Gypsy Ponies
Throughout history Gypsy people traveled
in horse drawn caravans drawn by
small sturdy horses known to the locals as "Gypsy Ponies or
"Tinker Ponies." Gypsy
ponies come in all colors having been developed from several
different breeds of horses and native ponies.
The "Travelers" preferred a small horse (pony) that was sturdy, strong, and
gentle, and an "easy keeper" which is a perfect description of the
ponies we are
raising here at Flying W Farms.
These
lovable, gentle ponies are thick set, with short
backs, excellent feet and legs with plenty of good clean
bone. They are very strong yet easy going and kind
by nature. They are extremely appealing with soft eyes, abundance
of thick wavy manes and tails. Their legs are adorned with silky
feathers which can be seen
at an early age and become more profuse as the pony grows
older. By the time they are four or five years old they
often have forelock down to the muzzle and
lots of silky feathers from the knees to the ground.
Gypsy ponies are very hardy and do very well in all climates. They
grow very heavy winter coats complete with "beards" and can
withstand the coldest winter.
In spring they shed to summer coats and get along just fine in the
heat. As with
any pony, they like good pasture, fresh water and some shade in
summer. We
provide them with good hay, a little grain, and fresh water in
winter.
We have shelter for them to go in and out as they
please year around. However
they seldom use it. They prefer to be outside. They love people
and come
running to you when they see or hear you. You call and they
come flying!!!
Gypsy ponies are most definitely a draft pony but
also make wonderful mounts for children and adults alike. They are
very comfortable to ride.
The name Gypsy Pony or Tinker Pony refers more to a certain type,
demeanor and conformation rather than a breed. At least that was
the case prior to the organization of the International Gypsy Pony
Registry. The IGPR is registering these ponies, studying
their background, tracking their pedigrees in order to
preserve their heritage. The Registry is open to any pony that is
of the right size, (14.2 and under), of the draft type
and meets the standard of quality, conformation and disposition.
With time these ponies will develop into their own distinct
breed; IGPR is in
process of developing a the Registry website which should be
online within
30 days. Information, printable forms, etc will be available
online at that time.
PONIES FOR SALE
We have nine 2009 foals, the colts will
be for sale when weaned;
A few of the fillies may also be offered for sale as well. The
sire of our 2009 foals is Flying W Farms Prince Aladdin
(Friesian/draft pony mare cross). The mothers are
spotted draft ponies some sired by SMHC Gypsy King (pictured
above) and the others are by Alwood Jo, (our old "Haffy" pony) a heavy
double
maned Haflinger pony that stood just 13 hands. The foals
are very much the stocky sturdy Gypsy type and will have lots of mane, tail,
and feathers
as they mature. They can all be registered with the IGPR. We will post photos of all the foals later
this summer.
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TEAM OF PERFECTLY MATCHED GELDINGS.
FLYING W FARMS DANNY AND SCOUT
We have a team of perfect matched bay and
white pinto geldings,
super sturdy big boned ponies, They are two year olds and measure
48 inches at this time. We expect them to mature around 50+
inches.
They are trained
to ride and drive single and double. This is
an absolutely beautiful, gentle pair of Gypsy ponies. Their
sire is
SMHC Gypsy King, pictured above and their mothers are our spotted
draft ponies. We will post video of this team on site soon.
FLYING W FARMS LADDIE
This is a beautiful sorrel/golden colored gelding, very
pretty, blaze face, kind
eyes and a gorgeous white double mane that lies on both sides of
his neck.
He has white tail that would drag the ground if not kept trimmed.
He stands
47" at two years and we estimate his mature height to be
around 50 inches.
He is only two but like Danny and Scout his beautiful silky
feathers are already in view.
Lad is gentle and quiet, trained to ride and drive. Video coming
next week.
Farms
