Wind Valley Friesians & Gypsy Vanners
Dr. Christina Givens
Amite, LA
ph: 985-969-8630 cell/text
fax: 985-747-8630
alt: 985-747-8630 home
cgivens
These horses are considered BAROQUE HORSES and refers to a body style rather than an actual breed. The breeds most commonly considered "baroque" in type are (but are not necessarily limited to) the Andalusian and Lusitano, Lipizzans, the Friesian and Knapstrupper and more recently many of the Shire, Gypsy and Drum horses. The "baroque" horse is typically thought of as a rather heavy, short-coupled, round-bodied, thick-necked horse with an overall regal or noble appearance. In art, they are typically quite hairy horses that sport a small to moderate amount of feathering. A "baroque" horse may be purebred or partbred, and as long as the body style is correct, any color is acceptable.
The Friesian Horse
The Friesian horse is unique, truly a breed to be proud of. It developed from a very old breed which was inherent to all of western Europe. It's the only horse native to Holland. Historically speaking, the Friesian horse has been influenced by eastern bloodlines and has often been threatened with extinction. Thanks to the single-mindedness and dauntless dedication of true horse lovers, one can still appreciate the many facets of the Friesian horse today.
Without a doubt, the black coat of the Friesian will impress you at first sight. Bays and grays occurred earlier in the breed, but now black is the only recognized color. A small white forehead star is also allowed. Other obvious characteristics are the long, heavy mane and tail and the Shire-like fetlock hair.
The Friesian horse is enjoying a revival. He is a noteworthy sight in the show ring. His shiny black coat, flying mane and tail, and high action form an imposing image. The Friesian is, by nature, a talented show horse.
The aim of showing in harness is to bring out the best in one's horse. The horse should be balanced in a fast, high-action trot, roomy from the shoulder and powerful in the hindquarters. The total picture is one of lively harmony, with ears pricked attentively forward. Harness events in shows are usually driven with a high-wheeled gig, the "sjees", for singles, pairs, and tandems. Driving with four-wheeled show carts is also gaining popularity.
Driving one or more Friesian horses has become increasingly popular in the past few years. Tough international competitions are only for the few, but there are many who derive relaxation and pleasure from driving Friesians for recreation. He who wants to perfect his driving and test his skill against others, can do so at the many dressage driving events.
The Friesian horse has a talent for dressage. The foundation lies in his intelligence, willingness to learn, and readiness to perform. His pleasant character and his gentleness make the Friesian an attractive mount for competition as well as for recreational purposes. The riding club "De Oorsprong" (the source), from Huis ter Heide near St. Nicolaasga in Friesland, has been using only Friesian horses since 1937 in order to advertise their abilities as riding horses.
This traditional sport is still enthusiastically practiced throughout Holland. One can see Friesians pulling a wide assortment of carriages at these events.
The Friesian quadrille is a well-appreciated show number. It is comprised of 8 sjees, drawn by Friesians, driven by gentlemen accompanied by a lady, both dressed in traditional costumes like those worn in the 1850's. Complex patterns are driven, showing the drivers' trust in the obedience of their horses
It happened by accident. Dennis and Cindy Thompson were on a business trip in England when they first encountered a horse like no other they had seen before. They spent several years investigating the horse and the Gypsies who bred him - and there were others, but not out in the general population of gypsy bred horses. The Thompson's discovered that this horse and others like him were selectively bred by the Gypsies, hidden away in fields, far from public view.
The horses had to be very hardy and easy to keep. The beautiful horse had to be gentle and docile enough to teach the Gypsy children how to ride. Horses that exhibited aggression or ill temper were immediately banished from the family.
This breed of horse was introduced to the American public and so established was the first registry to give the horses a name and an organization to track the closely guarded, original bloodlines, of the Romany Gypsy breeders.
The name of the Registry, Gypsy Vanner Horse Society (founded November 24, 1996), was the world’s first registry to carefully selected not only to identify the Gypsies of Great Britain/Ireland that created this magical breed, but to acknowledge the horse's history as well. The Gypsy Vanner Horse must possess a certain look and meet a clear conformation standard, ensuring that we may reproduce the same quality horse that the first Romany Gypsy breeders dreamed of.
The sheer beauty of the Gypsy Vanner Horse will captivate both young and old alike. Bred from a combination of feathered draft and pony breeds, they range in size from 13 hands to 16 hands. They are very sturdy horses with heavy bone, flat knee and a short back. They come in a variety of colors, the most common is piebald (black/white), and a wide variety of solid colors. All colors are highly prized! Gypsy Vanner's have an abundance of mane, tail and feather. The feather should begin at the knee/hock and fully cover the hooves. Manes and tails are long, thick and flowing. The Gypsy Vanner is truly magic in motion, appearing to float as they move.
The Gypsy Vanner Horse is still quite rare in the United States, but the numbers are increasing quickly each year due to their extreme popularity. Traditionally used for Driving, they also excel at Dressage, Hunter-Jumper and both English and Western riding.
Enchanting, incredibly versatile and with a temperament that is unequaled, they will quickly become your dream of the perfect horse.
Wind Valley Friesians & Gypsy Vanners
Dr. Christina Givens
Amite, LA
ph: 985-969-8630 cell/text
fax: 985-747-8630
alt: 985-747-8630 home
cgivens