Arabian horse

The Arabian horse first appeared in the Arabian Peninsula at least 2,500 years B.C.E. They were carefully bred to maintain desirable features (e.g. stamina, soundness, strength, and beauty), and are therefore one of the oldest, if not the oldest breeds in the world (this has been contested with the Barb and the Akhal Teke.)

Breed characteristics

The Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable breeds in the world. They have fine wedge-shaped heads, with large eyes, small muzzles and their famous "dished" profile (the nose is concave). Arabians also tend to have very high tail carriage. They have large nostrils and strong lungs, which contributes to their powers of endurance. They have an arched neck with a fine, clean throat, delicate and clean legs, and a fine, silky coat. Most Arabians have the free flowing, well coordinated, reaching, fluid gaits. They can glide across the ground with no effort. They had natural self-carriage. With correct training, they can have collection and extension at every gait. They typically have natural impulsion and bend. Their gaits are regular and balanced. Their naturally arched necks allow for more head movement in all directions. They can obtain different types of frames depending on the desired discipline. Their shorter backs able them to push their hind end up and under them for better movement and suppleness. Sensitivity and sociability allows them to be trained more easily. Natural beauty gives them presence in the show ring. Arabians are very sound, they have strong bones, wide, strong feet, and good hoof walls. Their bone size is compatible to their body size, making them very sturdy horses.

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The coat color of Arabians is diverse, with chestnut and grey as the dominant color, followed by bay and black. Black Arabians are rare, mainly because they were bred in the desert, where a black or dark coat would absorb heat and therefore be detrimental to the horse. However, many breeders are breeding specifically for black Arabians, so the color is not as uncommon as it used to be. Purebred Arabians can display the pattern sabino. Sabino can be minimally expressed as a small white spot on the body, or as high jagged edged socks, and at it's maximum the horse can be entirely white with small flecks that appear to be, but are not, roan. This color allows a purebred Arabian to be double-registered with Pinto Breed organizations. Arabians do not express the dilute gene which produces palomino, cremello, and other dilute colors. Many half-Arabians are bred to produce pinto and dilute colors. The Arabian has a compact body with a short back, partly due to the 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of the normal horses' 6, and usually stands between 14.0 and 15.1 hands. Arabians are always referred to as horses, not ponies, whatever their height. The breed is also known for its intelligence, versatility, and very affectionate nature.

Related Topics:
Bay - Palomino - Hand

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Due to the Arabian's notable traits, there have been many Arabians and Half Arabian approved by Warmblood registries, such as the American Warmblood Society, Oldenburg, and Trakehner Associations.

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