Plain and simple, the sport horse world holds an unacceptable intolerance of Arabian horses. Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Event riders are so…dare I say…racist when it comes to this breed. Although Arab horses may not be the “model” for any of these disciplines, it doesn’t mean that Arabians can’t hack it, can’t be competitive, or only signify rider inadequateness.
Horse people seem to have a love or hate for the Arabian horse. A few people that fall in the middle, but for the most part, you either own an Arabian, or you hate Arabians. Personally, I have heard and seen valid arguments both ways. On the love side, Arabian Breed Shows certainly do bring out the crazies [cough: Swayze], but haters: Arabs can make great sport horse mounts.
For the most part, you either own an Arabian, or you hate Arabians.
That said, the Arabian horse definitely isn’t a first choice for any of the sport horse disciplines. The Arabian is small. With an average height between 14.2 and 15.1 hands, their size is considered undesirable in the Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Event horse world. Especially in the Hunter ring, Arabians do not have the competition “look”. At a big Hunter show, it would be an AMAZING feat for an Arabian to win any class, even if that Arabian had a PERFECT round. Hunter judges, most particularly, hate Arabian horses (but remember, Hunters Are Not a Sport).
Talking about the Arabian horse and their size does bring up an important point about today’s sport horses: bigger is better almost everywhere. So is thought…
However, when considering a rider’s ability, a 17+ hand Warmblood isn’t easy for a 5’3”, beginner or intermediate rider to pilot. Concerning collection alone, many riders within this experience bracket do not have the ability, experience, and muscle to handle the task of guiding a big, fast moving horse around a ring. Jumping a course of any size takes a lot more work, adjustment, maneuvering, and steading of a big Warmblood than a smaller horse (like an Arab). At any barn, anywhere in America, too many junior and amateur riders mount horses that are just too big and too powerful for their abilities. In this instance, an Arab would be a good choice for a rider to get the hang of collection, adjusting, and lateral movements.
Additionally, there are many misconceptions of the Arabian horse. Many people think because Arabs are light boned and small they cannot “hold up” to the rigors of jumping. Do not be fooled: Arabians are very tough and generally very sound. Just like every other horse breed, conformation signifies soundness problems way in advance. Moreover, conformation “defects” of a particular horse are simply a product of poor breeding, not, in the Arabian’s case, a poor breed.
Arabs, too, even the small ones, CAN jump big. No matter what you point them at, there is no doubt Arab horses would try. But without an average or long stride length, most Arab horses are going to lack enough scope to jump around a big course.
Fashion has a lot to do with the Arabian and it’s unpopularity within the sport horse world.
Another Arab misconception is their temperament is said to always lean towards spastic or hot. Certainly, Arab horses can be “spastic”, “spooky”, and “hot-blooded”, but I’ve met an equal amount of Arabians that were also quiet, calm, and very “dead broke”. As far as a comparison, the Arabian temperament is very similar to the Thoroughbred temperament. Arabians do seem to be more sensitive to their surroundings, and that also means their experiences. Unlike most “dumb-bloods”, Arabs generally can hold grudges against (bad) people and experiences (like cats).
If we generalize the good and bad points of Arabians, I would break it down like this.
Arabian Horse Strong Points:
- Great Feet
- Incredible Endurance
- Incredible Stamina
- Longevity
- Above Average Soundness
- Easy Keepers
Arabian Horse Weak Points:
- The Look of the Arabian has to be Appreciated
Now, if I specify good and bad Arabian traits concerning the sport horse world, my list would look more like this.
Sport Horse Arabian Horse Strong Points:
- They can be very good movers
- Great Feet
- Incredible Endurance
- Incredible Stamina
- Longevity
- Above Average Soundness
- Easy Keepers
- Size Can Be Beneficial for a Smaller Rider
- Temperament can be Great for a Beginner
- Price
Sport Horse Arabian Horse Weak Points:
- Size which can be Bad for a Long Legged Rider
- Temperament can be too much for a Beginner Rider
- Often Not Enough Scope to Handle the Bigger Courses
- The Arabian Look doesn’t Work in the Show Ring
- People Will Treat you Differently
So, to sum it up, fashion has a lot to do with the Arabian horse and it’s unpopularity within the sport horse world. There are some legitimate reasons to NOT ride an Arab, but there are also legitimate reasons TO ride an Arab.
Personally, I wouldn’t buy an Arabian horse. I like a big horse, I’ve got long legs, I am looking to hit big jumps, and I, honestly, don’t appreciate the Arabian look. But, there are some very, very, very great Anglo-Arabians (Arabian, Thoroughbred crosses) used in Warmblood bloodlines and winning high level Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing shows.
I used to own one.
And though I wouldn’t buy an Arab now, if someone does like Arabs, I would never look down on them. Unless someone wanted to jump 4′+, win in the Hunter ring, or their riding personality didn’t fit an Arab, I would never talk them out of buying an Arabian Horse.
Different strokes, really. None better, just better fitting.
And knowing that Arabs can be a great fit for sport horse riders, why not fully accept the Arab into the sport horse world? If a rider is enjoying the horse, and the horse is enjoying it’s job, we needn’t hold prejudice against the Arabian horse breed in sport horse riding or competition.
Sadly though, I’d surmise part of the “stigma” surrounding Arabians in a traditional Hunter/Jumper/Dressage/Eventing sense has to do with their overzealous legions I mentioned earlier. It’s a sad truth, but hard core Arab fanatics give the breed a really bad name outside of their fanatical world.
Although the Arabian will never be my choice for a horse, I thoroughly understand that some people are drawn to this breed, and for others, the Arab is a practical choice. Arab horses do have there good and bad qualities, and though they may not be the IDEAL sport horse, there are Arabians out there that can do the job, and do it well.
No matter what, if you see someone with an Arab, don’t scoff, and you don’t have to like the breed, just respect that someone else does. Though on average, sport horse competition Arab horses may not stack up on paper, there are, frankly, quite a few Arabs out there who can jump, pass, gallop, and leap their way past the fancy Warmbloods.
