Arabian Horse Breed: All you need to know
If you own a horse, it likely has Arabian bloodlines. With a history spanning over 4,000 years in the Middle East, the Arabian is one of the oldest horse breeds around.
Their refined heads, arched necks, and striking, expressive eyes make them truly stand out!
Want to learn more about this breed or thinking about owning one? Here’s all the info you need— origins, temperament, diet, and more.
What Is An Arabian Horse?
The Arabian horse is one of the world’s oldest horse breeds, roaming the Middle Eastern sands for over 4,000 years. Their beauty, intelligence, and friendly nature have influenced nearly every modern horse breed. You can spot an Arabian by its refined, dished face, large eyes, high-set and curved tail, and sleek, muscular build.
Interesting Facts About Arabian Horses
Here are some fun facts about Arabian horses before we dive into their nature.
- Arabian horses are one of the world’s oldest pure breeds.
- They were bred by Bedouins for war and were seen as gifts from Allah.
- Bedouins favored Arabian mares for battles.
- These tribes used to take their horses inside their tents to sleep with them.
- The majority of Arabians have black skin underneath their coats.
- Their “dished” face aids in breathing efficiency.
- Arabians have unique, melodious whinnies.
- Historic figures like George Washington and Alexander the Great rode Arabian horses.
- The US Arabian Horse Association (AHA) has registered over one million Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses since 1908.
History Of The Arabian Horse
The Arabian horse history dates back to 4000 B.C., in the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. It was the Bedouins’ loyal companion, believed to be a gift from Allah.
The Bedouin tribes kept the breed pure, not mixing them with other horses, which made them known as “Asil” or purebred. The desert’s harsh conditions made them strong, with great stamina and the ability to survive with very little food or water.
When Arab armies spread out in the 7th century, they took their Arabians with them, introducing the breed to North Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Here are some examples of the Arabian breed bloodline:
- The English Thoroughbred
- The Russian Orloff Trotter
- The French Percheron
- The American Morgan horse
Today, modern Arabian horses excel in endurance races and are great for pleasure riding. Groups like the Arabian Horse Association, US Arabian Horse Registry (USAHR), and Arab Horse Society (AHS) help keep this ancient breed pure and alive.
Arabian Horse Characteristics
Let’s have a look at the characteristics of an Arabian horse—its features, temperament, diet, running speed, health problems, and average lifespan.
Arabian horse features
- Around 14.1 to 15.1 hands tall
- Wedge-shaped head
- Broad forehead
- Large eyes
- Large nostrils
- Small muzzle
- High-set, arched neck
- High, flowing tail
- Strong bones and hardy hooves
- Coat colors include bay, grey, chestnut, black, and sometimes roan.
Arabian horse temperament
- Quick learners and pick up commands faster than other breeds.
- Form strong bonds with their owners.
- Highly attuned to their rider’s cues and environment.
- Spirited horses, yet well-mannered.
- Love exploring their surroundings.
- Thrive in activities that challenge both body and mind, like endurance racing.
Arabian horse running speed
- The average speed is around 34.2 mph.
- The fastest recorded speed is about 40.4 mph in a gallop.
- In endurance competitions, Arabian horses run at a speed of around 11.8-14.9 mph.
- How far can an Arabian horse run? Well, the longest recorded run is 100 miles during an endurance race.
Arabian horse diet
Arabian horses have small stomachs and need to eat small, frequent meals throughout the day—aim for at least 2-3 meals.
What do Arabian horses eat? Let’s take a look:
- Forage (hay and grass): About 1.5%-2% of their body weight daily.
- Grains (oats, barley): Feed in moderation based on their workload to avoid digestive issues.
- Supplements: Include vitamins, minerals, and fats like flaxseed or vegetable oil.
- Water: Between 5-10 gallons of water daily, more during exercise or hot weather,
- Treats: Carrots, apples, or special horse treats can be given in moderation, but don’t replace their regular meals.
Arabian horse health problems
Arabian horses can be prone to specific health issues, but regular veterinary care helps manage these risks.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Genetic disorders like SCID (Severe combined immunodeficiency) and CA (Cerebellar abiotrophy)
- Metabolic issues such as Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and Laminitis
- Respiratory conditions like Heaves (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Skin conditions such as Sweet itch
- Eye issues like Corneal Ulcers
Arabian horse life expectancy
The lifespan of an Arabian horse is between 25 and 30 years, with some reaching their early 30s if they are well taken care of.
To help reach their maximum lifespan, make sure to provide:
- High-quality nutrition
- Regular veterinary care
- Appropriate exercise to stay fit and avoid obesity
- A clean, comfortable environment with ample shelter and space
Different Types Of Arabian Horse Breeds
- Egyptian Arabian: The purest bloodline.
- Russian Arabian: Bred in the Soviet Union, have a more robust build.
- Polish Arabian: Have a more refined, elegant body.
- Crabbet Arabian: From England’s Crabbet Park estate and bred by Lady Anne Blunt; athletic with a strong bone structure.
- Spanish Arabian: Feature a powerful, well-muscled body with a substantial bone structure.
- Shagya Arabian: From Hungary; larger with a strong, athletic build.
Where Do Arabian Horses Live Today?
Arabian horses are now found all around the world, including:
- Arabian Peninsula, in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait
- North America, such as in the United States and Canada
- Europe, especially in the UK, France, and Germany
- Australia
- Parts of Asia, Africa, and South America
Is An Arabian Horse Ideal For You?
An Arabian horse is ideal if you:
- Are interested in endurance events or long-distance riding.
- Are keen on horse shows or specific disciplines like barrel racing.
- Have space, quality forage, and good shelter.
- Are ready to commit to regular exercise, training, social interaction, and mental stimulation.
- Are looking for a responsive horse that forms strong bonds.
- Are prepared for their specific health needs, like regular care and vaccinations.
- Are up for grooming and feeding needs, to ensure a fine coat and balanced diet.
FAQs
Why is the Arabian horse so expensive?
Arabians are one of the most expensive breeds in the world, costing between $5,000 and $30,000+. A purebred Arabian horse or a highly trained Arabian stallion may even exceed $150,000.
But why are Arabian horses so special? Here are just a few reasons about this breed that make them cost so much:
- Ancient heritage
- Distinctive appearance
- Versatility and performance in various disciplines
- Selective breeding
- Cultural significance and status symbol
Are Arabian horses hard to ride?
Arabian horses aren’t too hard to ride but can be tricky for beginners. Their high alertness means they pick up on every signal, so clear communication is key. If you’re a confident, skilled rider, they’re incredibly rewarding and fun to ride.
What is the difference between an Arabian horse and a regular one?
Arabian horses stand out with their distinctive features: a dished face, large eyes, and high tail carriage. Unlike “regular” horses, they have exceptional endurance and stamina, often shining in long-distance events. Their intelligence and sensitivity make them more hot-blooded compared to other horses.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering an Arabian as your next show or riding horse, you’re in for:
- One of the oldest and most beautiful horse breeds in the world
- Impressive speed
- A unique appearance
- Intelligence and stamina
- Outstanding endurance
Use the info from this article to make a well-informed decision for your next Arabian horse purchase.
