For years the Romany people have struggled with a suitable name for the beautiful horses we have come to love. In the UK, they are known as "coloureds", "hairies", and an old time name not used anymore, a Gallower. In Ireland they are known as Irish Gypsy Cobs, Tinkers, etc. Even the term "Gypsy" has been widely debated.

The inevitable arrived, the Americans discovered the horses! Unfortunately another name came into use, the "Gypsy Vanner". The self-proclaimed "Founder" in Florida claimed this was a separate breed. The facts were skewed. Here was a sales and marketing pitch: Gypsy Vanners designed to build a personal American Empire. The term was not rightly coined as it is not an appropriate term for the horses and brought additional confusion. A Vanner historically describes a heavy horse that pulled vans. It did not refer to the Gypsy/Romany man's horse.

Since the Vanner name is not accurate and fails to recognize what has changed in history. It realistically does not represent the typical all around family horses that are today's "Gypsy Horse".

Personal preference and politics are often involved in choosing the "breed name" of a Gypsy/Romany horse. The terms "Vanner", "Cob", "Tinker", "Irish Cob" describe horses that are intermingled in each registry. Each registry goes by whatever name they create but often times the same horse can be found in multiple registries. Personally, we do not profess our horses to be "Vanners". We don't want to believe people need a "vision", a fantasy, a crystal ball, or soothsayers. We do not want to be involved in a marketing gimmick designed to prey on your fantasies and your pocketbook. Fantasy is fine, but the real Gypsy man's bloodstock is much better. Our "Pure Vision" is a proven bloodstock horse that you're satisfied with.

We do tend to call our horses Romany Horses to honor the Romany families we know who selectively bred these magnificent horses. Thanks to their generousity and trust, We at Blarney Stone, proudly introduce clients to the famous aged foundation mare, the "Teddy mare" as well as her four generations of offspring. Other Blarney Stone horses include the late, highly respected and honored, Pat Cash's prized mare, Deidre's Charm.

The philosophy of Blarney Stone Acres is to not breed horses with unknown parentage. The risk is too high for our clients to breed into a gene pool too closely related to their own horse by accident. Ignorance of lineage is high in this breed because the Gypsy people are an oral culture. Our horses have proven and traceable bloodlines that Gypsy families struggled to create. We strive for horses that have fabulous conformation, movement and a docile temperament.

We believe the most important ingredient what the registry you choose does for you. It is simply a personal choice. All of these registries will register most of these horses barring extremely poor quality. Education is now driving the American consumer and quality of imported horses is getting better and better. Politics often come into play with the registries, but we are very satisfied with the Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association. They have led the efforts to create a DNA database to protect consumers from in breeding Gypsy Horses.

As owners and breeders, we feel it is not necessary to become entangled with a "certification" process. There isn't another breed that "certifies" horses. Certification of a live animal, particularly horses creates increased liability for all owners of "certified horses". This current marketing scheme is trying to claim a certification process, but the "founder" admits it's not a true certification program but merely a marketing project for profit of the founder.

Is it necessary to have a middleman tell you whether or not he likes your horse well enough to encourage you to spend money for him to market "certified" horse sales? Quality horses should stand on their own merit. In all other aspects of the equine industry, showing and performance is a "GOLD STANDARD" of "performance and quality". Why should the Gypsy Horse be different? It is interesting that the founder of the certification process does not show his own horses in any equestrian competitions. Should a marketer and salesman validate the quality of your horse?

Instaed validate your own horses. Look for known bloodlines, conformation movement and temperament. And of course feather.. No matter what the name, Vanner, Cob ,Colored horses Tinker, Gallower, hairy and of course the Romany horse, look for quality. Don't rely on a registration or certification to verify your horses.Lise McNamara
Blarney Stone Acres
info@blarneystoneacres.com
www.blarneystoneacres.com