Gypsy Cob UK

 Robert with Tom Thumb Robert Giles is one of Britain's most respected breeders of gypsy cobs and is renowned for his talent and experience in producing driving horses.  Robert comes from a long line of horsemen and the horses are a way of life; he and his family have been based in the Sussex area for many years where they breed cobs and trotters and deal in quality horses. Robert has supplied me with many lovely horses and ponies over the years as well as plenty of good advice!  He has a real eye for a horse and can pick a good one a mile off, if I wanted a second opinion I would ask him first.  There can't be many people about who have observed and worked with the sheer amount and variety of horses that Robert has, and while he loves his cobs he has great enthusiasm for all ponies and horses and the ability to get the best from them all.  Lovely old fashioned palamino mare - Robert is bringing her back to harness after time off for foals.  Now ready

If you are looking to buy a cob or a quality driving horse, the job of a wise choice will always be made easier if you can buy from people who know what they are doing and truly understand their horses.  With six generations of horse breeding tradition behind them, Michael Vine and his family have a wealth of knowledge of gypsy cobs and driving horses. Pair of driving mares, currently for sale.  The Vine family name is respected internationally; cobs of their breeding can be found all over the world and many top class horses have Vine horses in their pedigrees.  Celebrated horses from the past and present such as The Lottery Horses, The Ring Master and Lloyds are always associated with the Vine name.  A Vine's bred horse has the benefit of generations of careful, selective breeding, every cob has been bred for a purpose and every cob is fit for purpose.  It is true that there are plenty of good looking cobs about and many also have impressive pedigrees.  However, what I re

I have been watching this clip I found on youtube of the Old Kent Horse.  Not only is this cob what I would call a proper cob he kind of sums up all of my childhood dreams of a fairytale horse.  That mane and feathers must have been brushed with fairy magic!

 Gypsy cobs are of the most beautiful and versatile horses; today we can thank past generations of travelling folk who have given us a horse capable of doing pretty much anything we ask of it and to a high standard.  This is why it is exciting to come across breeders who not only breed quality, traditonal cobs but also take the trouble to produce them, work them and show the world what they can do.  Kim Carrick of Kimico stud is one such breeder who has made a name for herself for breeding quality traditional cobs and producing and showing them to a very high standard.  Last week her stallion, "Tango in your Dreams," competed at horse of the year show.  Kimico stud is based in the stunning countryside of Cumbria where Kim and her family have always been involved with farming and horses.  Her great uncle Kit Potter had a herd of gypsy cobs and her grandfather kept fell ponies.  Kim favoured the gypsy cobs and would spend every spare minute out on

I know that am am biased because Nellie is my pony, however I believe her to be an excellent example of a proper trolley pony and a true gypsy cob.  I purchased Nellie a few years ago from Alfie Kerry for use in my riding school.  Alfie didn't breed Nellie and her breeding is uncertain, however we believe there is some Connors influence in the mix.  Alfie bred some lovely foals from Nellie and did plenty of driving with her; he took her to Cranleigh show and many people still remember her from the New Forest Drive where she impressed everyone with her excellent manners, stamina and how she covered the ground. Nellie is a good old fashioned sort and is beautifully put together, she is strong, with excellent bone and joints; I haven't seen many mares with a front like hers - you could certainly fit a top hat between her knees!  She also has wonderful paces with a big, powerful stride, great natural rythmn and balance and also very agile and athletic.  Nellie had not been r

Gucci is a remarkable stallion, sired by Dick Smith's "Black Horse" he has plenty of sought after bloodlines.  However he is a superb example in his own right. He has very good conformation with a great sense of strength and balanced propertions.  Most people spot a well turned out horse with a summer coat and in show condition.  In fact many folk can be distracted from conformation faults by a beautifully groomed cob with a tangle free, flowing mane and feathers.  This is perhaps why my mother used to tell me that a horse is better judged in the rough.  If the horse you want to buy can be seen covered in mud in it's field with a mane full of teasels then all the better because that way you are forced to consider it's structure and natural movement.  If you still like it and start to visualise the horse with a gleaming coat and a nice saddle or set of harness you know you are seeing potential and it is probably worth catching the horse and taking a closer loo

 Tom Thumb Many folk argue as to what constitutes a good gypsy cob and with the popularity of the mini cob, opinions are arguably ever more divided.  In my opinion it is always worth bearing in mind the original purpose of the gypsy cob and the sort of qualities travellers were seeking in their horses.  Of course our reasons for keeping and breeding these horses are different to theirs in many respects.  However the qualities these people bred into their horses are actually the same qualities we need in ours today.  Our ancestors needed horses that were strong, healthy and that could stay sound in hard work.  They needed horses that were intelligent and trainable, with excellent temperament and the ability to turn their hoof to any job.  Like us they took great pleasure from the beauty and grace of their horses yet they did not breed ornaments - they bred useful horses.  I have heard many claim that a mini cob cannot be a true gypy cob as it would not have been much use be