Gelderland

Origin
Holland

History
The Gelderland is a warmblood horse which originated in the sandy, mid-eastern province of the same name in Holland. The breeders began to develop the Gelderlander, using the common native mares as a base, a century ago. They wanted to produce a carriage horse with presence and good action, which could be used for light agricultural work as well as a heavy stamp of riding horse. A wide range of sires were used: Arabians from Egypt; Cleveland Bays, Roadsters, and half-breds from the UK; Oldenburgers; East Prussians from Poland; Anglo-Arabians, Nonius, and Furioso half-breds from Hungary; and a few Orlov and Orlov-Rastopchin Trotters from Russia. The best of the disparate progeny were interbred to obtain a fixed type. Later, more Oldenburgers and East Friesians were brought in, and in 1900 a Hackney was used to add sparkle. Since then there have also been some infusions of Anglo-Norman blood.
Gelderland horses have made a major contribution to the quality and style of the Dutch Warmblood and Dutch Tuigpaard, a showy carriage horse.

Description

• Head:
  long and somewhat flat with a straight profile, large, expressive eye, and nicely set, mobile ears
• Conformation:
  -well shaped and muscular neck, usually with an arch
  -full and deep chest
  -sloped and long shoulder
  -usually prominent and broad withers, merging into the line of the back
  -straight and long back
  -short and usually flat croup with a tail set high
  -muscular legs with a long forearm and strong, broad joints
  -broad and strong hooves
• Average height:
  15.2 to 16 h.h.
• Colours:
  chestnut (or occasionally grey), often with white markings on the legs and face
• Temperament:
  it is said to be docile, but not without spirit, and has great stamina
• Today:
  these horses are very successful in competition driving. They may still be used as weight-carrying riding horses and also possess talent as a show jumper.