Do you think we look distinguished? Cute? Funny? All of the above? No, these are not photoshopped, faked, or doctored in any way. These ‘stashes are 100 percent real and this adorable horse mustache trait is found in the Gypsy Vanner and the newly developing mini Gypsies.
The “mustaches” on these horses are linked to the same gene that gives them their luxuriously long manes, tails and heavy feather on their legs. Blanche Kohl Of Parrett Mountain Gypsies in Oregon explained to iHeartHorses:
“It is [their] hair that distinguishes this breed from other breeds. Though there are far more valuable traits of the Gypsy Cob, they are most known for their fairy tail look! Hair is an additive or a cumulative gene and is recessive. In order to maintain or add hair, breeding is upmost importance! You must breed hair to hair to maintain or increase hair. This gene is responsible for the mustache, beard, double manes, thick lush tails, belly hair and of course that silky straight feather that is highly sought after!”
Honestly, it’s just the cutest thing and many Gypsy owners just love the ‘staches their horses (mares, stallion and geldings alike!) grow. Check out some of these amazing horsestaches below – do you have a favorite? Tell us in the comments!
(Note: every image is reprinted with express permission for use on iHeartHorses.com by the person listed in the caption.)
Miss Gucci of Lexin by Steffanie Christensen. Mini Gypsy Mare from MHB Gypsy Ponies. Christensen is known for her efforts to breed 100 percent pure miniature Gypsies.
Wyatt by Nellie Spicher. Gypsy stallion. He's 11.3 hands. Standing at stud in Oregon at Tumbleweed Pony Company.
Wyatt by Melanie Block of Bellbottom Farms in Illinois
Belladonna Cat Burglar by Melanie Block of Bellbottom Farms
Small bay filly by Melanie Block of Bellbottom Farms
Cold Fusion photo by Melanie Block of Bellbottom Farms
SD Don by Parrett Mountain Gypsies in Oregon.
SD Alfie by Parrett Mountain Gypsies
SD Fab by Parrett Mountain Gypsies
The Don by Parrett Mountain Gypsies
Geordi by Elizabeth Guymon Keck of Once Upon A Dream Acres in Idaho
By Elizabeth Guymon Keck of Once Upon A Dream Acres. She explained she has to trim the ‘stache in winter, or else it freezes!
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
By Elizabeth Guymon Keck of Once Upon A Dream Acres. The ‘stache gets dyed depending on what they eat – green with Alfalfa and tan with rice bran.
Mare by Jennifer Lynch
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