If you are looking for a Gypsy Vanner it may be useful to bear in mind that really good examples of the breed change hands among the gypsies of England and Ireland for staggering sums of money (A beautiful yearling filly sold at Appleby for nearly $160,000 in '07!) This, combined with the cost of importation of breeding stock and the fact that the breed is still quite rare here in the States, means that, unfortunately, quality Gypsy Vanners are not cheap.

But if you search the internet you may well find all sorts of hairy (and not-so-hairy) lesser quality gypsy horses (or even cross-breds with no gypsy blood at all!) that are being sold under the guise of being a true Vanner. It pays to do your homework and talk to as many people as you can.

Confusingly, price is not always a good guide though. A very expensive Vanner is not necessarily top quality either! Be your own judge when it comes to buying.

Keep in mind that as well as breeding their highly-prized "blood", quality horses, some gypsies also breed "trade" horses. These are much lesser specimens. These "trade" horses are not quality breeding stock and a wise purchaser will not buy them as such and certainly won't pay more than a few thousand for them.

Conformation aside, one of the first clues that you are looking at a poorer specimen is a lack of feather. This is why you will see so many reputable breeders harping on about feather. Not because we like it (though we do!) but because it's presence is of vital importance and its lack may indicate clean-legged blood close up in the pedigree. In the eyes of a good gypsy breeder, a horse without excellent feather is worthless as a breeding animal. A heavily feathered Vanner is not necessarily a great individual...but one lacking feather can never be considered to be top quality.

Another sign is a horse that lacks bone and great substance. These are often first or second crosses with either local ponies or light horses. The gypsies call these cross-bred horses "half-leggers" but will cheerfully sell you one if you want!!
 

Please, by all means, do your homework before your new purchase. It is always a great idea to check with the registry to ensure that your exciting prospect is, indeed, what the seller claims. Never were the words Caveat Emptor (buyer beware) more true! A quick phone call or e-mail to the registrar will set your mind at rest that you are buying the true breed and not a cheap (or, worse yet, expensive!) wanna-be.