This is the first in a series of articles focusing on the Gypsy Vanner Breed Standard.  The breed standard was originally developed in 1996 when the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society was established.  In 2009, the GVHS Board of Directors, along with a independent equine professional, and several Gypsy Vanner owners and breeders, this same breed standard was expanded to make it much more relevant in detail for judges and breeders.  The breed standard and focus on Gypsy Vanner breed type has not changed, it is just explained in more detail.  We begin with one of the least understood areas of the standard, the forelegs. 

From the elbow to the ground, the forelegs must be structurally, straight, correct columns of strength to support the weight and movement of the horse. Although the entire leg is additionally comprised of the shoulder and arm, it is the lower regions of the foreleg that command attention for assessment of structural correctness.

When viewed from the front, the legs must be plumb and true, with front view imaginary lines passing vertically down through the center of the knee, on through the center of the fetlock joint, continuing down through the pastern to the center of the hoof. When viewed from the side, the leg follows a similar alignment, passing down the leg through the center of the knee, down the cannon through the center of the fetlock, to the heel of the hoof.

Deviations from these imaginary lines are considered defects in structure and may be the cause for unsoundness of the limbs when stress, strain and concussion are applied through use. Therefore, the amount and size of bone should be substantial and yet, refined, and clearly defined. The substance of bone must reflect the workmanlike image to sustain loading and stress of a draft animal.

The limbs of the horse should clearly exemplify defined joints in the leg, in proportion to the diameter of cannon and pastern bones. The knees, hocks and fetlocks should be very obvious junctures of the leg structure, with heavy to middle bone.

The forearm to cannon ratio needs to be at least 55% to 45%, respectively, with the forearm always longer than the cannon. The length of the pastern needs to be proportional to the remainder of the leg. The fore-pastern and hoof angle should be equal to provide strength and support to the lower leg. 

The hooves of the horse must be of a size and proportion to properly support the horse in all athletic uses. The hooves must have symmetrical shape, with ample width and angle at the heels. Flat hooves with low heels are not desirable. Although the lower legs of the Gypsy Vanner are typically covered with feather, the pasterns and hooves must not be ignored and need to be correct and sound.

The width between the forelegs should be less than the width of the chest when the horse is posed standing. This is a desirable trait in draft horses to be essentially base narrow, for working in furrows. Care must be taken to not exaggerate the acceptance of the base narrow condition, while maintaining form to function .