Rhiannon and Rhemi | 2023 Premier Club

The Third Release of the 2023 Premier Club!

Often referred to as a “people-sized” draft horse, the popularity of the Vanner Horse continues to rise as horse lovers fall in love with their coloring, friendly nature, and beautiful hair! While still a newer breed in the United States, the Vanner Horse’s origins with the Irish and Romani Travellers can be traced back to the late 1800s. They had need of a horse strong enough to pull a wagon, but gentle enough for a life spent around people. While breeding information had largely been closely-guarded by the dedicated individuals whose life’s work was creating this breed, we know that the Shire, Clydesdale, Dales Pony, and Friesian all contributed to the modern Vanner Horse.

The Vanner Horse stands on average just 15-16hh. Compact and muscular, they are adept under harness and saddle. Heavy leg feathering, as well as long, thick manes and tails are standard. Coat colors vary and may or may not be patterned, but colorful coats have always been favored.

Rhiannon and her filly Rhemi are gorgeous representatives of their breed. Kylee Parks of Studio Thornrose sculpted and created the original finishwork for this delightful pair. Kylee’s passion for and knowledge of horses came through in these pieces, which she designed to look beautiful paired together or on their own. One can envision Rhiannon calmly following her excited filly across the pasture, and the level of detail put into her hair imparts that feeling of movement. Kylee shares, “Hair is very fun to sculpt for me…it is always my ‘reward’ in the sculpting process.” She continues, “As a mother, a horse breeder and lover of heavy drafts, this whole process touched on all of my favorite things and I loved every moment of it.”