WELL, i would like to mention the ARABS influence in most breeds!!!!…..those horses are amazing and i see more and more switch in dressage to morgans/arabs and smaller more compact breeds as of late,…..i for one ride a tennessee walker in beginning dressage and he is only 15 hands……so here is a hats off to smaller horses and smaller people choosing the right size mount…..and my small horse that i would not trade for a warmblood….or other.
i am not a huge fan of arabs i think they have such a high strong adatude and a leading personality. my friend got an arab and cant even handle my 13 year old quarter horse and he will roll over if you tell him to i use him on every thing hearding cattle barrals poles riding lessons he does it all her arab wich she got yester day has a major adittude she is 20 and has been majorly over bred having 13 babies tthey bought her for 300 and is her first horse they are wonderfull horses for look but coming to the personality they got one big time if you can handle it then go ahead just take my advice and dont get 1 unless u been riding for a while or no exactly wat your doin or you will regret it belive me
My first horse was an arabian! He was wonderful! yes they are a bit highstrung and hiper but there wonderful. People are allways complaining about how there such divas but my horse is 26 and is the funnyist thing ever. Everyone at the stables (out of 44 horses) useally pick him as a favorite. He is 26 and kicked about 9 other quarter horses BUTTS at barrel racing and pole bending
They even just look so pretty! Yes i would EXPECT a mare to be more moody (QH’s have that problem too) they go in and out of heat and it rages there hormones. So not all arabians have bad attitudes just like not all QH’s are crazy buckers.
My horse wants to do nothing but please his owner and he has got the greatest personallity and the only time he EVER bucked in the many years ive had him was when he got stung by a bee. (Im sure we would buck too).
I agree with you completely. Every horse I owned was at least half Arab. But this article above was the opposite of the Arabian horse. 1. Arabians kick the quarter horses big fat butts at showing.
I have owned and ridden almost every breed you can think of from gaited to QH to warmbloods. I do understand that most people have never dealt with an Arabian before or choose not to because of their repuation; however, I feel they received their reputation because of the way people handle their horses not because of the horse itself. My Arabs are the best horses I have ever been around and I’m not being biast because my friend also has Arabs and I feel the same about her’s. They are very intelligent horses, and when you gain the respect and trust of these horses that is a bond you will never have with another horse. They may be bred as a hot-blooded horse, which they are, but they are not crazy. They become crazy because their owner allows them to or is trained to act that way. I never understand why people are criticize these horses for being crazy and hot-headed. I have seen more quarter horses, TWH, TB and warmbloods that are more hot-headed than any Arab I have seen. And all of these horses are hot-headed because of how they are treated and raised, not because of their breeding. My arabian mare will do anything for me, every now and then she will test me to see if I’m paying attention, but that will last for a second. As soon as I say, “No, I want you to do this,” she will say, “Okay, I am sorry I will do what I am suppose to do.” Everyone likes to assume that Arabs have an “attitude” but every horse has one, otherwise they would be robots. LOL
It amazes me that people judge Arabs so much, but you can find Arab blood in almost every breed and not to mention they are used in breeds to get the good looks and good movement.
yes, i have to agree, i breed Arabians and they are awesome. all mine are very easy to handle are very intelligent and very trainable. it’s ashame they have such a bad name as i have seen Arabs perform in many disciplines and are very athletic horses.
As a small potatoes breeder of purebred Arabians, I have to agree with Peggy Fox and Nicole..
I own four stallions, all the rest mares. Due to the economy, nobody is currently bred. I have owned or handled T-breds, WB’s, QH, and one Appy. I have had better experiences with the purebred Arabs in over 47 years of owning horses than any other breed.
Let’s not forget that some of those WB regisitries actively seek out Arabians to bring temprement, refinement, trainability and good gaits to their mix. Their sensitivity is a plus, in my opinion. In the hands of a smart and equally sensitive owner ( one who makes the effort to understand the Arab intelligence) they can be stellar horses in the sport horse divisions.
Arabians were bred for war, the fact that they have a unique beauty and some have mishandled them AND “misbred” them for ever more extreme heads in no way means that a correct, well bred, well handled Arabian is not suitable for “sport”. Remember, their “flagship discipline is endurance, not “halter”. It takes a very tough horse to be successful in endurance.
The halter only world is what is wrong , and that is people, not the breed. I would not own any other breed, and I breed for athletes with good minds. JMHO.
I couldn’t agree less. The first horse I rode was a 24 year old arabian. He was calm quiet and did every thing i asked and I was 8. Now its benn for years and I’ve gone to ride hader horses. Arabs or so sweet and lovable. Its nice because I can’t afford a horse but whenever I come to get the horse I’m rideing they come running up from the pasture. This breed love people, attention, and pleasing there owners and riders. So I beleive Arabs are a great beginner breed.
That is a very narrow minded statement. You can not base an entire breed off of one horse. Also, your grammar, along with your ability to be accepting of something you aren’t comfortable with, needs work. Before I purchased my arabian, I felt a similarity in your thoughts, but she turned out to be the most intelligent, well-rounded, and level headed horse. I feel like it is an honor to own her and I receive complements all of the time.
I own an Arabian. I love him sooooo much!!! He is only 9 and i put little kids on him… Im just saying this to prove that not all Arabians are are insane. I’ll admit, he was insane when i first bought him, but he had only been broke for a short period of time.
I like the fact that you think that people should stop looking down on the breed and the person who owns the breed.
I sometimes love and sometimes hate my arab. He’s been the single best training tool I’ve ever had to learn from. He’s taught me about staying centered, riding a jarring trot and most of all, volumes about saddle fitting. He’s also taught me about quiet affection, unreproachable spirit and the horses ability to be human (ie. making an fool of oneself).
A nice balanced, honest look at Arabians and the (honest) bias against them- thanks very much.
I just lost my 25 yr old in September, and I miss her every day. Though a rescue (obtained with papers), she was the most sane, mentally balanced animal that I’ve ever had the pleasure to own & ride. She converted many an avowed’Arab hater’ during our years together and her steady behavior and demeanor during normal and extraordinary situations.
Sadly- the people around Arabians often do them no favors. I believe that they attract- because of their (arguably) general attractiveness/beauty- the kind of people who ‘always dreamed’ of owning a horsey, not horsemen or horsewomen interested in a working relationship with an animal as they improve their riding skill set. Alternatively, they may attract people who just want an attractive accessory- (the diamonds and denim crowd)- I don’t know, just my suspicions.
I do know that I wanted an Arabian because 1) I didn’t want to ride an ATV or push button pony ride. The thing I most enjoy about riding and horse(wo)manship is the give and take- ‘why don’t you do this?’ ‘oh, I get it.’ ‘sorry- my bad.” it’s nice to spend time with you, too’. I don’t want to ride something that wasn’t thinking (to my mind, that’s dangerous, too). My little mare protected my ignorant rear several times-and incurred injury to herself to spare me,when she could have done otherwise. She WAS definitely the ‘better half’ of our partnership!
2) I didn’t WANT a large horse (mine was 13.3 h)- I was 38 when she arrived (at age 17), and I did NOT want to live the 2nd chapter of ‘The Black Stallion’ (rearing /pawing /danger)- my career, lifestyle, & health insurance status didn’t allow for 6-8 week recuperations.
Finding tack that fit was the biggest problem, but still well worth it.
