For the purpose of this article, I have called them Gypsy Horses, as, regardless of the names they are called, they are still the same breed in terms of type, conformation and temperament. 
I have been asked to produce a short article as a guide for new owners, breeders and all admirers of this breed who wish to show their gypsy horses for pleasure.  

As a family run showing, competing and training yard, we have competed in possibly every discipline within the equestrian field, including dressage, show jumping, hunting, driving and showing with many breeds. My first love is the Gypsy Horse and obviously our faithful Gypsy Horses have all had a go at whatever discipline we attend with the other horses. So, we have certainly made these Gypsy Horses versatile in this modern world.

As a long term admirer for to many years to mention and also having this breed as part of my family for a few generations, I will attempt to give you some helpful guidelines 

In the UK we show the Gypsy Horse in many classes at local level. They can be found in any one or more of these classes. Breed classes, Cob classes, Coloured Horse and Pony, Family Horse and Pony, Working classes, Young Stock. Also they compete in general fun classes including children's gymkhanas and games classes. We also always like to give them a chance to show off their jumping skills, in fun jumping classes. Surprisingly for some of you, I have owned two jumping Gypsy Horses. One standing at 15.2hh and my current mare that is now on foaling duties standing at 16.2hh. Both of these horses have been well known on the jumping circuit. My 15.2hh, which I owned in excess of 25 years ago, was the highest puissance jumper in the County and he thought nothing of clearing a 5foot 8inch high, large spread. 

When it comes to County level we tend to, at the moment, concentrate on Coloured qualifying classes, so our horses are registered with CHAPS (Coloured Horse and Pony Society) and entered as 'Traditional'. At this moment in time CHAPS offer the highest qualifying classes. All horses are also registered with the new Gypsy Cob Society in the UK  

With a Gypsy Horse everyone, including the Judge, will not just be taken by flashy markings. The confirmation and movement is paramount, as it is for any type of show horse, even a bay. 

HORSE TURNOUT 

On show days 

All Gypsy Horses are left completely natural, there is no trimming, pulling or plaiting.

The tails and manes are never treated with oil or coat shine as this dampens and flattens the hair. The Gypsy Horse must have a full bouncy mane (including forelock) tail and feathers that fly to the point of being unruly. We wash all in a basic shampoo with no conditioner, then blow dry to get maximum effect, The head is never trimmed and all the whiskers are left on. 

The preparation in the gypsy cob for shows is year long, looking after mane, feathers and tail. If all this is well cared for, with no bog burn, rubbing or pulling out of mane, you will have your turnout for the show ring. It is as simple as that. 

SHOWING IN HAND 

All cobs, no matter what breed, are powerhouses on short legs. In the UK they should be over 14.2hh but not over 15hh for Cob showing classes.

A lightweight cob should have at least 8 12 inches of bone and be able to carry up to 14 stone and a heavyweight should have a minimum of 9 inches of bone and be able to carry more than 14 stone, (196lbs) 

In hand, your Gypsy Horse must walk and trot freely. The trot should be strong and powerful with a certain amount of speed to accentuate his strong forward going trot with his powerful quarters driving him from behind. The trot must be kept straight so an athletic handler is recommended!!!!

We always show our gypsy horses in plain leather show bridle without fancy trimmings, with a leather lead rein of the same colour. This shows the horse off rather than distract the judges' eye to fancy tack. Cobs tend to be always shown in what could be described as 'good working tack'.

With a gypsy cob you make an impression as you walk in the ring. They are astounding when in full flight so use every advantage and space to show them off. 

Yearlings and weanlings are shown in bit less in-hand leather bridles. 
Stallions are always shown in full stallion attire complete with bit and roller and side reins. They are shown together in one ring but with plenty of room between. All must be controllable and not cause a disruption to other horses or exhibitors of the showing class. Stallions that are seen to be of not good handling or causing ring problems will be asked to leave the ring by the judge or ring steward and not judged. All stallions shown in this country are there to represent the breed and indeed gain stud bookings as a direct result. So bad mannered un-controllable stallions will not be judged and quite rightly are classed as a disgrace to the exhibitor and or the show committee if the behaviour is allowed to continue on the show ground in general. 
As a final note no entire horse is allowed at a public exhibition over the age of 2 years without a bit in its mouth, All stallions shown in breed classes are licensed by the breed societies, in some breeds this only involves a vets certification, but some breed societies insist on a qualified breed society inspector to also evaluate the stallion.