Flash

Gypsy Vanner Frequently Asked Questions:

Gypsy Vanner Mares

1. Why did you purchase these particular Gypsy Vanner horses?

We wanted to buy the best Gypsy Vanner breeding stock we could afford and bring it to the US.  After research, some traveling, and many discussions, we decided on the horses we now have at LexLin Gypsy Ranch.


Gypsy Vanner Stallion - Dreammaker  2. What can a Gypsy Vanner do?

The Gypsy Vanner was bred by the Gypsies to pull their caravans, so they excel at driving.  They are also good for dressage, pleasure riding, children's mounts, low jumping, and have even been used on occasion for cutting cattle.

 


Gypysy Vanners

3. What kind of temperament does the Gypsy Vanner have?

Gypsy Vanners are extremely gentle.  These horses were bred by the Gypsies only partially for looks - the other part was for gentleness.  Gypsy children are often found crawling over and around the Gypsy Vanners.


Gypsy Vanner Stallion - Sir Maverick

4. How big is the Gypsy Vanner Horse?

The average height of a Gypsy Vanner is 14.2, but they range anywhere from 12.2 to 16 hh.  They usually weigh between 1,100 to 1,700 pounds.
 


Gypsy Vanner Colt

5. What colors do the Gypsy Vanner come in?

Gypsy Vanners come in all colors.  The most common colors, however, are piebald (black and white) and skewbald (brown and white).  All colors are accepted.

 


Gypsy Vanner Horses in the snow

6. Do you have DNA on all your horses?

Yes, we obtained DNA through the University of Kentucky  on all 82 of our Gypsy horses.  We did this because we feel dedicated to the advancement of the Gypsy Vanner breed.  This data allows our customers and other breeders to buy from us with confidence.   Although this has been a significant investment, the LexLin family believes strongly in standing by our horses and our services.


Gypsy Vanner Mare and Foal

7. Why are you collecting DNA on all your Gypsy horses?

There are many reasons to collect DNA on our Gypsy horses.  Hearing stories of the challenges other breeders and individuals faced in obtaining correct DNA confirming both sire and dam of an imported horse, our ranch decided to try our very best to ensure correct lineage is being promoted. We are committed to DNA every horse we own within 30 days of its arrival to our farm.  We feel strongly that this is essential to the future of this breed.


Gypsy Vanner Colt

 8. Do you have color testing on all your Gypsy Vanner stallions?

Yes, we have color tested our seven Gpysy stallions and we are in the process of color testing select broodmares, colts, and fillies.


Gypsy Vanner Horses

 9. On your billboard it says you have a “Buy Back Guarantee.”  What are the details of your Buy Back Guarantee?

You can view the details of our “Buy Back Guarantee” under Contracts and Policies under LexLin Gypsy Ranch Sales Agreement on our website. We plan to breed the gypsy horse for years to come.  As such, it is of most importance that our customers and clients are satisfied with the horses they purchase from LexLin Gypsy Ranch.


Gypsy Vanner Colt - Simba

10. Is the Gypsy Vanner Horse a registered breed?

Yes.  The first registry is called the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, which was originally founded by Dennis and Cindy Thompson.  It is now run by a Board of Directors.  The registry is currently open to any horse that meets the seven points of conformation.  There are other registries which will hopefully combined into one for the good of the breed sometime in the near future.


Gypsy Vanner Filly

11. Is the Gypsy Vanner the same as the Gypsy Cob, Irish Cob, Irish Tinker, or the Drum Horse?

The Gypsy Vanner Horse is the first name used by Americans for the horse.  Generally, in the US, Gypsy Horse, Gypsy Cob and Gypsy Vanner all refer to the same horse.  They are sometimes called Irish Cob or Irish Tinker in Europe.  It should be noted that not all horses raised by gypsies are selectively bred or part of the breed.  They also breed trotter horses and horses for the European meat market.  Although those would be gypsy horses as they are owned by gypsies, they are not part of the breed we call the Gypsy Vanner. The Drum Horse is not a Gypsy Vanner or Gypsy Horse; it is generally a cross between a Gypsy Horse and a Shire or Clydesdale.


Gypsy Horses in the snow

12. Why did you import so many Gypsy Vanner horses?

Although there are wonderful horses in the United States, we also realize there are several highly sought-after bloodlines in the United Kingdom and Europe.

The importation fees and transportation costs can be significant for obtaining great stallions and mares from overseas.  The LexLin vision is to establish a breeding program here in the United States that produces and offers top Gypsy Vanner foals to our clients without the high costs of importation.