3) She also cost A LOT less to feed and vet out: but it seems that most people who get into horses don’t really seem to care/have to care about that &/or are in denial and then get in a financial mess(I had to know & care).
4) When I saw (supervised) children leading her in from turnout (when I was at a boarding barn)-I almost had a heart attack (thinking liability concerns). I later realized that barn management let the children lead her (always supervised) BECAUSE she was among the most sane, reliable, and trustworthy of the group. While she didn’t particularly enjoy children (loved babies and toddlers)-she was reliable and steady when they were around.
My veterinarian had an insight about Arabians- he said that the biggest problem with Arabians was that 60-80% of them were smarter than their owners. (He also assured me that I was in the 20%; I corrected him! lol)
Anyway- I really enjoyed mine, and miss her every day. Thanks for this post- especially since you are candid and fair about Arabians not being your favorites (which is perfectly ok and fair). Your insights are appreciated.
Thank you for your story about your mare!
I have owned two Arabians. One little mare that was so much fun. She was my trail horse, my “fun” horse. She was solid as a rock! Didn’t spook at anything, went through water, ground tied, everyone would say that she was a quarter horse living in an Arabs body. I don’t think that was the case, I think that was just who she was. She liked to take care of people and she did! Also, longevity, YES, she lived to the ripe old age of 32!
The second Arab I owned was a “rescue” type situation. A woman at a barn I boarded at couldn’t afford her gelding care anymore so she was going to send him to auction. He was grey, old 24, and not the prettiest horse I have ever seen. Long back, short neck, very downhill, big ears (for an Arab), super dished face. But, he had great feet and was sound as could be. I though he could be my second trail horse. He didn’t agree. He had been a halter horse for the first 8 years of his life, then was shown as a park horse (I think thats what it’s called). He was full of steam. Not spooky but he didn’t act his age.
I ended up sending him to a friends house to finish his years as a pasture friend to her retired boys. He too lived to be 29 years. Had colic not gotten him I’m sure he would have lived into his 30′s.
One more thing to add about Arabians is that though they are easy keepers, in my experience they have very sensitive stomachs!
I couldnt agree more, horses for courses I say! And everything I seen this year at bramham horse trial was massive! People don’t need theses big horses, its the size of the jump in the horse that counts! Iv seen tiny horses jumping huge fences. My first horse was a fizzy trotter cob (who I still own) I got him as a stallion, he was 11 years old and unbroken, I was only 11yrs old myself. I broke him, gelded him and evented him, the best 15hh horse ever! He took me to the top in RC championships. Now he is 19years and due to a foot problem from his earlyer pacing career he is a happy hack now with my mum.
I have just now bought a 2 year pure bred old arab colt (15hh) I have been warned before not to buy one and for this I went looking for one as I proved these stereotypics wrong one with my trotter and ill do it again with my little arab, hopfully I will have the best of partnerships in all aspects of equine sport and never look back.
When I looked for a arab I remembered one thing, the horse has to have the heart to do it, if any breed has this and you reconise it, they will do anything for you!
I can sum up my thoughts with very few words: Breed prejudice is rampant in the horse world everywhere, and it greatly hurts the horse industry as a whole.
I boarded for the first 15 years of my horse ownership, and I met horses from almost all breeds. I met quite a few Arabs. Some I loved, some I didn’t. Just like every other breed.
I’ve experienced this prejudice myself, against my choice of breed, the Morgan. In Texas where I used to live, and in Indiana where I live now, in many circles if you don’t own a Quarter Horse, well, you better sell what you do have and get yourself a REAL horse.
I’m NOT knocking Quarter Horses. My first horse was a QH, and if horses were immortal, I’d still have him. It’s the PEOPLE who seem to think that the QH is the only horse that can do anything. Hmmmm….. sounds a lot like what was said about Arab owners doing their breed no favors.
There are good horses and bad horses in every breed, and I don’t think a real horse person would write off an entire breed – ANY breed – as nothing but junk.
Well, I’m going to disagree with your definition of ‘hardcore Arab fanatic’
. Maybe it’s because I like in the UK, but the people I’d define as ‘hardcore Arab fanatics’ are people like the Guinnesses, who bred the Olympic eventer Tamarillo as well as successful endurance Arabs. The people who do the damage are the fashion brigade who only see Arabs as another kind of Prada handbag – they are not horsemen by any definition, and the majority of Arab owners would not drop one tear if the whole boiling of them vanished tomorrow.
Tamarillo is not big and he’s more than 50% Arab, but even so, his tall rider William Fox-Pitt has no problem taking him round the world’s most testing 3-day Event courses – he says Tam ‘rides much bigger’ than he looks. And that’s what most people find about Arabs – to quote a friend, they are “only small on the outside”.
Arabs get a bad rap from riders for two reasons: one, you cannot browbeat an Arab or force it, unlike a cob or a warmblood. Arabs want to work WITH you: if you are the sort of rider who expects to domineer, or who does not credit a horse with intelligence then don’t even go NEAR an Arab: if you don’t respect their brains, they certainly won’t respect yours.
Two, people think that because Arabs are hotbloods, you have to feed them like a TB. Wrong, wrong wrong. The Arab evolved to make the most of possibly the world’s worst equine environment: feeding them the same rations as a TB (or a warmblood) is like stuffing a kid with chocolate and high-sugar fizzy drinks. Both end up with attention deficit disorder, but whereas the poor kid gets Ritalin, the Arab gets badmouthed as “crazy”.
The bottom line is, it’s not the Arab horse that’s inadequate – almost always, it’s the person who badmouths it who is.
I agree completely with this statement. It is all about the rider. These are intelligent horses and they will not work well if you force them into doing something. They want a relationship and you will have the best human-horse relationship ever with an Arab.
I completely agree with you. Thank goodness for horses like Tamarillo and breeders like his for changing minds. The problem is that people treat Arabs like they treat other breeds without realizing they’re not the same. I would rather have a horse with brains and spirit that can be a partner, not a push button car. Just remember that the best artists and athletes are always a little “crazy”, haha.
My little 26 yo arab gelding is the love of my life. When younger he was a super jumper (Spanish Arab). He hated dresage,but ,finally made a 72% at second and entered 3rd. He was an incredibly bold trail horse. We covered thousands of miles alone.H e also carried children in parades. In the long run,I trusted him more than any horse I’ve ever ridden because arabs have a loyalty that when the chips are down they will ultimately defer to you. I am a trainer and have ridden horses that were more affectionate or had more lethargic personalities, and except for my half -draft mare who will never spook,I trust arabs more than any other breed!
