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Showing posts from October, 2012

Robert Giles Horses

 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

Kent Gypsy Horses

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

The Old Kent Horse

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!

Kimico Stud

 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

Nellie - An Old Fashioned Mare

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