Horse
Pronunciation:
ˈji̇d-ˌrün
Breed Description:
The Gidran breed of horse is a high quality riding and driving horse from Hungary. Athletic and agile, with a large-framed, sturdy build and great courage, Gidrans have achieved recognition in international competitions. Their jumping ability is often mediocre, however. The Gidran horse is an endangered breed, with fewer than 200 Gidrans in the world today. The Gidran breed of horse typically has a small head, elegant slightly arched neck, tight back and loins, deep chest, muscular legs, and hard feet of good solid horn. Accepted crosses for the Gidran breed of horse include a chestnut Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian with a documented four-generation pedigree and minimum size of 15.2 hands. All breeding stallions must be inspected and licensed by the breeding committee in order to be used for breeding.
Temperament:
The Gidran breed of horse is described as having a spirited, vigorous temperament. Previously, Gidrans were reported to have a tendency toward bad temper, but that trait is said to have been virtually eliminated in modern Gidran horses.
Height:
The Gidran breed of horse stands 16.1 to 17 hands high.
Health Problems:
The Gidran breed of horse is not known for any breed-specific health problems. The main task for breeding is preventing erosion of the gene pool, given the small numbers of Gidrans.
Grooming:
The Gidran breed of horse has routine grooming requirements. It should be brushed and cleaned daily, and its hooves must be trimmed every few months.
Origin:
The Gidran breed of horse originated in Hungary, where it was developed at the Mezöhegyes State Stud in 1816 from a chestnut, desert-bred Arabian stallion named Siglavy Gidran or Gidran Senior. The stallion was crossed with mares of Arabian, Turkish, Transylvanian, and Spanish-Naples bloodlines. Seven colts resulting from these mares went on to become chief stallions at Mezöhegyes. In 1820, the Spanish Naples mare named Arrogante foaled the colt that was later named Gidrán II. He became the Gidran breed's foundation stallion. Every Gidrán in existence today can be traced to this one stallion.
Until 1855, the dams of the Gidrán chief stallions were 33% Arabian, 22% Transylvanian, 16% Spanish, 16% Nonius, 6% Native Hungarian, and 6% Gidrán mares. After 1855, English Thoroughbreds were increasingly introduced. Later, two Shagya Arabian stallions were used in order to establish a more stable Anglo-Arabian type. Today, the Gidran breed of horse is exceptionally rare and in danger of extinction, with fewer than 200 individuals worldwide. 