I was happy to read this post. Arabs get a bad rap from people that have never really gotten to know one. They are not your typical horse in any sense. They train faster and are smarter than most any other horse. They live to please and will do almost anything you ask of them. They can do any discipline and do it well usually, although as the poster said…they won’t do well in classes where there is a definite “type” like hunter. I have seen some great Arab and Arab/mix horses at the hunt club meetings and they do as well and better than the clunky warmbloods and crazy TB’s. They also stay a lot more sound!
People that have problems with Arabs usually have no understanding that the Arabian is NOT like any other horse in existence. They are super sensitive and don’t do well at all with a heavy handed rider. I own two of them and adore them both.
How can anyone HATE such a magnificent animal?? (Well, how can anyone hate ANY animal?) Arabians, in particular, are intelligent, gorgeous, gracious, courageous; everything you could want in a horse. I’ve ridden only one in my life and she was the finest horse I’ve ever ridden. To me, Arabians suggest creation of the Hand of God: as though He sculpted the perfect horse from the purest marble, then blew the breath of life into the nostrils; almost, “And the horse became a living soul.”
I owned an Arab as a kid. He had been mishandeled terribly and was very unpredictable and hard to manage, yet he was so lovable and affectionate, I put up with the crazy behavior. When I went to buy my first “nice” horse as an adult, I had decided I wanted 16+ hand dressage schoolmaster. My trainer, however, brought me to a barn to look at a 15h arab. I had the worst test ride of my life on him but my trainer persuaded me to put an offer on him.
Nearly a year later, this little arab is the greatest thing that has happened to me both mentally and as a rider. Yeah, he can be spooky and I could never put a beginner on him but he has consistantly beat out the warmbloods in the training level classes, won open classes when my trainer has shown him, and he is so naturally athletic and supple that he is flying through the upper level dressage movements.
I have decided I am an arab person. I love their sensitivity, the emotional connection they develop with you, and that they are innately a challenge to ride. But I think the point is that you have to look at the horse for what he is not what breed he is. Arabs can be tremendous sport horses and for someone like me who is 5’4 and small built, a solid polish arab is the perfect size.
A good Arab is a fantastic investment in your riding career, and trust me, you will never get bored with them.
Arab-haters usually hate on Saddlebreds too, my breed of choice.
It’s unfortunate, but it’s their loss.
As an Arab owner for over 30 years I can definitely speak from experience that there are a lot of Arab-haters out there. The question has be be posed is, “Why?” Most of these people have never ridden an Arabian, much less owned one.
Arabians are honest, affectionate, and intelligent horses, and let’s face it..they embody most little girls’ fantasy of what the perfect dream horse looks like.
It’s true, you can’t manhandle them or try to force them to do things. They respond much better if the rider or handler asks or explains what they’d like the horse to do. This is the dialogue, the dance, between horse and rider that makes it an art and an incredible adventure.
I would hardly consider a 15hh 2yo arab a “little” guy, he’s going to be huge if your measurements are correct!
Yes, it is true that arab horses are marginalised by those people out there who are xenophobic. well whats wrong with all them. even though marginalising people is bad enough but at least people can stand up for themselves with a voice. Well Arab cant talk! its so sad because the Arab is such a beautiful horse.
in any breed we see bad horses not just the arab breed
and sure some arabs arent good at one thing but they are good for at least one thing.
To those that dont like the arab well its just because you abuse them, because they are smarter than you and because well you just never got the chance to get to know one.
A quote from Seabiscuit: “he just needs a second chance”
I own two lovely arabs. Yes we brought them as yearlings myself being only 14 yrs old. I am now 17 and am training them myself with the help of a very experienced horse trainer which she is my good friend. They are so different to any other breed they are just so beautiful and refined. they are so intelligent and they just love to learn. Me and my arabs have a long way to go together and I would never sell them.
So too all thoses arab fans out there your quest i to turn all the people you can to liking arabs and to start a new name for them.
and for those who dont like the arabs well just look out the arabs are comming through.
I think when you own an arab, or part arab, and train him to fit in an eventer world, you must have SOME talent right? I own a arab/welsh, and I have for about 3 or 4 years, and he is a jerk at times and other times he couldnt be more eager to learn. I’ve never owned a thoroughbred or anything but leased 2 connemaras and then was handed down my little arab/welsh *horse* (15.1hh) now. I event him and we have placed 7th at the best in a registered eventing comp. I now am able to get him round and maintain it for a good while and have a pretty, bouncing trot. Any arab-hater would like him. infact every arab-hater i know LOVES him! including many of my friends in pony club, and my friends mother. I dont know what it is, but my horse seems to bring out the best in arabs…and always will!
Have you ever tryed riding an arabian horse ? – you don`t know what what you miss!!!
(that is not a question to those, who have allready answered above!!)
My first horse was a half Arabian. He had been a bucking horse, but he loved me. I have had at least one horse since age five. My favorite breed is an Arabian. They love you and are very loyal.
Kris
I have no ownership experiance with any arabs, but the riding stable I used to go had an arab called Dancer. Me and him shared a bond that I have never encountered with an animal before, he was so loving. He was not used at all by the school to do any strenuous because of slight back problems, but me being 5’1″ and weighing 6 stone, I was allowed to ride him for 10 minutes every day. He loved to go out and loved being around other horses, but was very skitty…hence his name Dancer as he used to dance all around the place!
I believe that if he could have been ridden properly, he would have had no problem being one of the soundest horses ever because of his tempermant, his intelligence and his loyalty.
I intend to buy an Arab within the next year, not only to have a friend, but to also have that bond with these amazing horses.
Some people don’t understand that you buy an arab, or any other animal, to be a companion not a hobby.
I own an arab now just because it had the movement for Dressage. I also thought about what I could breed her to down the road for a nice warmblood. Personally I have only had one person give me crap about the arab part.
Oddly I have gotten much more flack for training standrardbreds for Dressage. All that ended up placing very well.
I hate the arab people who are always going on at how the arab is the best horse in the world and the oldest. Totally ignoring the barb or any other ancient breed. I mean the barb has had just as much influence on today’s stock as the arabian horse. I also hate hearing that arabs never hate other arabs and so on. I’ve seen arabs hate each other and I’ve seen arabs love other breeds equally. I’ve seen horribly spooky arabs and very nice dead broke ones.
I think it is more the mindset of the fanatical arabian owner that sets people against arabians more than the horses themselves. Saying that, I have more fun at strictly arab shows than I do Dressage, hunt, or western shows. The people are so nice and helpful at them. I was surprised by that.
At any rate, I think all horses should be looked at as individuals not as this breed or that breed. Obviously some horses have more of certain physical or temperament differences that are more likely to occur in that breed, but that doesn’t mean those differences are set in stone.
