Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Gypsy and a Vanner?  No difference.  A Vanner is a Gypsy horse registered with the Gypsy Vanner Society, but it is still a Gypsy.

What is the difference between a Gypsy Cob and a Drum horse?  A Drum horse is the combination of breeding a Gypsy Cob to a Shire, Clydesdale or Friesian to achieve a larger size (over 16 hands) while keeping the profuse feathering the breed is noted for.  There are three ways to get a Drum horse:  cross a Cob with a Drum,  breed a Drum to a Drum, or cross a Gypsy Cob with a Shire, Clydesdale or Friesian.  People desiring all the marvelous traits of a Gypsy Cob but in a larger size can find their dream horse in a Drum.

Where did you get King Rocky?  King Rocky was originally purchased in the 1990’s for the highest price ever paid for a Drum stallion by noted Irish horseman, Pat Cash, of Clononeen Farm in Ireland.  Pat later sold King Rocky to a breeder in the Netherlands.  From there King Rocky traveled to France (where he was trick trained), Spain and finally England.  King Rocky was imported to the US in 2004 by Black Forest Shire and Gypsy Horses.  We purchased King Rocky directly from Black Forest.  King Rocky was a famous and prolific stallion in Europe and we are honored to be able to have him here in the United States to carry on his breeding career.  He is the sire of many highly in-demand foals in Europe and we regularly hear from their owners wanting the latest news on King Rocky.  King Rocky is registered with the Irish Cob Society NL, Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Association and the Gypsy Cob Society.

What are King Rocky’s personal statistics?  King Rocky was born in Ireland in approximately 1990 and is a Gypsy Cob – Shire cross.  His sire and dam are unknown.  He stands nearly 16.2 hands and his profuse feathering and luxurious mane and tail turn heads wherever he goes.  His unusual markings really set him apart.

What makes King Rocky so special?  EVERYTHING!  King Rocky has the whole package:  fabulous looks, a temperament that would be the dream of any breed and the ability to pass those traits on to his offspring.  Absolutely bombproof, he appeared as the opening act for Pfizer Fantasia at the MA Equine Affaire in November 2006.  He never flinched in spite of several thousand cheering and clapping audience members.  King Rocky settled 100% of the mares shipped to in 2006 with all but one settling on their first shipment.  His first US foals hit the ground in 2007 and we consistently hear from their owners how friendly and intelligent they are.  King Rocky also shines in the show ring.  We are thrilled that King Rocky was overall high point Grand Champion at the Kentucky Classic Gypsy Cob and Drum Horse Show held at the Kentucky Horse Park in May 2007.  He competed in in-hand, conditioning and grooming, color breed, obstacles, Hunter Under Saddle, Dressage, Western, Saddle Seat and bareback classes.  His 2 year old son, Rockbackn’Cruz, (aka “Little Rocky) was also a winner taking first place in Suitability for Dressage In-hand.  King Rocky truly epitomizes the versatility, temperament and intelligence that Drum horses are treasured for.

Do you stand King Rocky to outside mares?  Yes.  King Rocky is available to a limited number of approved mares each breeding season.  See Breeding page for more information.

Is King Rocky homozygous?  No.  Although all of his 2007 foals are colored King Rocky has had solid colored foals in the past.  No color guarantee can be offered.

Will you breed to non-feathered breeds?  We will breed to a limited number of non-feathered breeds on a case-by-case basis.  Anyone interested in breeding their non-feathered mare should contact us directly for further information.

What is King Rocky’s stud fee?  See Breeding page for King Rocky’s Breeding Fee Schedule.  We also offer discounts for members of Gypsy breed associations, multiple mare discounts and return clients.

Do you have any horses for sale?   See the Horses for Sale page for available King Rocky offspring.

Where can I see King Rocky?  Visitors are welcome to visit King Rocky and all the Northeast Gypsy Legend horses at their home base at Sable Oak Equestrian Center in Brunswick, Maine.  We are a working farm so please call first to make an appointment so that we will be sure to be available.  King Rocky, Little Rocky and our new Lion King filly maintain an active show schedule.  See the Upcoming Events page for information on upcoming shows and appearances.

How do I get information about breeding my mare to King Rocky?  The Breeding page has extensive information on booking your mare to King Rocky.  A Breeding Information Packet, contracts and frequently asked questions about breeding are all included on that page.

Do you do any live cover?  We are frequently asked if we will do live cover and the answer is always “no.”  With the advances in AI and ability to ship anywhere overnight via Fed Ex we see no reason to subject mare, stallion or handlers to the dangers inherent in live cover.

Do you offer training to outside horses?  All training is conducted at Sable Oak Equestrian Center in Brunswick, Maine under the direction of Sherrye Johnson Trafton.  Information on training opportunities can be found on the Training page.

What are some fun things about King Rocky?  First of all, King Rocky is a total ham!  He loves to perform in front of a crowd and will stand patiently for hours for photos or attention from admirers.  He also is trick trained and can sit, lie down and bow.  His absolute favorite trick, however, is to beg for treats by raising his left front leg and waving it in the air.  His favorite treats?  Anything edible!!  King Rocky is also very impatient – especially if there are visitors in the barn and he thinks he is being ignored.  His loud bangs on his stall door frequently result in a short “time-out” period!  As much as he can turn on the charm and energy in the show ring he is actually a very lazy kind of guy…he lies down for a nap between 10 and 11 am and then again between 1 and 2 pm.  And yes…he does snore.  Most importantly, King Rocky is a true gentleman and realizes that if he’s not in the breeding shed he has to respect the ladies in his presence.  He is ridden daily with and around mares and although he likes to look, he knows he can’t touch!  King Rocky is also an escape artist, having succeeded in finding multiple ways to get out of his supposedly secure stall – a trait he seems to have passed onto his son, Little Rocky, as well.  King Rocky rides, drives and is an unflappable trail horse, either alone or in the company of others.  He especially enjoys trips to the beach and the chance to wade into the water and splash around.