Gidran Arabian Horse: Breed History and Characteristics
Also Called the Hungarian Anglo-Arab
The Gidran received its name from the foundation sire, Siglavy Gidran, who was foaled in the Middle East and sent to Hungary. He was a chestnut Arabian, which was probably why the breed is sometimes called the Gidran Arabian or the Hungarian Anglo-Arab. According to "International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1995), Siglavy Gidran's son, Gidran II, was sent to stand at Hungary's leading stud, Mezohegyes.
He would help estblish an athletic, desireable breed with a temperament described in "Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies of the World" (Simon & Schuster, 1988) as "Lively and not always docile." British champion three day eventer William Fox-Pitt included a Gidran in his show string.
Brief History
The goal of the Mezohegyes stud was to create the perfect cavalry and riding horse, which it thought could be done by creating their own version of the Anglo-Arab (another name for a cross between a Thoroughbred and an Arabian). In 1850, some English Thoroughbred blood was used but the offspring were noted for incredibly bad temperaments. However, Siglavy Gidran himself was noted for having a temper, so perhaps all of the blame can't be laid at the hooves of the Arabians.
The Gidrans were crossed with other Arabians, Kisber Felvers, Kisber-thoroughbred crosses, thoroughbreds, stallions from Bulgaria of unknown breeds and horses with notable Spanish type characteristics (such as a short back and heavy mane and tail). Two strains were created - a heavier animal for all purpose farm work and a sleeker Gidran for riding and for the show ring.
One Gidran stallion owned by Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey would be sent to Ulysses S. Grant when the later visited Turkey in 1878. This grey stallion, Leopard, would become one of the foundatin stallions for the Colorado Ranger breed.
Rare Breed
If the Gidran sounds unfamiliar, there's a good reason why. According to the Kisber Felver and Gidran Association of North America, less than 200 pureblood Gidrans exist in the world. This is a generous estimate considering recent political turmoil the former Communist state. Although Hungary is considered one of the most horse-loving nations on the planet, the future of the Gidran is doubtful at best.
The Gidran won admirers outside of Hungary. Two breed associations include the Kisber Felver and Gidran Association of North America and the Association for Development of Gidran Breed in Bulgaria. According to the latter, other breeds are accepted to keep the Gidran from becoming too inbred. These breeds include the Anglo-Arab, Arabian, Shagya Arabian and the Plevenska. American Gidrans can be registered if they are the products of a Gidran and a chestnut thoroughbred, chestnut Arabian or a chestnut Anglo-Arab.
General Appearance
The Gidran is always chestnut, although this chestnut can range in shades of dark liver to a bright yellow. Mostly, though, they are red chestnut. Sometimes the name and tail are a slightly different shade than the body. They often have white markings on the head and lower legs.
Modern Gidrans are tall horses that average 16 hands high, with some individuals reaching 17 hands high and some as short as 15.2 hands. Even non-horse lovers admire the Gidran's attractive head, small ears and straight profile. Their toplines can vary from being straight to having the hindquarters rise higher than their withers. Gidrans are noted for their comfortable gaits and athletic ability. They have thin skins and veining can often be seen.
References:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds." Bonnie Hendricks. University of Oklahoma Press, 1995.
"Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies of the World." Maurizio Bonginanni. Simon & Schuster, 1988.
Equi-World. "The Gidran." http://www.equiworld.net/breeds/gidran/index.htm
"Breed Profile: Colorado Ranger Horse." Jane D. Wilson. Equus. http://www.equisearch.com/resources/breeds/eqcolorado1734/
Kisber Felver and Gidran Association of North America. "Breed Descriptions." http://www.horseplaza.com/cfusion/template/hungarian/index.cfm
He would help estblish an athletic, desireable breed with a temperament described in "Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies of the World" (Simon & Schuster, 1988) as "Lively and not always docile." British champion three day eventer William Fox-Pitt included a Gidran in his show string.
Brief History
The goal of the Mezohegyes stud was to create the perfect cavalry and riding horse, which it thought could be done by creating their own version of the Anglo-Arab (another name for a cross between a Thoroughbred and an Arabian). In 1850, some English Thoroughbred blood was used but the offspring were noted for incredibly bad temperaments. However, Siglavy Gidran himself was noted for having a temper, so perhaps all of the blame can't be laid at the hooves of the Arabians.
The Gidrans were crossed with other Arabians, Kisber Felvers, Kisber-thoroughbred crosses, thoroughbreds, stallions from Bulgaria of unknown breeds and horses with notable Spanish type characteristics (such as a short back and heavy mane and tail). Two strains were created - a heavier animal for all purpose farm work and a sleeker Gidran for riding and for the show ring.
One Gidran stallion owned by Sultan Abdul Hamid of Turkey would be sent to Ulysses S. Grant when the later visited Turkey in 1878. This grey stallion, Leopard, would become one of the foundatin stallions for the Colorado Ranger breed.
Rare Breed
If the Gidran sounds unfamiliar, there's a good reason why. According to the Kisber Felver and Gidran Association of North America, less than 200 pureblood Gidrans exist in the world. This is a generous estimate considering recent political turmoil the former Communist state. Although Hungary is considered one of the most horse-loving nations on the planet, the future of the Gidran is doubtful at best.
The Gidran won admirers outside of Hungary. Two breed associations include the Kisber Felver and Gidran Association of North America and the Association for Development of Gidran Breed in Bulgaria. According to the latter, other breeds are accepted to keep the Gidran from becoming too inbred. These breeds include the Anglo-Arab, Arabian, Shagya Arabian and the Plevenska. American Gidrans can be registered if they are the products of a Gidran and a chestnut thoroughbred, chestnut Arabian or a chestnut Anglo-Arab.
General Appearance
The Gidran is always chestnut, although this chestnut can range in shades of dark liver to a bright yellow. Mostly, though, they are red chestnut. Sometimes the name and tail are a slightly different shade than the body. They often have white markings on the head and lower legs.
Modern Gidrans are tall horses that average 16 hands high, with some individuals reaching 17 hands high and some as short as 15.2 hands. Even non-horse lovers admire the Gidran's attractive head, small ears and straight profile. Their toplines can vary from being straight to having the hindquarters rise higher than their withers. Gidrans are noted for their comfortable gaits and athletic ability. They have thin skins and veining can often be seen.
References:
"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds." Bonnie Hendricks. University of Oklahoma Press, 1995.
"Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies of the World." Maurizio Bonginanni. Simon & Schuster, 1988.
Equi-World. "The Gidran." http://www.equiworld.net/breeds/gidran/index.htm
"Breed Profile: Colorado Ranger Horse." Jane D. Wilson. Equus. http://www.equisearch.com/resources/breeds/eqcolorado1734/
Kisber Felver and Gidran Association of North America. "Breed Descriptions." http://www.horseplaza.com/cfusion/template/hungarian/index.cfm
Published by Rena Sherwood - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle
Rena Sherwood is a freelance writer and Peter Gabriel fan who has lived both in America and England. She has studied animals most of her life through a synthesis of direct observation and insatiable reading.... View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentGorgeous creatures. Thanks for the profile.
you are the expert!
super thanks