(Sigh). After more than 30 years with this breed, I am still amazed that this kind of argument goes on. I owned a national champion driving horse, a regional champion costume horse, a regional champion sidesaddle stallion, and now ride an Anglo Arab mare bred from that stallion. My husband rides anything but an Arab. That’s his choice, but between you and me he’s not a very good rider and doesn’t belong on a horse with intelligence, endurance, and performance capabilities like this breed has. Size absolutely does not matter; an Arab can carry much more weight, proportionately, than any other breed, and it’s because of those thousands of years of solid breeding. What is the problem with acknowledging the magnificence of a breed that goes back nearly 5,000 years, has fantastic bone and feet, and can think?
I have owned my Arabian mare since she was the age of two. She has quite the personality, she’s always keeps me guessing. She is lovable at times, but only on her terms. She’s not the friendlist towards other people but she will put up with them, she deffinately has her selected few picked out. With that said I couldn’t love her more. We have grown up together and she has taught me so many things. I am now 16 years old and by deffinition, I have “out grown her.” I’m about 5’7″ so my legs are quite long to be riding my 14.3 Arab. That hasn’t stopped us from throwing away our jumping career (which she loves as well!). We use to compete in hunter/jumper shows, but due to the judges prejudice against my size and her being an Arabian, we haven’t gotten the marks we should have. So, I have decided this season we’ll try Jumper rounds. With only about a month of training, I have never seen a horse make so much progress. She absolutely loves it. We’re schooling anywhere from 3′ to an amazing height of 4′!! I wouldn’t sell her for anything, I’ve come to love all aspects of her personality, even her not so good traits.
Thank you so much for posting this article, everything you have mentioned holds true to the Arabian breed.
I grew up riding TB’s, showing hunter, progressing to jumpers and having a total blast and had never even seen an Arabian horse til I got one. She was given to me because she bucked her owner off so hard that he missed a weeks work and earned the name, “Blue Butt”. I was told she wouldn’t lead, terrible ground manners, wouldn’t load on the trailer and of course, bucked like a fiend.
She had show horse lead manners, led like a dream, and on the day I picked her up, loaded into the trailer so fast I almost couldn’t get out of her way in time. I later learned that if she liked where she was, she saw no reason to leave and could be a bit difficult to load. Nothing like I had been told anyhow. She never bucked once with me. Not once! She had the most wry sense of humour I’ve ever seen, human or horse, and loved to have attention. She was called, “She who MUST be Adored”.
It’s all her fault that we now have 12 purebred and 1/2 Arabian horses and yes, the other half of the part breds is Saddlebred. I love the intelligence and humour of the Arabian horse. Of course, I’m totally hooked on their beauty, though at first it took some getting used to.
Ridng the quick, smart and athletic little buggers is half the fun, especially when training. I love a horse that can spin you around so fast you meet yourself coming and going.
That said, I love TB’s, QH’s, Morgans and whatever. As long as a horse is athletic and kind, I have no beef with any of them. My avowed preference is for an Arabian, but I dearly love riding my friends huge gaited horses too.
I’d love to see people accept a horse for what it is, rather than to take out our inherent xenophobia on their breeds, but since we also have a tendency to find one group of people or another to hate, I suppose that’s just a pipe dream.
As a nearly life-long Arabian horse owner, thank you! There are good and bad points to any breed, and there are very few breeds I outright dislike…never did understand the hate for my chosen breed. Thanks for the honest and well-balanced post!
My father bought our first arabians when I was 5. Tiffy and Andy. Andy a 2 year old crabbet gelding, bearly ground broken was to be mine. My father and I tained him ourselves and he learned so fast and was such a eager student I (who was stick figure skinny!) was riding him and placing in local shows before he was four! We grew up together and had many adventures trail riding and exploring.
Sadly Andy passed back in 2000, I miss him still. Yet he inspired me to buy my own Arab, Samsyn a 3 yr old beauty is training with ease he shows promise as a dressage, hunter or ever western pleasure or proformance.
Arab haters are just that, haters. Why do we hate without provocation, fear, jealousy or ignorance. Sorry for their closed minds!
I have been showing in rated Open Dressage shows for about three years now. I have the impression that, at least in my area in California, Arabians are not so much discriminated against in Dressage. Everywhere I go I get “oohs and ahhs” from people who are enthralled with the movement of my two mares. One Dressage judge actually wrote “Love your horse!” on my score sheet. This horse is barely 15 hands and I am 5’8″ mostly legs. Leg position can be a struggle but with practice it gets better. My horses try so hard to perform for me. My youngster did 3 open shows this year and got no less than first and second place each time out, against Warmbloods even.
And the great thing about having a smaller horse is they are often more practical for trail riding. These guys can trot for miles without overheating as quickly as the bulkier breeds.
And as far as longevity, I have a mare turning 24 who is still showing at three star open shows.
well i own an arab mare, jasmine and she can jump four foot seven!
There is one problem with Arabs, and it is humans. Because the beautiful Arab looks like the story book horse, and because they are smaller and less physically intimidating, in my opinion they are the most likely breed to be purchased by people who are “in love with horses” but who don’t have a clue about what they are doing.
These well meaning folks simply don’t have the acumen to work with this intelligent horse properly and the result is that you get a larger proportion of Arabs who have picked up bad habits along the way. Thus when many horsepeople hear the word “Arab”, they immediately prick their ears and begin to be on the lookout for potentially dangerous habits.
In my opinion, an Arab is a magnificent horse with gaits like poetry. However, owning and working with one should be reserved for the horseperson who is ready for that “graduate school” level of horse potential. A young untrained Arab is not an appropriate horse for someone who can’t tell a noseband from a cheekstrap.
I was told never to buy an Arabian horse, that it would be worst thing I could ever do! One day I got one, it was an ugly dark gray Arabian gelding and it was not by choice. My husband bought him for me because he was semi broke and I badly wanted to ride. What made it worse was, everyone was telling me he looked like a mule! The other horse I owned was an 11 months old paint filly, so it would be ways to go before she was ride able. Well long story short that once ugly Arabian that I was thought he was.. means the world to me. I’ve learned so much from him, his changed in color now, he is almost white. And that ugly duckling that I thought he was is beautiful swan now. But even if he hadn’t change in color I would still love him. My Arabian gelding is all heart and there is nothing that he wouldn’t do for me. For those Arabian hater!! Don’t hate what you don’t know. You might just be surprised how quickly they changed your minds. I’ve been approached by many Quarter horse owners, If I was willing to part with him and how much would I sell him for? One person offered me five of her Quarter horses for my Arabian gelding, of course I said NO. I have other horse but he is the only one that means the most to me and yes I love my other horses but this one holds a special place in my heart. I did get another Arabian gelding recently and his personality is just like my older Arabian gelding. I like horses in general but I love the Arabian horses. One last thing I was criticized at an all Quarter horse show for riding an Arabian, but quess who ended up with the buckle?……… (ME)……. need I say more….
