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by Mary Femniak
It was a shock when I first discovered an article and photographs about
Gypsy Horses. This rare breed with fantasy manes, tails and "feathers"
showering their legs had populated my dreams - but never did I think they
were real!
The breed possesses a powerful draft build with sturdy bone and
unbelievable coloration variations with black and white being the most
popular. As if that was not enough, the horses are endowed with quiet
temperaments and impressive athletic ability.
I read all I could find about my fantasy horses and every photograph I
saw added to my delight. Images of Gypsy Vanner horses at play against
different backgrounds that accent the color, spirit and movement of the
powerful equines jumped from my brush.
After a frenzied five month period, my series of five I fondly call The
Gypsy Vanner Boys were finished. Now, not only do they visit with me in my
dreams but they are my companions during the day, gracing the walls of my
studio. Who says dreams don't come true?
The Lion Horse
One of The Gypsy Vanner Boys
Acrylic on canvas, 20 x 24,
by Mary Femniak |
| The Gypsy Horse
The history of the Gypsy equine is as colorful as the horse. It is a rare
new breed selectively bred over the past 100 years by European gypsies and
has generations of breeding and pedigree behind it. The blood from a
preserved and protected line is well known among the gypsy breeders and
generations of gypsy families keep verbal histories of their horses.
Although others breed similar types of horses, the true Gypsy Horse has
prized and guarded genetic bloodlines that produce the highest quality
horses imaginable.
With just 450 Gypsy Horses in the United States, three registries have
formed since the horse was introduced to North America in 1996. But
interesting to note - there was no written Gypsy Horse registry in Europe
until three years ago.
The gypsy travelers need versatile animals to pull their
ornately-decorated carts and living wagons safely through England and
Ireland's country lanes. The horses they favor are compact in size and of
sound sturdy build with heavy bone. Hard working, sensible, intelligent and
docile animals with flashy coloring and heavy manes, tails and feathering
were select breeding stock.
The beautiful colors of Gypsy Horses would complement the family wagon
and made them instantly recognizable with the color and coat patterns
additionally serving to prevent horses from being stolen. The wealth of a
person of gypsy heritage is still largely judged by the size and quality of
his herd of colored horses.
After hours of reading the history of the Gypsy Horse and speaking with
registry personnel and owners, I offer this advice to those considering the
breed as an addition to their stable. Do some research! A Google search of
the Gypsy Horse will bring up hundreds of sites that will confuse any poor
soul expecting a simple breed standard. It may be best to familiarize
yourself with the three US registries, Gypsy Cob Society of America, Inc.,
Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association and The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society
before venturing out to select a Gypsy Horse.
Whether you seek an intelligent equine with a pleasant personality with
eye candy appeal, an athletic mount or driving partner, a flashy parade
horse, breeding stock or a trusted family member - the Gypsy Horse may very
well be your dream horse. |
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