| FriesiansBrief HistoryThis draft breed is rooted in | | | | almost 100 years the Romany people, or Gypsies, |
| Friesland, Northwestern Europe, which is now a part of | | | | have bred the cob to pull their traditional carts and |
| the Netherlands. The original stock was descended | | | | "mobile homes" throughout the country lanes of Ireland |
| from the order of Equus robustus (the big horse). In the | | | | and England. And although many of the "Travelers" - |
| 16th and 17th centuries, Andalusian lineage was | | | | as the ones who move about the country are called - |
| introduced to the bloodline in the form of Spanish | | | | have changed to more modern conveyances, there |
| stallions which were abandoned on the battlefield | | | | are still those who cling to the traditional mode of |
| during the war between the Spanish and the Dutch. | | | | travel.Even though many people of the Romany |
| This new blood endowed the Friesian line with higher | | | | heritage no longer travel, they continue to breed these |
| knee action, smaller heads, and arching | | | | colorful horses as a way of keeping tradition alive. As |
| necks.Description and CharacteristicsThe Friesian is | | | | long ago the modern Gypsy's wealth is still, in a large |
| one of the smaller draft horses, in stature and weight. | | | | part, measured by the size and quality of his horse |
| In order for Friesians to be deemed purebred, and | | | | herd.Description and ConformationThe Gypsy Cob has |
| allowed to be used for breeding stock for a purebred | | | | no one specific color. The most common are pinto |
| line, they must be at least 14.3 hands (57.2 in., or 145.3 | | | | patterned, piebald, and skewbald. They are small, in |
| cm.) at the shoulder. And the subject must be solid | | | | that they traditionally stand 13 to 15.2 hands (52 to 60.8 |
| black with no white markings on the legs or body. The | | | | in., or 132 to 154 cm.) at the shoulder. They are |
| typical height is 15.3 to 16.1 hands (155.4 to 163.6 cm., or | | | | compact, yet sturdy and durable. Their stamina allows |
| 61.2 to 64.4 in.). The Friesian is heavily boned, and the | | | | them to pull a loaded "living wagon", at a steady trot, all |
| adult averages about 1300 pounds (92.3 stones). This | | | | day long.In order to be classified as a traditional Gypsy |
| breed appears to be short and stocky. The thick | | | | horse, they must have an abundance of hair and |
| manes and tails, and abundant fetlock hair are | | | | feathering. The feathering starts at the knee and |
| traditionally allowed to remain full and natural. The | | | | grows all over the bottom half of the leg to the |
| Friesian has a good temperament and is sensible but | | | | hoof.The Gypsy Cob has been bred for a particular |
| lively. The breed can be used for pulling, or for saddle | | | | type for years, but can trace their ancestral roots |
| riding. And while Friesians have the normal gaits - walk, | | | | back to Clydesdales, Shires, Friesians, and Irish Drafts |
| trot, and canter - long tradition has emphasized the | | | | as well a Connemara, Dales, and Fell ponies. This |
| "big" trot which is typical of the breed.Gypsy | | | | horse is typically known to be very sound and sane, a |
| CobHistoryThis small draft horse traces its roots to the | | | | faithful companion, and to possess incredible versatility. |
| Romanys, who had no need for the larger drafts. For | | | | |