How Much Does a Gypsy Vanner Horse Cost? [Monthly Expenses]

How much does a gypsy horse cost? How much are gypsy vanner horses?

You've seen these adorable and majestic horses and want to know more about them. 

I don't blame you, they certainly stand out. 

But how much does a gypsy vanner horse cost?

That is exactly what my guide will dive into, so let's get started!

How Much Does Gypsy Vanner Horse Cost To Buy/Purchase?

Gypsy horse price varies greatly. In the US, where good quality horses were imported, you can expect to pay much more than in the breed’s native Ireland and the United Kingdom.

This is because gypsy cobs in North American regions are a specialized breed, with dedicated breeders passionate about these unique, gentle horses.

So, how much is a gypsy vanner horse? Let’s take a look at what you can expect to pay for one of these beautiful horses and what affects the price.

What Is The Average Cost Of a Gypsy Vanner Horse

The average gypsy vanner cost anywhere from $7,000 to over $50,000. Quality horses that are trained and elite breeding stallions will fall into the higher end of prices, while foals will cost less to buy. This is a significant price range!

However, on average, the price you can find a nice riding horse for is $20,000 to $30,000.

As you can see, these are not cheap horses to buy in North America.

These prices are significantly higher than you can buy these horses in their native land, where they are commonly known as Irish Cobs. A show quality riding cob in the UK or Ireland will cost around $10,000, while you can get a safe, happy hacker (trail horse) for less than that.

This is because they are much rarer in North America, and the horses there are often more in line with breed standard ideals.

When looking for a Gypsy Cob, there are several things that will influence the purchase price.

In this video, you will see an example of an exceptional Gypsy Cob stallion that would much cost more than the average cob.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpLpELkCLvE

What To Look At When Buying/Pricing a Gypsy Vanner AND Things That Affect The Gypsy Horse Price

There’s a wise piece of advice in the horse world that says the purchase price is the cheapest part of horse ownership. From experience, I know how true this is!

But that does not mean the cost to buy a horse isn’t significant. The price is affected by several things.

1. Age

The age of the Vanner horse is one of the biggest factors affecting price. A young animal, such as a foal, yearling, or two-year-old will cost a lot less than a horse in its prime.

This is because these horses are too young to train for riding. The cost of keeping these horses is also considered. A person will have to wait until the horse is old enough before it can be ridden.

But at the same time, they still have all the other costs of vet, farrier, feed, and lodgings to pay. Many people are put off by this. As a result, prices are lower.

The same goes for an older horse that is 16 or 17 years old and older. These horses are coming out of their prime years and often can only take part in lighter horseback riding activities.

Because of that, those horses are cheaper than an eight-year-old, for example. Once the horse is in its 20s, the price goes even lower, as usually, they are in retirement and suitable only for companions or very light riding.

Horses in their prime, ages 6 to 15, will cost the most. They will have had lots of training to become suitable riding horses and fit enough to take part in a variety of equestrian sports.

2. Breed Quality

All horses are measured against quality standards, and Gypsy Vanners are no different. A horse with excellent conformation that matches breed type will cost more than a horse with physical ‘flaws’.

According to the Gypsy Vanner Society, standard confirmation rules apply, but they state some unique characteristics that horses should have. These include:

An “abundance of feathering traditionally found on the fore and hind legs, starting from the knee and hock and extending down and over the hooves.”

And

“The length and width of the ear should be proportional to the head. The shape should be moderately wide at its middle, providing adequate space for a collection of noises and sounds.”

These are two examples that define this unique small draft horse. The closer to the ideal Gypsy Vanner the horse is, the higher the price can go.

Many Gypsy Vanners are colored horses, such as piebald or skewbald. There is no color preference in the breed standards, where all are excepted. However, people will have personal preferences.

This brings me to Gypsy Vanner's appearance, which I’ll talk about next.

