Breed Portrait Tinker: Great Leisure Partners

The History of Tinker Horses

These robust and reliable animals, also known as Tinker Ponies or Irish Cob, are popular for their even temperament and strength. Tinker horses have a compact build, strong legs, and often a striking coat pattern that makes them special. They are true all-rounders and are suitable for both cross-country and dressage. Their adaptability and friendliness make them ideal family horses. Ireland is proud of this breed, deeply rooted in the tradition of travelers and today delights horse lovers worldwide. A Tinker could be just the right horse if you are looking for a versatile companion with a strong character.

The Tinker was created through the deliberate crossbreeding of various horse breeds such as the Shire Horse, the Clydesdale, and the Welsh Cob to combine the desired characteristics that met the specific requirements of the communities that used them. The increased crossbreeding of these piebald horses resulted in a diverse range of coat markings. Full-colored Tinkers, on the other hand, are very rare. It was not until the 1990s that the Irish Cob Society (ICS) was established as the first official breeding association for Tinkers.

The ICS has defined standards to ensure that the quality and characteristics of the Tinker are maintained. Not only coloration but also conformation and character play an important role. This ensures that Tinkers maintain their reputation as robust, good-natured, and versatile horses.

The Tinker in Profile

In this profile you will find all the important information at a glance:

• Stock size: 130 - 160 cm
•  Weight: 450 - 800 kg
•  Life expectancy: 25 - 30 years
•  Coat colors: Predominantly piebald
•  Character: friendly, people-oriented, intelligent, willing to work, balanced
•  Gaits: Walk, trot, canter Powerful, energetic
•  Suitable for: Recreational riding, Driving, Therapeutic riding

Characteristics of Tinker Horses

Horses of this breed generally have a robust and compact build with a broad chest and strong legs. They are also characterized by a distinctive ram's head and large, dark, or blue eyes. The Tinker is famous for its luxuriant long coat and dense pasterns. Due to its historical origins, it is usually found as a pinto, although it also occurs as a gray, black, or bay.

Some horse breeds such as Shire Horses, Friesians or Tinkers develop a longer coat in certain areas - including under the chin or on the upper lip. This sometimes gives them a rustic, bearded appearance. This natural "beard" is particularly noticeable in winter, whereas in summer it is less obvious. 

Interior: The Character of the Tinker

Tinkers not only impress with their outward appearance, but are also known for their distinctive personality and even temperament.

• Horses of this breed are known for their friendly nature and gentle disposition.
• They are loyal and people-oriented and are interested in a close bond with their owners.
• Tinkers are smart and have a strong willingness to work. They can learn new skills quickly and are extremely motivated.
• They are also extremely patient and calm to deal with. They always maintain a calm attitude and are difficult to upset.

Are Tinkers Suitable for Children and Beginners?

Are you looking for a horse that not only impresses with its versatility in size, but also with its pleasant nature? Tinkers could be just the thing. They are characterized by their friendliness and loyalty and are also smart and patient. Their even temperament makes them ideal for beginners and children. Their tolerance of beginner mistakes is particularly noteworthy, making them reliable instructors on four hooves. Whether for their first attempts at riding or as a loyal companion.

Care and Keeping of Tinker Horses

When caring for these horses, it is important to ensure a balanced diet. They need a combination of roughage, such as hay, and concentrated feed, whereby the latter should be adapted to the workload. Regular exercise is essential for Tinkers to maintain their fitness and well-being.

Their long manes and the luxuriant coat on their legs require special attention to avoid matting and skin problems. Regular grooming and washing are therefore essential. It is also important to keep their hooves in good condition, as Tinker horses can be susceptible to hoof diseases due to their weight.

Tinker Horses as Leisure Partners

Tinker horses are known for their friendly nature and robustness, which makes them ideal leisure partners. Their impressive mane and characteristic piebald pattern make every ride an eye-catcher. Whether hiking through the countryside, relaxed riding in the country or training in the riding arena, Tinker horses are versatile and cooperative. Their calmness and patience are ideal for therapeutic riding and make them reliable companions for riders of all ages. With their even-tempered nature and willingness to learn, Tinker horses offer a wonderful opportunity to spend leisure time actively and in connection with nature.

Tinker Horses in Equestrian Sport

Originally, Tinkers were bred purely as draft horses and impressed with their reliability and strength both in front of the carriage and in agriculture. Nowadays, Tinkers are bred as versatile all-rounders. Due to their massive build, they are not necessarily suitable for dressage, show jumping and eventing at the highest competition level, but they can still be successful in these disciplines in mass sport competitions. They are particularly common in dressage and pleasure. Tinkers are ideal leisure horses that can impress with their lively and ground-covering gaits as well as their stamina. Thanks to their gentle character, they are perfect for beginners and can often be found in riding schools. Due to their friendly nature, they are also often used as therapy horses.

Health and Nutrition of Tinkers

If you are interested in the health of Tinkers, it is important to consider the special needs of this robust breed of horse. Their health depends on a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate care.

A balanced diet for Tinkers should be high in fiber and low in energy due to their slow metabolism and tendency to be overweight. Make sure that the feed is of high quality and contains all the necessary nutrients.

Regular exercise is also essential to maintain your weight and strengthen your muscles. 

Care of the hooves, coat and teeth must not be neglected in order to prevent diseases. Regular check-ups by a vet are essential to ensure the health of your Tinker. Nevertheless, some diseases typical of the breed are more common in Tinkers.

Laminitis

Laminitis is a painful inflammation of the hoof corium, which typically occurs in the area of the toe wall. If this inflammation is not recognized and treated early, the coffin bone can twist and sag. Ultimately, it may even break through the sole, leading to complete loss of the horn capsule. In severe cases, the difficult decision may have to be made to put the horse out of its misery and euthanize it. A diet too rich in starch and sugar is considered the most common cause of laminitis in horses.

Mauke

Mauke is a skin disease that typically occurs in the fetlock bends of horses and can manifest itself as redness, swelling, crusts, itching and lameness. Possible causes of this condition include an unbalanced diet, damaged skin due to poor housing conditions or other diseases. Horse breeds with abundant fetlocks such as FriesiansShetland ponies, Icelanders or Tinkers seem to be more susceptible to this skin disease.

Sweet Itch

Tinkers are more frequently affected by sweet itch. Sweet itch is an allergic reaction of the skin that is triggered by the saliva of certain insects such as black flies. The insect bites cause severe itching, which causes the horse to scratch. In severe cases, scratching can lead to open wounds

Tinker Horses in Society

Tinkers are not only popular because of their striking appearance, but also because of their gentle character. They play a variety of roles in society. Originally used as workhorses, they are now often found in leisure riding. Their robustness and patience make them ideal therapy horses, which are used in animal-assisted therapy to support people with special needs. Their learning ability and adaptability allow them to excel in various equestrian disciplines. In addition, Tinkers are a symbol of cultural heritage, particularly in Ireland, where they are closely associated with the tradition of the Travellers. Their presence in parades and cultural events reflects the pride and admiration that society has for this breed of horse.