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History of the Gypsy Cob

History of the Drum Horse

Gypsy Cob Breed Standard

Drum Horse Breed Standard

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The Cob body type was deliberately bred for, by the Gypsies, because of it's sturdy structure and small, but heavy and powerful, size and dense bone. Defined in the dictionary as a "small, heavyset horse," the Cob is well known for its strength, tractability and feed efficiency. The Gypsy's Cob achieved its designer looks through the perfect union of a powerful body, heavy, flat bone, abundant hair, intelligence and docility. While a wide variation exists in size, regardless of a Gypsy Cob's height, it should always display that perfect Cob type of a powerful body set on legs of flat, dense bone, abundant hair and a kind, intelligent expression.

Though there are other types of horses bred by Gypsies, it's the Gypsy's Cob that has received world wide acclaim and recognition. It is the Gypsy Cob which is considered THE breed and is held near and dear to the Gypsy's heart, heritage and culture.

Breed Standard

Size

Gypsy Cobs can be any size and may be of the pony, cob or horse variety.

General Appearance

The over all appearance of a Gypsy Cob should give the impression of intelligence, kindness, strength and agility. They should be of good bone, either medium weight or heavy weight, be well muscled, with a sturdy body, kind expression and abundant hair.

Head

The head should be in proportion to the body, neither too large nor too small, with broad forehead, generous jaw, square muzzle and even bite. The ears should be neat and well set on. The eyes should be large and set well apart with an intelligent, kind expression.

Neck

The neck should be slightly arched, well muscled, clean through the throat, not too short and tie in well at the shoulder and withers.

Chest

The chest should be broad with ample muscle. The muscle along the bottom of the chest should appear in an inverted “V” shape as it ties into the forearm.

Shoulders

The shoulders should be deep, powerful and well sloped.

Withers

Withers should be average in height, not too high, with a good cover of muscle.

Back

The back should be short, well muscled and tie in strongly at the loin.

Barrel

The barrel should be deep with well sprung ribs and a solid covering of muscle. The flank should be as deep as the girth.

Legs

The legs should be set well under the body, straight, clean and with plenty of dense, flat bone. Forearms and gaskins should be well muscled.

Hindquarters

Smooth and rounded across the croup, long hip with wide pelvis and well muscled buttocks.

Hair

Mane and tail should be long and thick. Abundant feather starting at the knees and hocks, preferably with hair running down the front of the leg as well as the back. Feather may be straight or curling and should cover the hoof.

Color

Gypsy Cobs may be any color, either solid or colored.

Disposition

The Gypsy Cob should be, above all else, a kind and willing partner. It should display an intelligent character and docile temperament.