Take a look at this gorgeous Gypsy Vanner.

https://www.tiktok.com/@heartofacowgirlphoto/video/6968429461041663238?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7073653771863426562

3. Appearance & Size

The Gypsy Cob is a small type of draft horse breed developed by the gypsy or traveling community in Ireland and the United Kingdom. Hence, the name. However, they are called Irish Cobs there.

They developed from a need to have a strong, docile horse that did not cost a lot to feed and that could pull the family caravan as they moved around the country. 

They wanted a horse that could do this that wasn’t as big as other draft breeds, as they are cheaper to keep.

The breed developed from:

“numerous qualities of the Shires, Clydesdales, Dales Pony, and the Friesian were used to create this exquisite horse.  From these foundational breeds, comes stamina, good-natured temperament, and certainly majestic beauty.”

The majority of Vanners stand between 13 and 16 hands tall, while most are in the 14.2 to 15.2 range. 

Like all draft horses, they are broad with powerful hindquarters and a strong neck. They have extensive leg feathering, which is thick long hair on their lower legs. Their mane and tail hair are also thick, long, and flowing. 

They can come in most colors, but it is very common to see them with Tobiano, Sabino, or Blagdon coats. These multi-color coats are a mix of colors, such as black, bay, or chestnut with white patches.

However, they can also come in solid colors.

They have a less refined head than you would see on a warmblood or Thoroughbred, for example. And many sport a ‘mustache’ with their winter coats.

The breed has a broad forehead, wide-set, kind eyes, and can sometimes have one or even two blue eyes.

Learn more about this breed and see some stunning examples in this video. This is certainly an expensive horse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqh0Qq0gNBQ

Sometimes certain colors or patterns are more popular. The most popular colors and patterns and those that are rare will increase the purchase price.

4. Training

A horse with more training will cost more than one without it. A horse that has undergone extensive training for a particular job gives it more ‘value’.

These are horses that lots of riders can purchase and immediately take part in their desired activity.

They take part in both English and western riding activities.

5. Show Record

A horse that has competed in horse shows with success will cost more than a riding horse that has spent its life trail riding or just being ridden at home.

Gypsy horses are fantastic all-around animals. They take part in pleasure riding, trail riding, jumping, and dressage. While they aren’t world beaters at jumping, they are surefooted and intelligent.

These qualities will help them safely take their rider around a small course of jumps, cross country course, or rugged terrain. 

There are exceptions, of course, with some Vanners reaching higher levels of dressage. 

This video, shows you one of the exceptions, a Gypsy Cob performing a high level of dressage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtviq5FEDx4

Where To Buy Gypsy Vanners Horses?

In North America, the best place to buy Gypsy Vanner horses is from the breeder. North American Gypsy Vanner horse breeders are passionate about preserving the original quality of these horses.

Gypsy Gold is one of the reputable breeders you will find. They are the first breeder to import these horses to America. Dalosto Farms, is another example of a breeder of high-quality Vanners.

This means you will find horses that are not bred for the sake of it but for the sake of producing high-quality animals with good temperaments, ability, and bloodlines. 

The Gypsy Vanner Society website has a section where mares, fillies, colts, geldings, and stallions are advertised for sale.

Gypsy Cobs are suitable for all types of horse riders. They are often quiet enough for novice riders or nervous riders, but capable enough for more advanced equestrians.

Their temperament and tolerant nature make them good mounts for inexperienced riders that are just starting out.

They are also stout, heavy horses that can carry more weight than other horses of their height. This makes them great horses for heavy riders.

Another way to own a Vanner is via adoption. This is done through legitimate rescues. A legitimate rescue will require adopters to meet certain criteria of horse knowledge and facilities.

This is for the benefit of the horse that has possibly suffered neglect or abuse in the past. If the rescue does not have requirements in place, proceed with caution, as they might not be legitimate.

Gypsy Rescue and Rehome Foundation is one example of a rescue that rehomes this breed.  

