Friesian or Gypsy Vanner?

Question

In my rich little fantasy world I have this idea that someday I will be able to afford ridiculously expensive horses, and my two favorites are the Friesian and the Gypsy Vanner.

The Friesian is all style and elegance and power, while the Vanner is like a sherman tank with a LOT of hair. I've heard that the Vanners are not nearly so impressive in real life, that their glamour is mostly photographic, but I've never seen one in real life so I don't know. Given the price tag on them is about the same, I can't figure out which one I'd want to have. So whatcha think? If you had 20k to blow on one or the other, which would you get, and WHY?

http://www.blackmagicfriesians.com/webpix/elli-nw3.gif

http://www.vannercentral.com/images/RKP6026549.jpg

Answer 1

friesian! they are very useful for dressage and riding and very pretty.

Answer 2

the friesian because it wont be so hard to keep clean than with the gypsy's white.

Answer 3

If only I had that kind of money...

I would get whichever was trained better. Actually, I doubt I would get either. Both Vanners and Friesians are more of an english discipline horse (for the most part), and I'm not much of an english rider. But if I had the choice of a Vanner and a Friesian that were trained to the same level, I would choose the Vanner. I have a thing for paints. Some Friesians have a setback in their conformation that doesn't allow a canter (or only permits a very bad canter). So, I think I would go with the Vanner if I had the money and the option.

Answer 4

They are both gorgeous, but vanners are big hairy cobs - that's it.  In Europe (and I am sure the UK people here will say the same thing) they really aren't that big a deal.  Heck, when I worked in Ireland, the people next door had one and everyone referred to it as "Oh, that?  The farmer's ratty little pony?"  To the best of my knowledge, there isn't any real history behind the breed, registry-wise.  There's no real regulation (and if there is now, then it's very very recent.)

Friesians on the other hand are held to relatively strict standards.  They need to be inspected and approved in order to have their name go on the books. For that reason alone, if I HAD to buy one or the other, I'd go with the friesian.

Answer 5

I would go for the vanners. they are very pretty in real life.

Answer 6

Friesian for me...You can get the Vanners here way cheaper than a Friesian.  In fact someone here has 3 yearlings going for 1200 a piece, 5000 grand for broke ones.

Answer 7

gypsy horses are lovely when they are all groomed, washed and done up. when you see them in the field, to be quite honest, they look a hairy mess.

frieshans look lovely anyway which is why i love them.

Answer 8

I care for two Friesians, and I have to say that I am pretty partial to them!!  I have seen Gypsys in person, and they can be very impressive, but there are three size classes, and I usually see the smaller ones up close.  The drum horses are the big impressive ones, and they seem to be pretty rare.  Based almost solely off of the fact that white is awful to keep clean anyway, much less when you add in all that hair, I would go Friesian!!

Answer 9

Friesian for sure, love them both but the Friesian wins in my  book, and the name would have to be "Ravens Phantom", yep thought of that yrs ago:)  Love the breed, the temperament, the power everything about them.

Answer 10

I've seen both in real life as I sometimes work special events at a large fair grounds in central Georgia.  As for which is a nicer horse, I can't answer that.  As for sheer presence - the Freisian gets my vote, hands down.  The owners of the Gypsy Vanners that I spoke with said that while their horses are beautiful and they prefer them to any other it is a full time job to keep them that way - especially because of their coloring (most have lots of white on them) and their feathers collect mud and debris like nobody's business.

If I could choose to have one I'd take my dream horse...Freisian.

Answer 11

*sigh* Wouldn't it be nice to have 20k to blow on a horse? Anyway, it really depends on what type of riding you'd like to do.  Traditionally the Gypsy Vanners and Friesians are mainly english disciplined horses but I've met a few who aren't.  Vanners are actually built more for pulling caraiges and such but can be ridden as well.  Both are beautiful breeds but the Gypsy Vanners require more maintenance, especially if you want them to look like those in photo ads.  I've actually ridden a Friesian quite a few times and found it to be a very enjoyable experience.  They are friendly, with sweet dispositions and a relaxed temperament.  They also have very beautiful movement but when you ask for the canter you'd better hold on tight, they really lift up when they're cantering.  So I guess I'd reccomend a Friesian but both are beautiful creatures and now I'm probably going to get attacked by all the Gypsy Vanner lovers/Friesian haters.  Oh well, this was fun to answer at least :)

Answer 12

in my fantasy world i'd have both and not worry about having to pick what one i like better. but i have loved friesians longer. . . and am saving up for one someday in my real world... thanks for the question it was fun to think bout

Answer 13

I would choose the friesian !!!!!

Answer 14

Hard choice but... Friesian. I got to take a Friesian gelding out trail riding and it was just wonderful. Besides which, i'm a dressage girl so if i can't have a lippizaner, i'd take a Friesan. I like Vanners but i think the solid colour would show off the ripling muscles better in the ring.

Answer 15

My fantasy is to have a Gypsy Vanner

I just think they are so awesome and beautiful

for now I'm stuck with Quarters and Paints

Answer 16

I would go with the vanner i love all that hair.

Answer 17

Gypsy Vanner, yes they take a h**l lot of care but at the end god they look gorgeous!

Frisians are ok but get really really hot and sometimes loose there gleam in their coat.

I'm a bit bias though.

use to own a colt Gypsy Vanner. it was 1 year old and sold for £5,000.

mind they now when there in charge :)

Answer 18

I love all around black horses that have no markings. So I would definitely get a Friesian. They have great conformation and ride very well.

They are both really hard to take care of and keep beautiful.