The Arabian horse breed dates back thousands of years. Its stunning beauty and even temperament make it a popular breed. Arabian horses contribute grace, spirit, and intelligence to nearly all extant light horse breeds. Many breeds of horses and warhorses also count as Arabian horses in their ancestry.
Arabian Horse Breed Overview
- Weight: 800 to 1,000 pounds
- Height: 14 arms (56 inches) to 16 arms (64 inches)
- Body: Small, compact body; small wedge-shaped head; long, curved neck
- Suitability: Experienced owners and riders
- Lifespan: 30 years
Arabian Horse History and Origins
While early Arabian horses lurk in ancient deserts, most experts agree that Arabian horses originated near the Arabian Peninsula. Bedouin tribes can trace their shared history with these horses as far back as 3000 BC and keep meticulous ancestral or genealogical records. The hardiness of the modern variety is a result of the harsh desert climate and the terrain in which it was grown.
Horses were used for transportation, pulling goods and riding war horses. The horses are so prized that some breeders bring them into family tents at night for warmth and protection.
Eventually, due to war and trade, the Arabian horse spread throughout Europe and beyond. Historical figures such as Genghis Khan, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington and Alexander the Great owned and rode Arabian horses. The Prophet Muhammad urged his followers to treat and respect their Arabian horses.
They came to America in the 1700’s. In 1908, the American Arabian Horse Registry was established.
Read More – Top 10 Most Popular Horse Breeds In The World
Arabian horse size
Arabian horses are small compared to many riders, averaging between 14 arms (56 inches) and 16 arms (64 inches). They have medium-long bones and weigh between 800 and 1,000 pounds. Selective crosses have produced stronger Arabians, but all have the breed’s good looks and elegance.
Arabian Horse Breeding and Use
Arabian horses are primarily bred for endurance and athleticism, even in extreme conditions. The compact body gives them balance and strength. Because of this, Arabian horses excel in most equestrian sports.
They are the horses of choice for long-distance cross-country racing, able to traverse challenging terrain over long distances in the sweltering heat. They also create well-groomed horses that provide the excitement of any thoroughbred on the track and impress in the show arena. Also, they are used for fun riding and farm horses.
Color of Arabian Horse
The Pegasus is recognized by the Arabian Horse Association in gray, sorrel, black and fawn. Arabian horses may also have white markings on their faces and may wear socks or stockings on their feet. Some bloodlines are known for a particular look, such as the high white socks and white face of the Crabbet bloodline.
Arabian horses never use dun, cremello, palomino, or buckskins because thoroughbreds do not carry the dilution gene. The Sabino, the white pattern on the skin and fur, is currently the only spotted pattern in pure Arabian blood.
The skin of the Arabian horse is black except for a white patch underneath. Black pigment protects the horses from the harsh desert sun.
Unique Characteristics of Arabian Horses
Although they are the ancestors of many modern horse breeds, Arabian horses have many characteristics that set them apart from other breeds. Arabian horses are known for their long, curved necks and high tails. Their gait is graceful and smooth for their size. They are also known for their stamina, which makes them competitive in equestrian sports.
Diet and Nutrition
An Arabian horse’s diet requires a healthy balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, minerals, vitamins, and water. Like most horses, they eat fresh grass, good quality hay, grain and some fruits and vegetables.
Because their ancestors came from deserts where food was scarce, Arabian horses may actually need slightly less food than other breeds of their size to maintain a healthy weight. But it’s important not to overfeed your horse, it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough nutrition.
Common Health and Behavioral Issues
Arabian horses are susceptible to a number of genetic diseases ranging in severity from curable to fatal. These include:
Severe combined immunodeficiency
A disease in which foals are born without an immune system and usually die quickly from infection
Lavender Pony Syndrome
Ponies have a number of diseases that are usually fatal neurological problems
Cerebellar atrophy
An often fatal neurological disorder that affects foals’ balance and coordination
When it comes to manners, Arabian horses are generally very good with people. But they are also very intelligent and sensitive, and can easily develop bad habits with the wrong handler. While they don’t usually work well with ineffective training, they’re usually easy to work with experienced riders.
Grooming horses
Arabian horses require standard grooming to keep their coat and skin healthy. Brushing your teeth frequently, especially after exercising, can loosen sweat and oil. Using a wire remover can help keep their mane and tail smooth. Also, ideally, you should have hooves cleaned and inspected for injuries daily.
Advantage
- Smart
- Sociable
- Health
Shortcoming
- Get bored easily
- Requires experienced handlers
Are Arabian Horses Right For You?
Arabian horses can be loving, loyal and responsive companions. But they are warm-blooded and very intelligent, so they need someone who has experience riding them to train them.
Some older and well-trained Arabians, as well as Arabian crosses, can work for people with limited equestrian knowledge, although Arabians generally still do well in these conditions. their golden years.
Arabian horses are more human-oriented than many other breeds, and they enjoy the company of their extended human family. They are generally hardy varieties that adapt well to a wide variety of environments.
How to Adopt or Buy an Arabian Horse
The average price for an Arabian stallion is between $5,000 and $20,000, with horses from prized bloodlines sometimes going for much more. Because Arabian horses are such a popular breed, they are easy to find at reputable horse breeding or rescue facilities.
Make sure the organization can provide you with complete information on your horse’s health, temperament, and history. If possible, have your own veterinarian check it out before you decide to bring the horse home. Also, spend time with the horse and ask the organization to show you how it is trained.
If you feel that the organization is opaque or rushes you through the process, you might consider looking elsewhere for your horse.
Summary
Arabian Horse Characteristics are very intelligent, easy to train, and very popular.
In this article, I have also compiled a lot of information about the Arabian horse breed.
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