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Gurdy Run's Horses |
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When we envision the horse of myth and fantasy he is a horse with a flowing mane, long full tail and floating feathers just giving hint to the size of the hooves below.
He has a muscular body with an arched neck holding a sculpted head containing those deep intelegent eyes.
He is not just a horse of myth but lives in the two breeds of horses we raise here, The Shires and the Gypsy Cobs.
Both breeds evolved on the British Isles and, with common ancestry from the great war horses, they diverged as did their peoples needs.
After the wars the Shires worked the farms and docks where much power was needed in a single animal. As a result their physique is
impressive. With heavy bone and muscling they stand between 16 and 19+ hands and have been considered the largest breed of horses in the world.
Their manes and tails are very full and their legs are heavily feathered. Their size
combined with their kind and quiet disposition earned them the title of Gentle Giants. They are
noted for their smooth gaits that make them a pleasure to ride and drive. When crossed with a light
horse breed they produce outstanding warmbloods. | |||
| We stand at stud Ox Kill Timber Bob (pictured in hand) Click his name for more pictures and pedigree. |
The Gypsies and Travellers needed their power in a smaller more efficient form.
They bred their horses to pull their travelling homes or Vardos as they are called.
They bred for a horse that could withstand the rigors of life on the road.
One that could get its substinance from the side of the road and live with out any stabling.
A horse that was steady and true. They embraced horses that others rejected for color. The result is the Traditional Gypsy Cob.
A horse that typically stands between 14.2 and 15.2 hands. Its compact body and heavy bone (over 8 1/2 inches) display its draft heritage.
They too, like the Shire, have long full mane,tails and feathers yet They come in a wider variety of colors including and most noted are the pinto patterns.
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While a pure breeding horse the Gypsy Cob is considered a Landrace Breed in its home countries.
It does not have a definative registry as that is not the Gypsy way however with interest in these horses comming from Europe and North America
many attempts are being made. While originally bred for pulling, today theses horses are being used for all disciplines.
We imported our first Cob in 1999 and have been thrilled with the "breed".
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This Draft Horse Web Ring site is owned by John and Lydia Piper. Want to join the Draft Horse Web Ring? |
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