NWBHC Equinealities, Drum Horse

Drum Horse

The Drum Horse is known from the parades in London, where it is seen carrying two large, heavy kettle drums. The Drum Horse is not a breed but rather a type, and usually results from the cross of either a Shire or Clydesdale with Gypsy Cob or Vanner horses of pinto coloring. While other breeds have been used, the Clydesdale and the Shire are the more common drafters used for creating the Drum Horse. Occasionally Irish Draft or Dutch Warmbloods are used to produce a Drum Horse, but the offspring do not possess the desirable heavy feathering. The British regimental Cavalry uses the Drum Horse for parades and events for carrying a drummer and the 2 solid silver kettle drums. Very few Drum Horses exist worldwide.

A true British Drum horse.

Once owned by the Queen, and Galway stood in the Royal Stables as a drum horse sire, as well as fulfilling duties as a drum carrier. Galway Warrior is a 1/2 Shire, by the immortal Black Shire stallion Edingale Mascot. Warrior stands 17.1 hh, and is owned by Templeton Stud in Warwickshire, UK.

The Drum Horse’s type is that of a large gypsy horse, and is usually spotted, ie. pinto, or in British terms, piebald or skewbald. He stands over 16.2 hands high and has the strength to carry the big silver drums and a full-grown man. His disposition must be exceptional as he will be required to endure events that would try any horse. He is to parade calmly through noisy city streets while his rider beats loudly on the two drums on his back. The only control his rider has over his mount is by reins attached to the stirrups so he may cue the horse. To be a Drum Horse, he has to be very even-tempered and have incredible manners.

The Gypsy Horse

There are three basic types of gypsy-bred horses, the Pony, the Cob and the Vanner. The Vanner was discussed in a previous issue. All display the Draft characteristics, are relatively heavy boned, and are usually pinto colored and have heavy feathering on their legs. Ponies stand between 13 and 14 hands, Cobs between 14 and 15.2 hands, and Vanners over 15.2 hands, but generally less than 16.2 hands. The Drum Horse stands over 16.2 hands. On the continent, Vanner is often used to described non-traditional, lighter-boned and feathered horses used for riding.

The Cob or Vanner is most often used to develop the Drum Horse. Horses of this type are also known as Gypsy, Cob, and Irish Tinker, among others. They are sturdy horses with solid bone. Those with heavier bone are known as traditional cobs. All colors are acceptable for a gypsy horse, while those of pinto coloring are preferred for producing Drum Horses. Pinto horses are also the most prized among gypsy horse breeders.

The Gypsy horses are descended from many draft and pony breeds from the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Among the foundation stock are Shires, Clydesdales, Irish Drafts, Friesians, Dales Ponies, Fell Ponies, and Connemara Ponies. The Gypsies, also known as Romany folk or Travellers, still travel throughout the British Isles today. Many do so with modern motor homes and travel trailers, but some prefer the traditional style by traveling in vanner wagons pulled by their gypsy horses. The gypsy horses have been selectively bred for hundreds of years for the purpose of pulling the vanner wagon.

The Gypsy horse faithfully pulls the caravan wagon during the day, yet it’s mild temperament is suitable for teaching the children to ride when the day’s traveling is over. They must endure all types of weather and live off of whatever grasses are available wherever they stop. The Gypsy Horse is known for being it heartiness and exceptional disposition. These cold-blooded horses show their adaptability from birth. While being compact, the Gypsy horse has a sturdy build, capable of carrying and pulling a great deal more weight than a lighter built horse of similar size. The Gypsy horse is also quite adaptable at every equine discipline, form competitive driving to dressage and even western sports.

Less than 50 Gypsy horses exist in North America, but there are several breeders who are working to change those numbers. Among them are Black Forest Shires and Gypsy Horses, who are working on a breeding program to produce Drum Horses in North America. For more information on the Drum and Gypsy horses, visit www.blackforestshires.com.

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Published October 2001 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

© 1997-2018 NW Breyer Horse Club
& Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997,
Section in place 2001,
Updated 3/3/2018