Gidrans are one of the most versatile breeds around.
They are able to adapt and thrive in a number of climates and terrains, making them perfect for both recreational and working purposes.
If you’re thinking about getting a Gidran horse, or if you just want to learn more about this amazing breed, then read on!
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Gidran horses.
Gidran Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Gidran:
| Height (size) | 15.2 – 17.0 hands high |
| Colors | Chestnut is the usual color, but other colors common for Arabians are also seen, and white markings are common |
| Country of Origin | Hungary |
| Common Uses | Racing, jumping, general riding, endurance races, eventing, driving |
Gidran Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Gidran is a very rare horse breed native to Hungary that has been dangerously close to extinction on several occasions; yet, DNA testing revealed that the Gidran breed still retains a significant amount of genetic variation despite its history.
All Gidran horses may be traced down to a single ancestor – a chestnut desert-bred Arabian stallion by the name of Siglavy Gidran (also named Gidran Senior).
Gidran Senior was purchased by Baron von Fechtig and brought to the stud farm in Bábolna, Hungary in 1816.
After siring several foals at Bábolna, he was sent to the Mezöhegyes State stud farm where six of his sons became the top breeding stallions.
One of them, Gidran II, born in 1820 to a Spanish Naples dam named Arrogante became the foundation stallion for the Gidran breed, and every Gidran today can trace its ancestry back to him.
Because the breeding records were so meticulous, we now know that the mares selected for breeding before 1855 were 33% Arabian, 22% Transylvanian, 16% Spanish, 16% Nonius, 6% Native Hungarian, and 6% Gidran.
The Gidran was recognized as a distinct breed in 1885.
Even though it was originally bred from Arabian stock, over the years it gradually evolved into the Hungarian Anglo-Arab breed that we are familiar with today.
After 1893, the Gidran line was crossed with English Thoroughbreds every other or every third generation.
Those horses had outstanding speed and jumping ability.
The breed was brought to the brink of extinction due to two bottleneck effects.
Fortunately, in the 1990s, a small group of committed breeders laid the foundation for the Gidran’s eventual recovery, and the most recent version of the official Gidran stud book was published in 2005.
It is interesting to note that the State Stud-Farm Estate of Mezohegyes in Hungary was put up as a candidate for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List not only for its association with horse breeding but also for its architecture.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Gidrán”, “Hungarian Anglo-Arab”
Temperament/Personality
Spirited, but with a well-balanced temperament
Physical Characteristics
The head is small with small ears and set on a muscular and slightly arched neck.
The shoulder is sloped and muscular, and the chest is wide and deep.
Legs are well-proportioned, muscled with strong joints.
Gidran is a fast, agile horse with lots of endurance which makes it ideal for sport.
Colors
Chestnut is the usual color, but other colors common for Arabians are also seen, and white markings are common
Height (size)
15.2 – 17.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Racing, jumping, general riding, endurance races, eventing, driving
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Very athletic
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Hungary
Ancestors
Arabian, Transylvanian, Spanish horses, Nonius, Native Hungarian, Thoroughbred