Sorry if I miss spelled or transposed words I have dyslexia…
I don;t understand the hate for the arabian…my arabian is the most loving affectionate horse, he would do anything for me…he was my first horse and I had no horse experience…I just brought him home saddled him…which of course turned out to be all wrong….terrible saddle and wrong bit….but this horse and I just bonded and even though all of his tack was wrong…killing his withers…he just took care of me. I also just recently bought a Tennessee Walker….just had to buy him cause all the hype of the smooth gaited horse…but NO PERSONALITY….if the other so called haters of the arabians would try an arabian I am sure they would fall in love…I love all horses but nothing is like riding an arabian full of spirit and intellegance.
I think Karen has a point the horses that I see coming into rescue ranches because the people just didn’t know how to take care of the horse were usually small horses like quarter horses, some kind of mixed stock breed, and sometimes arabian though rarely pure. I never seen warmbloods or larger breeds like that have to rescued from stupid owners. Usually those breeds like the warmblood or thorobred breeders are rescued becuase they are treated like machines and are thrown away when they cant perform. In the U.S. the quarter horse dominates and I find alot of knowledgable horse people bringing down other breeds because of their obvious preference for the quarter horses look. Like how I’ve seen people grate on spanish breeds roman noses who I later find out own quarter horses. I find the quarter horse to look piggish but still appreciate a few for having their own beauty. I myself either like the arabians dished face or a roman nose (slight or heavy) and don’t like a completly straight nose. I also feel the dressage world needs to get over height and maybe we would see more andalusians and other breeds like this who were the original dancing horses before war tactics changed.
i love the arab sooooooo much. it was the first horse i ever loaned when i was younger and the best horse to this date. however i have grown since then and think i may be to big what do people think who have arabs. im 5’11” and weight 11stone is this to much. i would like to do a bit of everything and i have had experience but a long long time ago. i do believe they are the most beautiful creatures aroung looks and personnality!!
Jen–I am 5’8″ with long legs and I think that an arab is too small for me and probably too small for you. I owned one once but I couldn’t ride her very well because my leg was so far below her belly that I had to turn my heel up and put my stirrups up 3 holes so my leg was in the right place. I felt like a jockey. If you can find an arab with a big barrel, then you’d be fine. Arabs are beautiful and intelligent and awesome but, unfortunately, they are small and sensitive and it’s hard to ride them correctly if you’re tall. If you’re not showing and you’re just trail riding and having fun, you’ll probably be fine riding any arab, but it would be hard for you to show one in jumping, dressage, or eventing. You could probably show in western events because they usually carry their legs below the horse’s belly and out to the side and wear big spurs and use their spurs to communicate. Thats what i think.
I love arabian horses for what they are. an arabian horse is exciting to ride, my horse in particular. arabian horses have the attitude which i enjoy, always dancing in their trot and tail and head held up high. they are beautiful and i personally think that the most perfect horse is an arab. tell me of another horse that is more loyal than an arab and i will correct you.
I personally think that arabians are gorgeous horses. I have a 6 year old bay pb gelding and he looks exactly like bask without the action. He’s small, hes only 14.2. But most arabs are around 15.2 now not 14.1-15hh. He’s a sport horse and i love him to death. I’ve had him since i was 8 and since he was a year. I don’t know what i would do without him. Hes smart and would do anything for me. He never spooks at anything and hes awesome for trailering clipping and just about anything. His face isn’t dished but he has big eyes and small ears and that “teacup” nose. I trust him with my life and he trusts me. At my house i can just let him lose (bad habit but sometimes i do) and he always comes back. I can ride him bareback and on trails and we do well in the arab shows. Their good sport horses. I don’t understand the hate
As long time owners of many Arabians. Some Polish, Crabbet, and even a couple of Desert Born. It seems, as you have said that so many people are predisposed to dislike the Arab solely because of their breed. When My wife and I got our first Arabs.(we rescued them from an elderly relative unable to care for them) We had other horses and at the time and little room to keep the nine that we rescued. We tried in vain for some time to find somewhere to board them. At least until we could buy a place big enough for all our horses. Among the 9 were three geldings, four mares, and two very beautiful stallions. They ranged in age from 10 to 23. Only two or three had ever been under saddle. After calling every boarding barn or farm within a hundred miles of our home we eventually gave up and crammed them in wherever we were able for a short period of time. The boarding facilities all said they wouldn’t take Arabs for the same three reasons. #1 They were too “High Spirited”, “Too Mean” and they would just destroy stables/fencing. When we finally found a suitable place to move. We had to build all the fencing ourselves. We put the stallions behind wood and everyone else went behind smooth horse wire. At no time have we ever had to electrify any of our fences or use any barbed wire. With the exception of having to replace the occasional board(usually due to weather) and once in a blue moon a strand of wire(usually due to someone feeling the need to eat only the grass that is greener on the other side.lol I haven’t had any reasons to replace fencing.
My wife and I had a combined 25 or 30 years with horses. And were always very much aware of the potential for disaster. In the ten years since we started with the Arabs we have lost one 32 year old brood mare to a neurological issue. We have had to get the vet out once for a stallion that would later require surgery for a sand impaction and colic. They had been in Florida for many years prior to our taking ownership. Eventually, because I contracted Rheumatoid Arthritis we needed to thin the herd. The three geldings were sent to a Quarter horse loving cousin in Texas. Who now says that the true spirit of the horse is in the Arab’s soul. We also sent a mare to another cousin who had only owned racking horses in Tennessee. She say, “even though she isn’t a racking horse. She is as smooth as silk.” Still the work load was such that we had our hands full daily. Not to mention the imprinting, breaking, and training of a young gelding that was born of the two Desert Born that we had. Having said all this just to give background the meat of our story.
Having had Saddlebreds, Quarter-horses and even a couple of Paints over the years. I have never seen another breed with a desire to learn, to love and be loved as those “nutso Arabs” we were warned about. Never before have I seen such fast learners with an unparalleled desire (if not compulsion) to please.
The largest of the two stallions and desert born at that, is the horse that my then 3 year old granddaughter learned to ride on. During her beginning stages and even today he shows so much concern and care for her. That it’s nearly a source of irritation to get him to move freely with her up. She is now seven and he is 30. And the two are as close as any two can be and not be Siamese twins. She lives to be with him and he with her. She has slept with him, cradled in his almost physical embrace between his front legs and neck with her asleep with her head on his neck. Without ever being asked he has learned that it is easier for her to get up if he kneels for her. This is, to my knowledge, not something he was ever taught. One one occasion when she was grooming him he went so far as to place himself between her and a group of semi feral dogs marauding in our area. This kind of devotion cannot be taught. It’s for sure not something one would ever expect of any horse. When she arrives at our home for riding or just for a visit. He will nicker endlessly until she has spent a few minutes with him. It will be a sad day indeed when he has to leave her. But for these reasons and so many more, I wish everyone had the opportunity just to get to know one Arab.
