Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association

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Inspired by some of the recent working Drum Horses of the British Cavalry, the Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association believes the development of the Drum Horse, as a breed, to be a worthy aspiration, in and of itself. A breed inspired by great war horses with a beauty, stature and dignity not found in any other existing breed. And, with such a symbiotic relationship existing between the Gypsy Cob and the Drum Horse, the Drum Horse will become not only a wonderful breed, unto itself, but also a wonderful counterpoint to the smaller Gypsy Cob. It was this inspiration, symbiosis and commitment, that lead to the unique concept of the dual stud books under the umbrella of a single registry.

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Working Drum Horse

The Drum Horse, as a job: The term Drum Horse is used in Britain to describe the horses that carry a rider and 2 silver kettledrums during certain Ceremonies of State, processions or exhibitions. Throughout history, the preferred type of horse to perform this job has varied with the era and the regiment it performed with. The one common factor was that they had to be a large, strong horse with an even temperament. The size and strength were required because the combined weight of the drums and rider could easily exceed 300 pounds and an easy disposition because of the parade atmosphere they were often required to perform in. And to make things just a little more difficult, the rider’s hands had to be free to beat the drums, so the reins are attached to the rider’s stirrups.

Drum Horses Working for the Queen

Drum Horses have a long and colorful history in the British Military. Some of the earliest regiments documenting Drum Horses are the Royal Scots Greys (1678), the 6^th Dragoon Guards and the 3^rd Hussars (both 1685), the 5^th (Royal Irish) Lancers (1689) and the 10^th Royal Hussars and 9^th Queen’s Lancers (both 1715). These horses, and their successors, saw service wherever the regiments were sent, including India, Flanders, the Crimea and Palestine.

In recent times, many of the Drum Horses have been high colored Clydesdales or horses produced from the crossing of Shires with the older, larger bloodlines of Gypsy Cobs or with Dutch Warmbloods. This is the reason that you now see the feathered Drum Horses and these horses are the inspiration for the development of a new breed.

The Drum Horse as a breed: The Drum Horse has captured the imagination with his stunning good looks and stately air. Often seen as a larger version of the Gypsy Cob, the Drum Horse stands at least 16hh and utilizes the bloodlines of the Clydesdale, Shire, Friesian and Gypsy Cob. It is a heavy horse, pinto colored with lovely feather and exceptional disposition. Developed as a heavy riding horse, the Drum Horse is suited for low level dressage, eventing, hunting, saddle seat, trail, pleasure and, of course, makes an excellent driving horse.

A Note About the Drum Horse and Why the GCDHA Recognizes it as a Breed Type:

The Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association believes many people will fall in love with the Gypsy Cob but prefer a larger horse. This desire for a larger horse could, essentially, jeopardize the future of the true Gypsy Cob, here in North America. By aspiring to develop an elegant and unique breed known as the Drum Horse, we can celebrate the colorful history of the horses that have performed this job and still provide a larger Gypsy “type” horse while preserving the heritage and future of the true traditional Gypsy Cob.

It is our intent that by using the name Drum Horse, there will be a clearer distinction between the traditional horse bred by the Romany people and the larger horse bred more for utilization as a heavy riding horse. Our goal is to develop the larger type horse as a breed while retaining the same willing disposition and overall appearance of the Gypsy Cob. The genetics of the true traditional horse can thus be documented and protected while breeders of the larger horse are provided an open, documented and honest medium for promoting and marketing their horses.

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The Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association bringing you the best of Gypsy Heritage and British Tradition!