Pronunciation: [ɡˈɛldə] (IPA) 
The word "Gelder" is spelled with a hard 'g' followed by the schwa sound (ə), then 'l', 'd', and 'ər'. The IPA phonetic transcription of "Gelder" is /ˈɡɛldər/. The hard 'g' sound is pronounced like the 'g' in "goat," while the schwa is the unstressed vowel sound in the middle of the word "sofa." The 'l' and 'd' sounds are pronounced as they are in the alphabet, and the final syllable ends with the schwa sound again.
Gelder is a noun that refers to a castrated male horse. This term is often used specifically for a castrated male horse that has been trained or used for riding purposes. The castration process of a horse involves surgical removal of the testicles, thereby rendering the horse sterile and altering its hormonal balance.
The term "gelder" is derived from the verb "to geld," which means to castrate. Gelding, the gerund form of the verb, is also used interchangeably with gelder to denote a castrated male horse. Gelders are generally preferred over stallions (intact male horses) for various reasons. Castration eliminates or significantly reduces aggressive and hyperactive behavior in horses, making them more docile and easier to handle. Gelders also tend to display improved focus and concentration, which makes them suitable for various equestrian disciplines such as dressage, jumping, and trail riding.
Gelders are often favored by novice riders or individuals seeking a calm and reliable mount. In addition, some riders prefer geldings for their consistent temperament and decreased likelihood of exhibiting hormonal-driven behaviors, offering a more predictable riding experience. Gelders can be found in various breeds, and their training and performance potential depend on factors such as individual temperament, conformation, and athleticism. The term gelder is primarily used in equine-related contexts and may not have widespread usage in general language.
The word "gelder" has its roots in Old High German and Middle Dutch. In Old High German, the word "geldar" meant "one who pays" or "payer", derived from the verb "geldan", meaning "to pay". In Middle Dutch, "geldar" also referred to a person who paid a fee or made a payment, specifically in the context of taxes or fines. Over time, the term "gelder" came to be associated with the act of castrating male animals, particularly horses, in order to make them more docile and easier to control. This usage emerged from the practice of "gelding", which involves removing or destroying the testicles of an animal. Thus, the term "gelder" eventually became associated with this specific occupation and is often used to refer to a person who performs the procedure of castration on animals.
