Gypsy Vanner Horses

This year marked the fourth year for the Gypsy Vanner IBC Class at Dressage at Devon, sponsored by El Brio Vanner. It was a great showing with 10 horses in the class. El Brio’s EBV Rubicon, a yearling colt out of Mirabell by Charlie, placed first. All EBV horses showed well and have the scores to show for it. We are looking forward to an even bigger showing next year. Placings and scores listed below…

1st-EBV Rubicon 74.700%
2nd-Feathered Gold Kyna 71.200%
3rd-EBV Acacia 70.900%
4th-EBV Two Buck Chuck 70.900%
5th-EBV Sattui 70.000%
6th-EBV Airwalker 69.400%
7th-Cloneoneen Cottage 68.800%
8th-Featherd Gold Tierney 68.700%
9th-Pretty Penny 68.000%
10th-Clononeen Cash 65.800%

EBV’s Odd Job Bob with rider Megan Coy qualified for and competed in the 2005 USDF State Line Adult Team Championships (Region 1). At the event, held in Leesburg, VA October 28-30, Bob and Megan along with the other members of the Delaware Valley Combined Training Association (DVCTA) Riding Team placed fourth overall.

In the individual event scoring ‘Bob’ and Megan placed in the top 12. ‘Bob’ was the only Gypsy Vanner horse to compete in the competition, and was awarded the “Most Colorful Horse” award.

*Photos from 2005 DVCTA taken by Toni Martin

The history of the gypsy horse is embodied in Appleby Horse Fair, the largest traditional horse fair of its kind in the world. Set up by charter under the reign of James II in 1685, it has been an annual event since that time. Originally a venue for the trading of all types of livestock and general merchandise, its popularity with the vast numbers of gypsies who would come each year eventually led to the occasion being known as a special horse fair. Today, Appleby Fair is the venue of one the largest remaining gatherings of Romany and gypsy people. The event is held during the second week of June, beginning on the Wednesday of that week with the main horse sale on the Tuesday of the following week. Harness races and celebrations lead up to this sale day and horses are seen trotting up and down the lanes in order to show them off prior to the sales. The field, which is the main site for the participants, is found on the outskirts of Appleby. It was originally known as Gallows Hill, due to the nature of its usage in earlier times. However, it is now called Fair Hill and looks West over the town of Appleby and East toward the Pennines. Gypsy families travel to Appleby to meet up with old friends and conduct business. Appleby survived an attempt at closure by the Westmorland Borough Council in 1965.

At the 2006 Ohio State Fair, El Brio Vanner sent its official Gypsy Vanner ambassador, Odd Job Bob, along with newest Stallion, Turley, to represent the ranch in this annual event! Handlers Megan Coy, Aaron Leon, & Sue Rathbone can be seen with our award winning stallions in the following pictures!

In 2004, El Brio Vanner introduced the Gypsy Vanner breed at the prestigious Dressage at Devon, an event held annually in Devon, Pennsylvania. Rich in tradition, the event draws competitors and spectators from around the world. In 2004, EBV Vanners, Charlie, Turley, and Odd Job Bob competed in the “in-hand” and breed classes. ‘Bob’ also competed under saddle in an equitation event. Excitement filled the air as the EBV Vanners entered the ring and competed, prompting the judges to request an impromptu demonstration of this special breed to the delight of the spectators.

In 2005, EBV returned to compete at the Dressage at Devon, where Charlie, Turley and Odd Job Bob earned first, second and third place honors in the individual breed class. Charlie finished fourth in the all breeds in-hand competition. Not bad for only his second year in competition.