Small HorseGreat Britain and Ireland

Tinker (also: Irish Cob, Gypsy Vanner)

"The Tinker, also known as Irish Cob or Gypsy Vanner, is a powerful, versatile robust horse with a characteristic piebald coat and abundant feathering, highly valued for its extremely gentle and dependable temperament."

Your Height:

180 cm

Shoulder Height: 145 cm

Age20-30 years

Average life expectancy with species-appropriate husbandry and good health.

Height

Shoulder Height: 130-160cmHead Height: ~173cm (est.)

The standard size measured from the ground to the highest point of the shoulder (withers).

Weight450-800 kg

Ideal body weight for a healthy, adult breed.

Cost/Month€220+

The sum of food, insurance, and basic care per month.

Character Profile

Activity Level

The urge to move and the willingness to perform of the horse in training and everyday life.

A robust breed with a generally calm nature, but possesses enough work ethic for daily tasks.

Temperament

Describes the character from calm and composed to spirited and sensitive.

Balanced and steady-nerved, rarely prone to spookiness.

Beginner Friendly

How well the horse is suited for riders with little experience or as a first horse.

Very patient and people-oriented, ideal for beginners and children.

Social Behavior

Compatibility with conspecifics in the herd or stable.

Very tolerant and social, gets along well in herd settings.

Reliability

Composure in stressful situations (skittishness).

Known as an extremely dependable partner in all situations.

Versatility

Suitability for various disciplines such as dressage, jumping, leisure or western.

Versatile for use as a leisure, driving, and therapy horse.

Grooming Effort

Time required for grooming, hoof care and general stable hygiene.

The lush long hair and prominent feathering require regular and intensive care.

Did you know?

Keeping a pet of this size costs over 80€ per month on average. Plan your finances wisely.

Character & Training

Tinkers are characterized by a calm, intelligent, and extremely people-oriented nature. They are considered steady-nerved, patient, and good-natured.

Living & Exercise

They are undemanding to keep, but due to their thick feathering, they require dry pasture areas and excellent stable hygiene to prevent conditions like pastern dermatitis (mud fever).

Health & Grooming

A very robust breed, but prone to breed-specific issues such as mud fever (due to the feathering) and, if fed incorrectly, metabolic diseases like laminitis.

History

Originally bred by traveling communities (Travellers/Roma) in Ireland and Great Britain as hardy draft and workhorses to pull heavy caravans.

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