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.