In these hard economic times when it is difficult at best to be a horse owner. I would gladly give all I have to be able to continue the loving relationships that we have developed with each of these Beautiful if not Magical Creatures.
This is the story of but one Arab. I thank God each day that we have them all. They are truly the creatures of legend. The “Drinkers of the Wind”. The breath of God does indeed blow between the ears of the Arab Horse.
I agree with this, I have been desperately trying to convine my dad that arabians aren’t sissy horses, but strong outstanding horses differnt from the rest and not lower than other breeds! I love how graceful they are and loyal they are. To me they remind me of miniature Lusitanos, brave, strong, graceful, loving, beautiful and so much more than you would have expected after all, although a horse may be small on the outside, it may be big and have a heart of gold or a huge personality on the inside. So people out there who have never met one themself, don’t comment on something that may change your life!!!!!!!
i cant undetrstand why people could hate them. i have a horse not an arab but i with i had 1.
ive seen how people treat horses an i just cant handle the sight.
me and my family take in the underniourished horses an bring them back to helth so they can go up for adoption. i wish there was no such job.
It is sad to believe that an animal lover would hate any breed. True–what I just read is simply your opinion, as simple as people who choose a lap dog over a sport dog, there is a “preference”, but not a “hatred”. Hatred usually stems from prejudice and prejudice from fear. Maybe it is this fear that keeps people from the somewhat temperamental, sometimes aggressive Arab.
Just because you dont own an arabian doesn’t mean that you hate them. I have quarter horses, and I’ve never owned and arabian. But I Think they are one of the most beautiful breeds of horses. Now, I love my quarter horses, but i wouldn’t compare them to arabians, because they’re an extremely spirited breed. They can go for long rides without having to stop. Their breed is made to be able to do that because of the deserts in arabia, where they were first bred, they needed to be good on their feet and be able to go a long ways without a lot of water. I have riden and showed arabians (not sport but saddle seat (nothing agaisnt sport arabs) they are an amazing breed. So anyone who says something different, your titled to your own opinion, but ask yourself, have i ever rode an arab? have i ever seen one move? do i know what they are capable of? before you say something you not sure of.
my first horse was an arab, i got her when i was 10. i still have her, shes 21, still sound (she ponies my nieces and nephews on trails), and one of the bravest horses ive ever known. we’d take ditches, logs, fences, you name it. we could go all day, becuz she never tired. in the summer we’d go swimming @ the lake: bareback, halter, bathing suit. she loves to swim. i showed hunter, western pleasure, and dressage through 1st level on her. what i really loved was that she wasnt a push-button…she took some actual skill to ride, which only developed my skill further. when my parents saw me outgrowing her(shes 14.3 and im 5’9″ now),they got me a FriesianxTB weanling for me to raise. Hes 7, 17h, and im starting him over jumps. I can promise you that if i hadnt had my smart, witty little arab to teach me how to really ride there is no way i could handle him. shes been the best horse and i owe her all of my ability as a rider…im tearing up now so i’ll have to stop here to go give her a hug and a carrot. happy trails!
Arab haters must xenophobes? Come on.
First off, I don’t dislike the breed. While they aren’t my first preference, a horse is a horse. I dislike owners who must tell everyone and their dog that their horse is a purebred (or pureblooded!) Arabian. The reason they don’t dominate in the hunter field is due to their jump. When judges look for a solid hunter, they look for form over fences. Since Arabians are missing a vertebrae, they tend to have a slightly different form that a lot of judges disapprove of.
If a picture is worth 1000 words, what are 600 pictures worth? These photos on Flickr have been posted over a period of years to refute the idea that the Arab breed is not suitable for sport horse disciplines. I invite you to take a look.
I owned a 3/4 Arab 1/4 Appaloosa for 19 years, and she was my best friend for life. I just bought my first purebred Arab (a gelding of primarily Polish breeding). I agree w/the folks who say that breeds don’t deserve generalizations — it’s the owner/trainer/rider who makes the horse… just like with dogs. The horse I just bought was brought up right by a man who really knew his stuff, and Rowdy’s a perfect gentleman but full of fire. I can certainly understand why most sport-horse folks would tend toward warmbloods and bigger breeds — but if you’re smaller, yourself, then a well-bred, well-raised Arab’s a great choice. I’ve seen ‘em do just about everything. And BTW, the Arab show world’s not the only place you’ll find silly kooks — they sell those stupid “sleazies” in all sizes!
Loved the post. I grew up around Arabians, my little Arab who is now 15 taught me a lot more about riding and handling a horse. Arabians are a lot different from other breeds. You cannot man handle them like you could a Quarter Horse or some other breed. They are very sensitive, and highly intelligent. Thankfully mine wasn’t difficult to train at all and he enjoyed working, that horse was honestly my best friend. He loved hugs? I’ve never met another horse who did.
All in all, it’s just like people who hate on Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Rotties, etc. It is ALL…in the way it is raised, meaning…it is the owner or trainer.
Really nice article, very well written. We have improved greatly as a breed, but there is still much work to be done. The advent of adding the sport horses has really improved over time.
I HATE breed discrimination. Icelandics get plenty of it. People look down on us a lot, and think of us as those fluffy little things. My friend and I hated Arabs for a while because she got bucked off one when she was way too young to be riding a horse like that. We’re better now.
How sad that people dont like arabs the 1 ones i find most biased are the 1 that cant manage them,no reason to bully an arab as most breeds cause they will click into you if you genuinly love themmost honest beautiful but clever intelegent and dont suffer fools gladly give me an arab anyday
arabs are amazing its their training and peoples understanding of them that makes them what they are. my third horse was arab and loved eventing beautiful in shows dressage jumping cross country and games he loved the barrell race. he put all his speed stamina and attitude into it. ive owned several breeds and to me its just how you work with them not the breed itself everyone has their own likes and dislikes bbe pretty boring if everyone liked the same things we just might have too much of the same things! you do have to let them knoiw your boss but once you get their respect they are loyal as heck. treat em right youve got a best mate whose loyalty can never be questioned!
