History of the Gypsy Cob

History of the Gypsy Cob

Although the height of the Gypsy Cob is 13.1hh to 15.2hh, the Gypsy Cob is predominantly under 14.2hh.
The Mini Gypsy Cob is 13hh and under.

Development of the breed

The Gypsy Cob—the second Traditional Cob breed type—was developed in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) by Romany people (historically referred to as Gypsies), by selectively breeding Ireland's Traditional Cob (Irish Cob), to maximise the stockiness and heavy bone and feather of the Irish Cob, to reduce the height of the Irish Cob, and to add driving cob characteristics attributed to the Welsh Cob – including a more driving cob type shoulder, withers and chest and a sweeter ‘Welsh type’ head.

Although the Gypsy Cob is typically 13.1hh to 15.2hh, a Gypsy Cob that is from 14.2hh to 15.2hh can be more akin to the Irish Cob insofar as it can have a more athletic structure and longer legs than the smaller 13hh to 14.2hh Gypsy Cob.

NOTE: Although the Irish Cob and the Gypsy Cob share the same unique Traditional Cob breed characteristics – a powerful, compact build with ample muscle and bone, large joints and an abundance of leg hair/feathering and a luxuriant mane and tail capable of growing to a substantial length – the differences between the two Traditional Cob breed types are size and structure. Whereas the Irish Cob is a bigger riding cob that can be driven, the Gypsy Cob is a smaller driving cob that can be ridden.