Gypsy Vanner judging seminar 10/09

Some may think 'Judging 'a totally subjective enterprise, and in some sense, they would be correct. However, if the judge comes to his or her task with a wide range of experiences and the best training available, it is so much more. It is truly a skill and possibly an art. The Gypsy Vanner Horse Society is stepping away from the personal agendas that have driven the registries for the Gypsy Vanner since they were first introduced to the US in 1996. They have begun a process that, ideally, was needed from the very first show in Oregon. Several years have gone by using draft horse, light horse, English Traveler breeders, saddleseat, and pony judges. None have been thoroghly trained in the fine art of looking at the Gypsy horse from conformation to movement. The Traveler is probably best aquainted with the horse but many are so jealous of others achievements, their choices in the ring echo their personal preferences. For us at Chocolate Horse Farm, a trip to Wales, and hours looking at hundreds of horses, has been enlightening and reminds us of how a good breeder produces stock that has a distinctive look. In this case, with few exceptions met the ideal conformation of a Gypsy Vanner Horse. My intent with this blog is to explore the reasons for various types of Gypsy Horse.