Dragon driving?

[Nudibranch]

I've seen various links to this site on here, and it seems to be quite... distinctive shall I say?
Breeding seems to be listed by the name of the sire's owner in a lot of cases, for example "Joe Bloggs' black stallion"... am I missing something? Do you need to be part of a particular clique to get it?

Also, I don't wish to be rude or controversial here but is there an actual stud book or breed standard for "Gypsy Cob"? The term seems to be used a lot for bumping up the price of some pretty rough-looking coloureds these days. Not always I know, but when I was younger nobody would touch coloureds with a bargepole and now it seems colour often takes precedence over conformation.

No offence meant (I have a coloured myself btw!) and apologies if this has been done before, I'm just genuinely curious!

 

[indie999]

I know what you mean I have looked at some of the shaggy types dulux dog looking and wondered this too.By the way I think they are FAB and this type of cobby,vanner/gypsy is right up my street! But pricey yes!

Love these.....sorry not answered your post just nosing

 

[touchstone]

I think a lot of the adverts on there are from the travelling community and they do tend to know each others horses so would recognise a stallion from who owns it.

As for a Gypsy Cob I believe it's a type rather than a breed, they tend to be a bit of a mix usually.

 

[teddyt]

It makes me cringe how many stallions there are on there. It must be a status symbol not to geld anything. No wonder there are so many unwanted nags around. I saw one advert that said 'professionally backed' with a photo of a 6ft hatless boy on a tiny pony, his feet were about 2 inches off the floor

 

[FanyDuChamp]

There is a breed association for them now. http://www.gypsycobsociety.co.uk/ and some very reputable breeders such as http://www.gypsyhorses.co.uk/ and
http://www.vinesgypsyhorses.com/
amongst others who are doing a lot to produce very high quality animals. I would love one of Vines' mares but would have to take out another mortgage!

Please make no mistake these are people who are trying to create good quality horses fit to do the job they are bred for. Dragon Driving is where you will find most Gypsy cobs or Vanners. They tend to use the old way of naming horses by attaching the breeder's / owner's name. Hence "Joe Blogg's black stallion" is the same as saying out of X's stallion. Those in the know, know the bloodlines extremely well, just as Welshie breeders know their blood lines and RID know theirs.

I would love a well bred Gypsy cob, so if everyone can take a look down the back of their sofas and send me what they find I'd be very grateful! Or failing that Kate on Vine's website would be a wonderful birthday gift!
FDC