READ MORE: All About Blue Roan Pony

Monthly Upkeep Expenses Of Gypsy Vanner Horses?

The monthly expenses a horse owner will have for a Gypsy Vanner are pretty much the same as any other popular types of horses. One thing you will not have to spend as much on is grain, as they usually need very little or non at all.

Here is a quick summary of the essential expenses you will have.

Service	Estimated Cost
Feed	$100 to $300/month
Dentist	$250/year
Farrier	$35 to $300/visit
Vet Visit	$300/year
Boarding	$400 to $2,500/month
Training	$20 to $60/day
Professional Grooming	$10 to $100/day

1. Feed

Expect to pay between $100 to $300 a month on hay for your horse. If you do feed grain, it will cost $20 to $30 per week.

These heavy horses are prone to obesity and have a slower metabolism, so they very rarely need much grain.

2. Dentist

It is essential that your horse get its teeth floated and checked at least once a year. This can cost around $250 a year for standard treatment. But expect that it can be more.

3. Farrier

Your horse will need to have its feet trimmed every 6 weeks. The same goes for shoes. Trimming costs range from $35 to $50 a visit, and a standard set of shoes costs $130 to $300 a visit.

4. Vet Visit

Each horse needs basic vet visits each year. This is for a health check and vaccinations. The cost will vary depending on where you live, but basic visits cost around $300 a year. 

However, it is likely that at some point, your horse will need the vet for something other than bi-annual vaccinations and a check-up. This can add a couple hundred to thousands of dollars to vet care expenses.

5. Boarding

If you don’t have your own land, you will have to keep your horse at a boarding barn. The price will reflect the facilities and services available and will have a monthly cost ranging from $400 to $2,500 a month.

6. Training

Training is usually an additional cost added to the basic boarding price. Expect to pay $20 to $60 a day for training. Many boarding facilities will have a training package for their boarders.

7. Professional Grooming

While this is something you can do yourself, you might sometimes want to hire a professional groom to look after your horse. This can cost $10 to $100 a day.

FAQs

Is a Gypsy horse good for beginners?

Gypsy horses are good for beginner riders as they are usually quiet, gentle, and tolerant. However, they need extra care for their heavy feathering and diet knowledge, which means more experience is better for ownership.

How tall do Gypsy Vanners get?

Gypsy Vanners stand between 13 and 16 hands in height. With most having an average height of 14 to 15 hand range.

Are Gypsy Vanners good trail horses?

Vanners are excellent trail horses. They are sturdy, surefooted, and not usually spooky.

Are Gypsy Vanner horses rare?

In North America, Gypsy horses are somewhat rare as the breed was only first imported in the early 1990s, as they are not native. In the UK and Ireland, they are extremely common.

Conclusion

As you can see, how much does a gypsy vanner horse cost is a broad question. Many upkeep costs don’t differ from any other horse. To buy, they cost anywhere from $7,000 to well over $60,000.

Do you own one of the beautiful horses? I’d love to hear about your horse!

What do you think of Gypsy Vanner horse cost? Let us know below!

References

• 1. Breed Standard . vanners.org. Available from: https://vanners.org/pdf_post/breed-standard/
• 2. Gypsy Vanner Breed . Equine Science. . Available from: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/equine/blog/dr-peggy-m-auwerda/gypsy-vanner-breed
• 3. HP Will-O-The-Wisp . vanners.org. . Available from: https://vanners.org/classified_category/mares-fillies-for-sale/
• 4. Gypsy Horses For Sale – Dalosto Farms, LLC . . Available from: https://dalostofarms.com/horses-for-sale/gypsy/
• 5. Home . Gypsy Rescue and Rehome Foundation. . Available from: https://www.gypsyrescue.org/
• 6. Poll Recap: Dental Care Costs . The Horse. 2014 . Available from: https://thehorse.com/149461/poll-recap-dental-care-costs/