The Gidran Arabian, or the Hungarian Anglo-Arab, originated at the Hungarian stud of Mezohegyes, which was founded in 1785. The breed developed during the 19th century and its history can be traced back to the stallion Siglavy Gidran, who was imported from Arabia in 1816. Gidran was from the notable Siglavy Arab strain and was an imposing chestnut horse, He was mated with a Spanish mare called Arrogante which produced a colt foal called Gidran II. Gidran II became the foundation sire of the Gidran Arabian breed.

During the early development of the breed, here was a rather haphazard selection process, with a number of different mares being used, some local breeds and some Spanish. This was followed by infusions of Thoroughbred and more Arabian blood, and led to the fixed characteristics of the breeds. The breed was originally developed for use as cavalry horses, having a larger and more weight=carrying frame than the Arabian. The Gidran Arab developed along two basic lines: one heavier and suitable for light farm and draft work and the other lighter, faster and more of a saddle horse. The breed sustained substantial losses during the First World War, and afterwards further Arab blood and some Kisber blood was introduced. Numbers had again dropped by 1977 and two stallions from Bulgaria were used to bring in fresh blood.

The Gidran Arabian is a large, upstanding horse, solidly built, and exhibiting quality and class. It is suitable for competitive riding, being a good sports horse, and is also used as a carriage horse. It has a questionable temperament, believed to have been inherited from the original Siglavy Gidran, and is not the easiest horse with which to get along.

In appearance, they are attractive, large horses, nearly always chestnut in color. The head is refined, but not as fine as the traditional Arab. The neck should be in proportion to the body and is muscular and well set on. The shoulders would have a nice slope, allowing for freedom of movement, and the chest is deep and wide. They are deep through the barrel, and have a strong, sometimes long back. The quarters are also muscular, and the legs are strong with short dense cannon bones and well-formed feet. They stand between 16 and 16.2 hh, although they are occasionally as big as 17 hh.

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