Horse Breeds - The Arab HorseJoin us as we examine one of the oldest horse breeds known to man - The breathtaking Arab Horse! 14.1hh - 15.1hh (144cm - 155cm at the shoulder). Even though the lower end of the height range is normally classed as a "Pony", Arabs or Arabians as they are also known are always referred to as "Horses".
APPEARANCE Arabs have small dished faces (wide at the forehead, narrow at the cheek and flared out at the nostril).They are beautiful and graceful to look at having strong legs, a compact body and neat feet. They have fine coats and no feathering on their legs. A distinguising trait is that they carry their tail higher than most other horse breeds. Arabs have natural grace and floating movement, covering the ground effortlessly. They lift their legs high at the trot, giving very expressive paces. COLOUR Arab horses are rare among today's horses in that they don't carry the "dilution gene". This means that a pure bred Arab will never be Palomino, Dun, cremello or appaloosa. Arabs are typically solid colours such as Bay, Grey or Chestnut. Black and Roan occur less often. Roaning is the presence of white flecks in the coat. Very rarely will you see a Black Arab. White Markings are common, such as white stockings on the legs, and a blaze or star on the face. TEMPERAMENT Arab horses are renowned for being spirited and fiercely loyal, creating a close bond with their owner. They are intelligent and sensitive creatures - therefore are more suited to experienced horse owners familiar with the unique traits and characteristics of the breed. WHAT ARE THEY GOOD AT? Arabs are very versatile and can turn their hoof to many equine pursuits. Their agility and courage enables them to participate in endurance and racing and their popularity as a breed-cross for showjumping or eventing is well known. Arab showing is also popular, with the magnificent Arab being a great spectacle in the show ring. HISTORY OF THE ARAB The Arab horse is the subject of many myths and legends handed down by word of mouth. The first Arab horses were likely used by the Bedouin Tribes in the deserts of the Middle East and were prized as high value possessions, often being allowed inside the family tent to prevent rival tribes stealing them during the night. They coped well with the hot climate and were courageous warhorses but at the same time strong enough to carry the tribesman and their belongings from place to place. It is also likely that the Bedouins brought the horses to North Africa where they would have made their journey through Europe. This is why descendants of Arab horses can be found in many other breeds around the world today from the Throughbred and Warmblood to the humble Welsh Mountain Pony! One of the most successful Horse Breed Crosses has produced a breed renowned in the equestrian sports world as a top performer. This is known as the Anglo-Arab, being a cross between an Arab Horse and a Throughbred. DID YOU KNOW THAT... An Arab horse has black skin to protect it from the desert heat. Even
Grey horses
those that appear "white") have black skin underneath their grey coat! If you enjoyed this fascinating insight into the Arab Horse, why not
return to our main Horse Breeds page and see some more of our favourites!
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