The Gentle Horses of the Gypsies

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The Gypsy Cob Society of America, Inc., a non-profit corporation, was founded in May of 2003 to educate the US about the breed, maintain a permanent registry devoted wholly to the interests of the Gypsy Cob to preserve and protect hundreds of years of Romany bloodlines.

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 Cob.

The appreciation of these horses has been growing in the U.S., spurred by the importation of a number of Gypsy Cobs 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 Vanners, Travelers Horses, Irish Cobs, Tinkers - but the name most commonly used in the U.K. is Gypsy Cob, and that is the title chosen by a new organization created in 2003 to preserve these horses' unique characteristics and promote their abilities as both harness and riding animals - the Gypsy Cob Society of America, Inc.

To be registered with the GCSA, a Cob 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.

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

Membership is not required to register a Cob with the GCSA, members do enjoy a variety of services. They're included in the Society's published Membership and Breeders lists, receive a Breeders' listing and farm link on the Society web site, plus a quarterly Society newsletter and reduced registration and transfer fees. They also have full voting rights and are encouraged to participate in the Society by serving as Society officers and on committees. Associate and Youth memberships are available, but do not include voting rights.

In the first year of operation the 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. Where ever there are Gyspy Horses, people are just drawn to this rare and spectacular breed.

The GCSA also sends an educational packet which includes a full-color brochure, a Breeders List and a copy of the GCSA 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 Cob-beautiful, brilliant, kind-and now in America!