~*Types Of Horses*~
Gelderlander & Gidran & Golden American Saddlebred
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Gelderlander

 The Dutch Province of Gelderland has a tradition of excellence in horse breeding. The province gives name to an excellent breed of horse which has evolved over the last century. The Gelderland is a result of extensive crossbreeding between old local breeds, notably the Friesian, and numerous imported breeds, including the Thoroughbred, Hackney, Oldenburg, East Friesian, and Anglo-Norman. Originally, the Gelderland horse was used in light agricultural work, and road harness in which its stylish gait was appreciated. More recently, the Gelderland has been used for riding, and its abilities as a superb jumper are becoming well-known.

 Physical Description

 The Gelderland's varied genetic heritage is evident in its appearance. Although warm-blooded, the nose is frequently convex (Roman) and the head is plain. It has a medium-sized neck and rather long back. The tail is set quite high. This breed has good shoulders, generous quarters, and clean legs. It stands between 15.2 and 16 hands. The most common colors are chestnut and gray, with frequent white markings on the face and legs.

 Origin

 The Gelderland is bred in the province of Holland of the same name. It is descended from crosses between the Dutch Friesian, German East Friesian, Thoroughbred, Rackney, and Anglo-Norman horses.

 Notes of Interest

 The Gelderland is a successful example of the careful crossing of different types of breeds to achieve a new breed of horse. For instance, its substantial body and stylish gait reflect its Hackney ancestry. Its docile, cooperative temperament reflects the influence of the Friesian, and its excellent jumping ability is probably due to Thoroughbred influences. The Gelderland, in short is a rare instance of combined excellence in the attempt to create a new breed of horse.

Gidran

    An exclusively chestnut Hungarian Anglo-Arabian, the Gidran was developed at the Mezohegyes State Stud in 1816 with the import of the desert bred Arabian named Siglavy Gidran. He was believed to be of the Seglawi Jedran strain. In 1817, this chestnut stallion known as Gidran Senior, served Arabian, Turkish, Transylvanian, and Spanish-Naples mares. Six colts resulting from these mares went on to become chief stallions at Mezohegyes. In 1820, the Spanish-Naples mare, Arrogante, foaled the colt later to be Gidran II. He became the breed's foundation stallion. Until 1855 the dams of the Gidran chief stallions were 33% Arabian, 22% Transylvanian, 16% Spanish, 16% Nonius, 6% Hungarian native and 6% Gidran mares. Then English Thoroughbreds were increasingly introduced, in 1893 Thoroughbred stallions were used in three generations subsequently improving the breed. The Shagya Arabian stallions Gazal III and Siglavy II were than used as chief stallions in order to establish a more stable Anglo-Arabian type. The result was a heterogeneous type known for their excellent jumping and galloping ability.

    The modern Gidran is a high quality riding and driving horse who have achieved recognition in international competitions. Particularly well known for their athletic ability, well-balanced temperaments, and sturdy builds. Gidrans excel in FEI disciplines where the breeds speed, endurance, agility, and courage are showcased.

    An endangered breed, there are less than 200 Gidrans in the world. Sizes range 15.3 to 17.0 hands.

    Accepted crosses: Chestnut Thoroughbred, Arabian, and Anglo-Arabians 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 to be used for breeding.

Golden American Saddlebred

By Alda Buresh

Officially the Golden Saddlebred color was infused in the American Saddlebred Horse Association through a horse by the name of Pat Cleburne, who was foaled in 1864. In the Palomino Horse Breeders of America, the first golden Saddlebred registered was Pot O’ Gold, later known as Richardson’s Pot O’ Gold. This horse was foaled in 1939 and was bred by S.A. Clift of Waxahachie, TX, and registered with the ASHA as Clift’s Pride.

What does one look for in a Golden American Saddlebred? First and foremost, is conformation. A beautifully shaped, well-proportioned head is a must. The ears are small, alert, and placed at the top of the head. The neck is long, and well-arched, with a smooth clean throatlatch. The eye is bold, bright, and intelligent. Well-sloped shoulders and sharp withers well above the height of the hips is characteristic. The croup is long and level with the tail coming out high, and the hind quarters are well muscled to the hocks. The back is short and strong. The long legs are straight with long sloping pasterns that are so necessary for an easy, well cushioned ride. The shallow, full-sprung rib cage make the barrel of the Saddlebred more rounded than in other breeds. Height is generally from 15 to 17 hands and weight from 1000 to 1200 pounds.

The complete picture of Golden Saddlebred should be one of refinement, smoothness and strength. Coloring can vary from cream to copper and all shades in between. However, the ideal color is that of the untarnished gold coin. Eyes must be brown or dark. White markings on the face and legs are allowed, but no spots. Mane and tail should be white and purity is desirable.

The American Saddlebred is an adaptable horse, and easily trainable. For many years they have carried the image of being high-strung, fire-breathing show horses, but just as every person is an individual, so is every horse. Some temperaments are suitable for the show ring and some are meant strictly for the trail. Each horse, and rider, must find the area most suitable for them. The ways that Golden Saddlebreds can be used are many, there are show horses, pleasure horses and parade horses (in the show ring or down the street). They can be used for eventing and choring, all depending on the individual horse’s disposition and conformation.

In the show ring, Golden Saddlebreds are eligible in all the classes in the Saddle Horse Division of the American Horse Shows Association and the Golden American Saddlebred Division of PHBA; five-gaited, three-gaited, fine harness, English and Western pleasure, parade, western show horse, driving, trail and so on. One can see the possibilities of teaming a horse with a division are almost endless.

The Golden American Saddlebred is registered with the American Saddlebred Horse Association.