The Journey
The narrow lane was flanked
by a tall overgrown hedgerow, giving way ever so often to a rusty metal gate offering a glimpse of what lay beyond. We had driven this way many times, but today was different. We were surprised to see thirty or more small black and white mares with foals in one of the hidden fields. Our little car was slipped into reverse and
once stopped we found ourselves face to face with some of the most inquisitive, colourful creatures. They had come to the gate for their own investigation! This moment was the beginning of a journey with the small drafty horse locally known as the Gypsy’s coloured ponies whose sole job was to pull the family’s living wagon (Vardo) and worldly goods. We had seen them on the verge of the motorways and in the village but this time our interest was caught by the sheer number present at the gate. Before we had even packed the cottage in preparation to moving back to the States, we were making arrangements to purchase and transport three yearlings.
With over sixty-four year combined working horse experience one would think enough was enough and so begins a new chapter with a flashy, amiable, hairy horse. A horse we think is worth getting to know and invite you to share the journey
Links
Much has been written regarding the Gypsy’s coloured cobs and is available for those who seek it. Black Forest Shires in Colorado can be found at www.gypsyhorses.com and is an excellent source of information regarding the Gypsy Horses, also known as Irish Tinkers, Gypsy Cobs, Coloured Ponies, and if registered with the GVHS, Gypsy Vanners or simply Vanners.
Be sure to take a look at the following sites:
The Coloured Horse and British Piebald and Skewbald Association
The Irish Cob Society
Gypsy Cobs
From here, the curious should next travel to the USA registries.
Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, Inc.
The Gypsy Cob And Drum Horse Association, Inc.
Gypsy Cob Society of America, Inc.
Don’t forget to check out the following:
The Driving Digest
Novareinna
www.novareinna.com/romani//appleby
Gypsy Lore Society
The art/photography of the following professionals is a wonderful way to have your Gypsy without having to feed it.
P.L.Hobbs
A must see collection of paintings by P.L. Hobbs. Born in Yorkshire, England, Phil Hobbs now lives and works in Ambleside in the heart of the English Lake District.
www.plhobbs.co.uk
John Hockensmith www.finearteditions.com
Marji Lexton, photographer www.marjilexton.com
As you continue your search, you will encounter the names of Gypsy Breeders, among them will be the artist, James Taylor ,who can be found at www.jamestaylorgypsyhorses
http://www.Sca.lib.liv.a.c.uk
We want to share some of our favorite sites with you and it is our sincere hope you will take the time to check them out!
Art Horse Magazine
Enjoy the art of Paulina and the wonderful Lipizzan Horses at the Waltzing Horse Farm in New York.
Get Savy with Parelli principles and enjoy a relationship with your best horse friend!
All Breed Stallion Directory
Thank you to Lee Oliver, our trainer, who has stood by us to encourage and teach the fine art of driving, to Julian and Halena, who introduced us to these incredible Gypsy Horses, and especially to Halena, who died in 2005, for being an angel on earthThank you one and all!
Good journey and may your days be filled with peace, joy, and buckets of Golden Horse Shoes!
CHF Talbot's Sparky