The Gidran Arabian (Hungarian Anglo-Arab)

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, a fine stallion bred at the Babolna stud in the 19th century, 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 there 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 Arab blood and led to the fixed characteristics of the breed. The breed was originally developed for use as cavalry horses, having a larger, and more weight-carrying frame that the Arab. The Gidran Arabian 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 heavy 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.

It has a questionable temperament, believed to have been inherited from the original Siglavy Gidran, and is not the easiest horse to get along with. Fiery and flamboyant, the Gidran Arabian owes more to his Arab ancestors than to the Thoroughbred line, and is generally thought to be hotter" than Anglo Arabs tend to be.

In appearance, 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. 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 should 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 well-formed feet. They stand at between 16hh and 16.2hh although occasionally, are as big as 17hh.

Hungary was the starting-point for the first Anglo Arabs to be bred in Eastern Europe, and exported these fine animals to other Eastern European countries including Poland, which has since taken over as the region's foremost supplier of the breed. Ironically, the Gidran Arabian became an important source of stock to produce the Polish Anglo Arab, and is key to the success of its more northern cousin

Written by Salina Covich. - 2004 (c)

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