My first horse was 3/4 Arab, 1/4 Appaloosa, a Fadjur/Nazeer-bred little 14.2-hand mare. She was trained originally as a reining horse & had a sliding stop like you wouldn’t believe. She outraced everyone who I could convince to run against us & once did a 1/4 mile with two turns in 30 seconds. I remember flying across the dunes on her at the beach, those big stripey feet just hitting the tops at full speed. She could jump little jumps and pole bend and barrel race and perform basic dressage maneuvers, and won trail classes where I let HER open the gate. All this with a lifelong DSLD condition that was never diagnosed till near the end of her life (at 28). Barefoot most of her life and smart as a border collie, she was sweet enough to carry toddlers on a lead, and I could sit under her with a pair of scissors trimming her fetlocks; then I’d get on her and she’d remember her heritage and just “wake up” ready to go and do anything I asked the first time I asked it. We once ascended a 30-foot staircase from beach to boardwalk because I didn’t know enough not to ask her… I never knew how awesome she was till I lost her and got to know other horses… Just one of those special creatures.
I now own a purebred Arab gelding of primarily Polish blood. He is his own personality, more of a challenge, and just the horse I needed. He chose me; I was leasing an Anglo-Arab mare with whom I simply did not “click” (she was not a “people horse”), and he was there at the barn and for sale. Ten minutes into our first ride, I knew he was mine — same as with my ol’ girl). He doesn’t quite have my mare’s courage, but that’s more due to his upbringing than his bloodline. He’s 15 hands of muscle, a better horse than I am a rider for sure. I’m older now and not so foolish, so we won’t be doing half the crazy things I did with Mira. In fact, I doubt I’ll never pose half the challenge to him that he could handle. But we are becoming fast friends. Rowdy’s a typical Arab: goofy, gorgeous, and full of himself. And I’m here to reiterate what others have said: Arabs are less forgiving of your mistakes, but you treat them right and they will just about kill themselves for you.
And as for dressage, I never understood why people wouldn’t want a Kuhailan-type Polish Arab under them. The strength packed into that (relatively little) body is positively breathtaking, the casual athleticism and agility is undeniable — just watch any of those “at liberty” videos online! Power, grace, and control (yes, it’s quite possible) — what more could you want?
I am an Arabian fanatic. I’ve been one since I was 10. I have Polish Arabians. They have beauty, brains, and power. They’re built for soundness – great legs and feet. My horses are the Kuhailans that CAS is talking about.
I can appreciate other breeds but for me the Arab is the only horse.
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The Arabian gets a bad rap because most people don’t train them correctly. I find that the classical dressage techniques of developing the back and teaching horse to relax is the only to train an Arab.
I feel that to own a Arabian you have to have a certain personality or focus. If you want a horse that is always listening, always learning, waiting for the next great adventure then look no further. However because Arabs are smart and, like elephants, never forget you have to get them young or from a good trainer/breeder to avoid bad habits.
Arabians make great reigning horses, trail horses, and even dressage horses because they respond to almost invisible commands. One of the largest cattle ranches in the USA uses nothing but Arabians for ranch work. Because the breed produces very hardy and very solid animals who take direction immediately and without question.
That being said you can not treat an Arabian like a tool to be used and called upon whenever. Arabs are a breed you have to create a working, understanding, and respectful bond with. Its not hard because all Arabs are very eager to please, loyal, and they love humans. But they are not a breed you just get on and ride without a care in the world.
You have to be aware of what they are doing because they are fast and curious about the world around them. I once watched my Arab foal follow a baby bunny around his pin. I was worried he might kill it on accident by playing with it but he was just watching it nose to the ground moving when ever it moved off to a new area. He was curious but not mean about it at all. However if I had tried to take him away from the bunny he would have thrown a fit.
That is because he does not respect me yet and thinks the bunny is more important than me. If I had done that with my 8 year old Arab gelding he would have left the bunny no questions asked with a single word from me. So in short if you looking for a horse to ride but not get deeply involved with or if you don’t have 3 hours a day to spend with a horse do not get a Arabian. If your looking for that companionship and a quick to listen horse you can be with all day long then get a Arabian it really is as simply as that.
Biddesden Stud in the UK has a long history of breeding horses with Arab blood for competition including 2004 Badminton and 2008 Burghley winner Tamarillo (by Tarnik x Mellita). They have a few completion sires at stud including the Anglo Arab stallion Persiflage (2002 by Primative Rising x Doyenne). He has recently been collected from and his semen will soon be available for AI in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Visit their website http://www.biddesdenstud.co.uk or their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/biddesdenstud for more details.
I use to ride at an Arab breeding farm. They’re not my favorite breed. I don’t like the look of an Arabian nor do I like the way people train them. The woman I rode for would beat the horses, that’s how she only could get the Arabs to listen. not kidding. I’m of a draft and stock horse kind of rider.
I have two Arabs and I think sometimes they deserve a firm slap when they are being jerks but other wise they are amazing horses. I absolutely love their personality. With my two Arabs it seems like they actually like you a little not just the food you feed them. I also don’t want a little kid pony robot ride. they are the most beautiful horses i have ever seen. Go ahead and call me bias but I have owned and handled many breeds of horses and I like Arabians best. Really, why the hate?
I absolutely love my Arab. He is a sweet, gentle, intelligent, curious and sensitive animal. He does not have an aggressive bone in his body. We have learned so much together. I love that every ride is different and that I am challenged to “ride” him. We handle every situation as a team. He taught me the importance of trust and respect and in exchange he is a willing, forgiving and loyal riding partner. I don’t expect him to be anything but what he is…..a noble creature…..a horse.
I am acutely aware of the “stigma” of owning an arab but I wouldn’t trade my guy for the best of any breed. I am not a arab fanatic….. just a person who appreciates the mind, the spirit, the heart and grace of these amazing animals.
EEEEkkk, they can be pretty, but their temperament is indefensible to me! they ARE mostly high strung and neurotic. I ride at a huge arabian breeding/showing facility that houses a few small hunter/jumper stables, Kristine, and while there are some sweet tempered Arab exceptions out there, i can tell you that i am surrounded by bitchy, panicky, kicky, squeely, bolty, psychotic horses, they fight with their handlers, their trainers, their hot walkers…when Ryllin and i walked up to one stall once to check out the cute Arab within, it turned around and threw a huge bukckick at us, it’s feet almost got stuck in the bars, when they get cast they uberpanic, when they see a mouse they uber panic. That’s the kind of stupid behavior that sorrounds us, with over 200 heads of show grade arabs all around, it’s hard not to form an opinion. Now on the flip size the hunter barns, might have a few divas in them but the difference is obvious, quiet, chill animals, walking by, waiting patiently in their cross ties, allowing themselves to be groomed, not spazzing and slipping all over the pavement. Dumbbloods? that’s more Arab that any other breed iMO. No excuse for the Arab majority. I want to tolerate them because they are horses after all, and they are pretty, but i just can’t every time i see one flying through the property like a bat out of hell cus it broke free from somewhere and now is afraid of its own shadow….with hours being spent trying to catch it….i just think THANK GOD, i’ll never own one.