Horse
Pronunciation:
Tin'- kerr
Breed Description:
The 'Tinker' breed of horse is also known as the Gypsy Vanner. The breed originated as a 'Romany' horse, or a horse used by the nomadic populations of Britain and Ireland to pull wagons. they are most commonly Tobiano, and look like a light draft horse, with a high set head and neck, a fast and flowing trot, and a long mane and tail, and leg feathers. Today the Tinker is bred mainly in Ireland and the UK and is becoming increasingly popular in the US where it is developing a strong following as a dressage horse.
Temperament:
The Tinker breed of horse has a very trainable temperament, but is more spirited than its draft breed ancestors.
Height:
The Tinker breed of horse stands anywhere between 14 and 17 hands.
Weight:
The Tinker breed of horse weighs between 1000 and 1400 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Tinker breed of horse has only recently benefited from an organized breeding program. Some Tinkers show signs of inbreeding, and heart murmurs and other defects can occur.
Living Conditions:
The Tinker breed of horse is very hardy and can be kept outdoors in most conditions.
Exercise:
The Tinker breed of horse is more active than its draft ancestors, and appreciates regular exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Tinker breed of horse lives into its mid twenties.
Grooming:
The Tinker breed of horse has a long and thick mane and tail, and profuse leg feathers, and so requires regular grooming. It should be shown with a natural appearance.
Origin:
The Tinker breed of horse was not recognized as a distinct breed until the late 20th century. Establishing a studbook has been difficult because pedigrees of early Tinkers were considered the private property of their gypsy owners, were seldom recorded in writing, and often kept secret. Their ancestry probably includes native Irish and British breeds, including Shires, Clydesdales, Friesians, and Dales Ponies. Breed registries have begun with selected foundation stock, and the breed is growing in popularity, especially in the US where the first Tinkers were imported in the mid 1990s. 