Vanner V
ersatility
An attractive trait of the Gypsy Vanner in addition to its eye catching beauty is its ability to perform well in many equine disciplines. In today’s economy and horse industry a horse that can prove worthy in several areas immediately has value. This breed has a true work ethic of pleasing the human in their lives. It is something that has to be experienced to understand. Intended for driving by its Gypsy creators, its North American owners asked the question, “What can the pretty pony do? The response was an overwhelming, “Whatever you want me to do!” It soon almost became a challenge to see if they could cut cattle, race around barrels, trail ride, and could they jump? Owners who put them to the test surprisingly found that these draft based horses were taking on things no one would have thought they could.
As owners gave them new challenges the owners themselves grew; became braver; some people who had given up on riding found them-
selves in the saddle again because they now had a safe, trustworthy horse to carry them on new adventures. Vanners taken to training barns began to capture the hearts of long time professionals who found working with the breed energizing, exciting, and just plain fun! Stories began to come in one after another; this new breed could do it all. While driving, riding in shows, over trails, with cows, jumping, showing skill in dressage, or as a child’s first pony, they were calm, smart, and appeared to exhibit an innate desire to please. Those early pictures showed big smiles and looks of disbelief at the capabilities being demonstrated by this chunky, hairy, horse. Eighteen years into the introduction, the breed is setting the bar higher and higher and taking its owners on the ride of their lives. What can a Vanner do? Just ask our members, owners, and breeders, or better yet enjoy the photos – after all a picture is worth a thousand words.
Above left to right: Gypsy Vanner Shangri-la, running barrels!; Gypsy Vanner gelding, Spencer, with owner, Julie Anthony aboard during an endurance competition; Gypsy Vanner, Shangri-la, this time driving with owner, Kelly Joyce in the driver’s seat; GVHS Executive Director, Kathy Mutti, skijoring behind her stallion, Alaskan Winter. Below: Gypsy Vanner gelding, Gidion, with Josh Blackburn aboard rounding up Scottish Highland cattle.
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