THIS PAGE: Arabian Horse Origins and History
- Arabian Horses Sizes
- Breeding Arabian Horses and How They Employ Colours and Markings
- Specific Aspects of Arabian Horse Nutrition and Diet
- Typical Health and Behaviour Problems
- Star and Champion Grooming for Arabian Horses
Are You Suitable for Riding an Arabian Horse?
Other Horse Breeds and How to Buy or Adopt an Arabian Horse
There is a millennia of history behind the Arabian horse type. The horse’s exceptional beauty and serene nature have made it a popular breed over the years. The big, prominent eyes and peculiar head shape of the Arab horse are among its distinguishing features. Arabian horses’ grace, enthusiasm, and intelligence have benefited almost every light horse breed that has ever existed. Many warmblood and pony breeds can trace their ancestry to the sporty Arabian.
A Synopsis of Breeds
- WEIGHT: from 800 to 1000 pounds.
- HEIGHT: ranging from 56 to 64 inches, or 14 to 16 hands.
- Lean, compact body type; small, wedge-shaped head; dished facial profile; long, arched neck
- IDEAL FOR: Expert riders and proprietors
- LIFE AVERAGE: 25–30 years
Arabian Horse Origins and History
Though the precise origins of the breed are buried in the ancient desert sands, most experts agree that Arabian horses originated around the Arabian Peninsula. The Bedouin tribes are able to trace their common ancestry to these horses back to 3000 B.C. according to the meticulous ancestral records, or pedigrees, that they have preserved. The current breed’s toughness comes from its ancestors’ harsh desert climate and geography.
The horses were used as hefty goods carriers in addition to being used as war animals. Because these horses were so important, some caretakers brought them into their families’ tents at night for protection and comfort.
Arabian horses subsequently spread throughout Europe and beyond as a result of trade and conflict. Genghis Khan, The prophet Mohammed also taught his believers to treat their Arabian horses with love and respect.
In the eighteenth century, they immigrated to America. In 1908, the Arabian Horse Register of America was also founded.
Arabian Horse Sizes
Arabians are small horses compared to many other riding breeds; they average height of fourteen hands (55 inches) to sixteen hands (64 inches). Their weight ranges from 800 to 1,000 pounds, and their bone quality is fine to medium. Despite the fact that selective breeding has produced more robust Arabians, they all share the same grace and overall look.
Arabian Horse Breeding and Uses
Arabian horses were generally bred to be tough and athletic, even in challenging conditions. Their little stature gives them strength and equilibrium. For this reason, Arabian horses thrive in almost every kind of equestrian activity.
They are the go-to horses for long-distance trail competitions because they can travel great distances over challenging terrain in intense heat.
The also produce beautiful dressage horses, are breathtaking in the show ring, and provide racing thrill comparable to that of thoroughbreds. They are also used for pleasure riding and as industrial ranch horses.
Colours and Markings
The Arabian Horses Organisation recognises the following coat colours: bay, grey, chestnut, black, and roan. Arabians may also have white facial markings and stockings or socks on their legs. Some bloodlines are easily identified by their distinguishing characteristics; the Crabbet bloodline, for instance, is known for its high white socks and white cheeks.
The reason purebreds never saw dun, cremello, palomino, or buckskin Arabians is that they do not inherit dilution genes. Currently, the only spot pattern seen in traditional Arabian lines is sabino, which is a type of white design found on the skin and coat.
The Arabian Horses has black skin with white undertones. The dark coloration of the horses protected them from the scorching desert sun.
Specific Characteristics of Arabian Horses
Arabians are not like other breeds in many aspects, even though they are the ancestors of many modern horses. Arabians are identified by their long, arching necks, dished facial profiles, and high tail carriage. They feature floating gaits and ride well for their size. Their renowned endurance makes them competitive in equestrian sports.
Diet and Nutrition
Arabian horses require a diet rich in the proper proportions of water, minerals, vitamins, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Like most horses, they are fed fresh grass, fine hay, grains, and sometimes extra fruits and vegetables as treats. Because the Arabian breed’s ancestors lived in deserts with little fodder, they might actually require somewhat less feed to maintain a healthy weight than other breeds of same size. However, it’s also important to make sure your horse isn’t overfed in addition to making sure they are getting enough food.
Common Issues with Behaviour and Health
Among them are:
Lavender foal syndrome: Multiple neurological problems in a foal that typically result in death
Brainstem abiotrophy: a neurological condition that impairs foals’ balance and coordination and is frequently deadly
Arabians generally act quite gregariously towards other people. However, because they are sensitive and intelligent animals, they can easily develop dangerous tendencies in the wrong hands. Although they often refuse to cooperate with insufficient training, they are often straightforward to work with for seasoned riders.
Grooming
Regular equestrian care is necessary for Arabian horses’ skin and coat health. Regular brushing will aid in dispersing perspiration and oils, particularly after physical activity. Moreover, using a detangler helps maintain their mane and tail shiny. Cleaning their hooves every day and checking for wounds is also advised.
- Benefits Perceptive
- friendly
- Athletics
- Cons: Bores easily
- needs a knowledgeable handler
Arabian Horse Champion and Celebrity
Arabians have dominated history, taking first place in races, escorting important people during wars, and obtaining leading roles in books and movies. Here are a couple such examples:
Napoleon Bonaparte’s favourite horse was Marengo.
- Skowronek: Several generations of Arabian horses in North America bear his genetic imprint.
- Cast as Cass Ole in the 1979 Mickey Rooney movie “The Black Stallion,” which was based on the same-titled story by Walter Farley.
- Bucephalus: The horse of Alexander the Great
- Magnolia: The horse of George Washington
Are You Suitable for Riding an Arabian Horse?
Arabian horses may be loyal, accommodating, and loving companions. But they are hot-blooded, incredibly intelligent animals that need to be trained by someone knowledgeable about horses. Though Arabians typically stay active well into old age, certain elderly, well-trained Arabians and crossbreeds may be manageable for someone with minimal experience with horses.
Arabian horses are often more people-oriented and like spending time with their human relations than a number of other horse breeds. They are a robust, generally healthy breed that adapts well to different environments.
How to Buy or Take Care of an Arabian Horse
The price range for an Arabian horse is $5,000 to $20,000. Certain Arabian horses may fetch considerably more money since they come from elite pedigrees. Furthermore, rare hues might increase the cost of Arabian horses. Owing to their widespread appeal, Arabian horses are very easy to locate at reputable breeders or horse charities.
Check to see if the organisation can give you enough information about the horse’s background, personality, and overall health. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that you have a thorough pre-purchase or pre-adoption examination done by your own veterinarian before deciding to purchase or adopt a horse.
Furthermore, spend some time with a horse and ask the group to show you how they have been trained. If you ever get the feeling that the organisation is not being honest with you or is pushing you through this process too rapidly, you might want to go elsewhere for your horse.
Other Horse Breeds
If you’re searching for similar breeds, consider the following:
- Quarter horse in America A Morgan horse
- Whole Blood
