Gelderland is a region of the Netherlands noted for farming and it was in this district that the Gelderlander first appeared as a working farm horse.
A hundred years of careful breeding has resulted in a Gelderlander horse with special qualities. What characterises the Gelderlander breeding most is the removal of unwanted characteristics by rigorous selection. Gelderlander breeders have been very careful in introducing different blood for good health, power, but above all a docile, work willing and stress-resistant character.
These qualities are today of great importance, not only for recreational use, but also especially in top sporting horses. These qualities are not visible externally but are rooted in the genes. Thus the breeders of the Gelderlander always produce a beautiful horse with a happy nature. The Gelderlander exterior with much front and a straight croup was, however, quite different from that of an English thoroughbred.
Their "gentle giant" nature, carriage and presence makes Gelderlanders ideal driving horses, where looks and temperament are vitally important.