in some of the oldest horse breeds; combined to serve a population of humans equally rich in history and folklore- The Romani people. While the exact origins of the breed are unknown since Romani history was passed down by word of mouth, what we DO know is that sometime around WWI the Romani people capitalized on the British Army's aversion for coloured horses to be purchased and used for war, and worked tirelessly to create a horse that could truly do it all.

 

By combining the small size of Fell and Dales ponies with the temperament, feather, and sturdiness of the Clydesdale and Shire horses, the end result was a horse that was trustworthy and safe for every member of the family- no matter how small. Stories abound of this even-tempered, unflappable, people-loving horse allowing small children to play between their feet, or be brought into the home during harsh weather. A horse bred for tight-knit family groups first and foremost, with looks to match. While faults in colour, pattern, feather, or conformation were seen as room for improvement, the Romani people would NEVER suffer an ill-tempered horse.

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Irish Cob vs Gypsy Cob vs. Gypsy Vanner?

They're the same horse. In the UK (where they originated), these horses are known as Gypsy Cobs and have their registry in the mother studbook, the Traditional Gypsy Cob Association (TGCA). In the 90's when Gypsy Cobs were imported into the United States, a small group of individuals decided on a new breed name and registry, the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (GVHS). In 2003, a USA registry truly committed to the preservation of the UK breed standard was developed, the Gypsy Horse Registry of America (GHRA). Irish Cobs were developed by the Romani people who remained in Ireland, and also have their own registry, the Irish Cob Studbook (ICS). The one thing on which all people who are passionate about this horse agree: This breed isn't a colour- it's a type! Gypsy Cobs come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and patterns; sure to capture the hearts and souls of horse lovers worldwide. 

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At Work of Heart Farm, I choose to pay respect to the rich history and origins of my horses and prefer to call them Gypsy Cobs/Irish Cobs accordingly. I am also committed to the preservation of the breed to the original breed standard. As such, all Gypsy Cobs produced by Work of Heart Farm are DNA-verified and eligible for registry with TGCA, ICS, and GHRA.

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