Gypsy Vanners are sought after for their beautiful long, flowing manes and tails and feathering on their legs. However, before deciding if a Gypsy Vanner is right for you, you will want to know how much they cost.
Gypsy Vanner horses on average cost between $10,000 to $40,000. Due to their rarity in North America, Gypsy Vanners are more expensive than most horse breeds. The price of highly trained show horses and top breeding stallions can be between $45,000 to $60,000, or more.
Factors such as training, bloodlines, show record, color, conformation, and age can all play into the price of a Gypsy Vanner.
Gypsy Vanners, also known as Gypsy Cobs and Gypsy Horses, are commonly referred to as a “people-sized” draft horse. Originally from Great Britain, they are gaining popularity all across the world for their sturdy yet elegant builds, friendly temperaments, and beautiful coats.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Gypsy Vanner Horse
When finding out how much a Gypsy Vanner will cost, these are some of the main factors that will determine the price:
Bloodlines
As with all horse breeds, bloodlines will play a large role in the cost of a Gypsy Vanner. A horse with a stellar pedigree will often sell for a lot of money.
The Gypsy King was one of the first Gypsy Vanners imported to the U.S. and along with Cushti Bok, was a foundation sire for the breed in North America. Famous for his impeccable good looks, The Gypsy King was often the subject of magazine covers and calendars.
In addition to being a talented dressage horse, he was a top producing stallion. Many people today will pay good money for horses with The Gypsy King in their pedigree.
Training
Gypsy Vanners are versatile horses, excelling in riding and driving divisions. Their athleticism and intelligence make them popular horses for people of all ages and experience.
Training a horse is not cheap, as a professional will have to work a horse several times a week to keep them in shape.
Show horses are often kept in training to keep up with the high demands of competing. This means a horse that is in show training will cost more than one that only gets ridden a couple of times a month.
Perry Correll / Shutterstock.com Show Records
Gypsy Vanners are popular mounts in the show ring for dressage, hunter pleasure, western and carriage driving. Their eye-catching appearance allows them to stand out among a crowd.
Gypsy Vanners are becoming more and more popular as show horses. Their steady temperaments and willingness to please allow them to shine in a wide variety of disciplines. Horses with impressive show records often go for upwards of $25,000.
Age and Conformation
Conformation can be a big factor in the price of a Gypsy Vanner. The ideal Gypsy Vanner has a powerful, draft-like build, well-arched neck, refined head, and feathering on the legs. You can expect to pay a higher price for a horse that meets all these characteristics.
In addition to conformation, age will play a factor in the cost. The ideal age of a Gypsy Vanner is between 7-14 years old. At these ages, horses will be at their most fit for riding and driving. Horses in their late teens or early 20s will typically sell for significantly less.
Color
Black and white piebald and skewbald are the most common colors of Gypsy Vanners. However, any coat pattern and color is acceptable within the breed registry.
Horses of less common colors within the breed, such as palominos and grays, will often sell for more money as their coats are unique for Gypsy Vanners.
Monthly Costs of a Gypsy Vanner
It is important to take into consideration the monthly cost to own a Gypsy Vanner before buying one. Boarding often costs between $150-$1,000 a month, depending on if your horse lives in a stall or pasture.
Board typically includes the cost of food, bedding and basic care. Your horse will need its hooves done by a farrier every 6-8 weeks, which typically costs between $45 – $150. Annual veterinary cost will generally be $200-$400, with dentistry costing $80-$250 every six months to a year.
Since Gypsy Vanners often have long, thick manes and tails, as well as feathering, you will need to spend time each month maintaining their hair. You may need to buy more shampoo and conditioner than you would for an average horse.
Other Options Besides Buying
Buying a horse isn’t realistic for everyone, but fortunately there are other options available. Leasing and joint ownership are the main two alternatives to owning your own horse.
In some situations, owners may offer their horses for lease. This gives you the opportunity to have partial or full use of a horse without spending as much money as buying one.
Another option is a limited liability company (LLC) or partnership, which splits the costs of buying and owning a Gypsy Vanner.
Owning a Gypsy Vanner
Whether you are looking for a beautiful show horse or a trusty companion on the trails, Gypsy Vanners are wonderful horses to own. Their calm temperaments and friendly disposition make them great horses for people of all ages.
Since Gypsy Vanners aren’t that common in North America, you can expect to pay between $10,000-$40,000. Their stunning coats, elegant feathering, and athletic ability make them desirable horses to own. If you are looking to buy a horse, a Gypsy Vanner might be the right one for you.
Source: horseyhooves.com
