|
The Gidran Arabian,
or the Hungarian Anglo-Arab, originated at the Hungarian stud of Mezohegyes,
which was founded in 1785. The breed developed during the 19th century and its
history can be traced back to the stallion Siglavy Gidran, who was imported from
Arabia in 1816. Gidran was from the notable Siglavy Arab strain and was an
imposing chestnut horse, He was mated with a Spanish mare called Arrogante which
produced a colt foal called Gidran II. Gidran II became the foundation sire of
the Gidran Arabian breed.
During the early
development of the breed, here was a rather haphazard selection process, with a
number of different mares being used, some local breeds and some Spanish. This
was followed by infusions of Thoroughbred and more Arabian blood, and led to the
fixed characteristics of the breeds. The breed was originally developed for use
as cavalry horses, having a larger and more weight=carrying frame than the
Arabian. The Gidran Arab developed along two basic lines: one heavier and
suitable for light farm and draft work and the other lighter, faster and more of
a saddle horse. The breed sustained substantial losses during the First World
War, and afterwards further Arab blood and some Kisber blood was introduced.
Numbers had again dropped by 1977 and two stallions from Bulgaria were used to
bring in fresh blood.
The Gidran Arabian
is a large, upstanding horse, solidly built, and exhibiting quality and class.
It is suitable for competitive riding, being a good sports horse, and is also
used as a carriage horse. It has a questionable temperament, believed to have
been inherited from the original Siglavy Gidran, and is not the easiest horse
with which to get along.
In appearance, they
are attractive, large horses, nearly always chestnut in color. The head is
refined, but not as fine as the traditional Arab. The neck should be in
proportion to the body and is muscular and well set on. The shoulders would have
a nice slope, allowing for freedom of movement, and the chest is deep and wide.
They are deep through the barrel, and have a strong, sometimes long back. The
quarters are also muscular, and the legs are strong with short dense cannon
bones and well-formed feet. They stand between 16 and 16.2 hh, although they are
occasionally as big as 17 hh.
Return to
Horse Breeds page
|
