TheGelderlander is a Dutchbreed ofwarmblood horse. It was bred in the province ofGelderland in the Netherlands as acarriage horse capable also of farm work. It declined in popularity in the mid-twentieth century. In 1965 it was one of the foundation breeds of theDutch Warmblood or KWPN, the other being the heavierGroninger horse from the north.[3]: 462 [4] It is registered in a division of the Royal Dutch Warmblood Horse Studbook, which also has divisions for the Dutch Warmblood and for theDutch Harness Horse.[3]: 462
It is anendangered breed;[1]: 83 [5]: 168 in 2017 the breeding population numbered 600 mares and 35 stallions.[2]
In 1969 theVereniging tot bevordering van de Landbouwtuigpaardenfokkerij in Nederland,[a] which registered the Gelderlander, was merged with theNederlands Warmbloed Paard studbook, which registered the Groninger, to form theKoninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland or "Royal Warmblood Horse Studbook of the Netherlands".[8]: 159 Three breed types were registered in thestud-book: riding horses (the Dutch Warmblood);harness horses (theDutch Harness Horse); and the Gelderlander.[9]
In 2005 a newbreeders' association, theGelderlander Paard Associatie, was formed to preserve the original type of the Gelderlander.[10]
The Gelderlander is most oftenchestnut, often with extensivewhite markings.[8]: 159 Males usually stand about168 cm at thewithers, mares a few centimetres less.[2]
