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Arabian Horse

The Arabian Horse, also known as the Arabic Thoroughbred, is one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world, originating from the Middle East. This noble and elegant breed is known for its refined head, high tail carriage and exceptional stamina. The Arabian Horse combines strength, speed and intelligence with a friendly and loyal character, making it popular with riders of all levels. Thanks to its versatility, the breed excels in disciplines such as dressage, endurance, show jumping and recreational riding. In addition, the Arabian Horse plays an important role in breeding, with its strong genetics contributing to the improvement of many other horse breeds. This makes the Arabian Horse a symbol of beauty, strength and durability within equestrian sport and the breeding world.

Characteristics

Country of origin: The Middle East, mainly Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Also known as: Arabic Thoroughbred, Arabic, Arabian

Body build: Slim, muscular, with a refined head and high tail carriage.

Colours and coat types: Chestnut, bay, grey, coloured or black; coat short, smooth and glossy, with a mane and tail that are often full and silky.

Weight: 400 – 600 kg

Height: 145 – 160 cm

Life Expectancy: 25 – 30 Years

Health risks: Sometimes prone to respiratory conditions, hoof problems or stomach ulcers with intensive training.

Suitable for: Endurance, dressage, show jumping, recreational riding and breeding.

Character profile

Eager to learn

Trainability

Social

Energy

Movement/gaits

Temperament

Stress resilience

Strength and muscle development

Concentration

Child-friendly

Origin of the Arabian Horse

The Arabian Horse is one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world, with its origins in the deserts of the Middle East, particularly on the Arabian Peninsula. For thousands of years, this noble breed was bred by Bedouin tribes, who carefully selected for stamina, intelligence and loyalty. In the harsh desert conditions, these horses had to survive on limited food and water while covering long distances. These qualities are still clearly present in the breed today.

For the Bedouins, the Arabian Horse was more than just a riding horse. The horses often lived in close proximity to people, sometimes even inside tents, which created a strong bond between horse and owner. This explains the gentle, people-oriented character that still defines the breed.

Through trade and warfare, the Arabian Horse spread across Europe, North Africa and Asia and played an important role in the development of other well-known breeds, such as the Thoroughbred, Lipizzaner and Andalusian horse.

Thanks to this rich history and centuries of refinement, the Arabian Horse is today seen as a symbol of beauty, strength and endurance, and remains a beloved and influential breed worldwide within equestrian sport and breeding.

Temperament of the Arabian Horse

The Arabian Horse is known worldwide for its intelligent, energetic and loyal character. This ancient breed was bred by the Bedouins not only for strength and stamina, but also for reliability and a strong bond with people. As a result, the Arabian Horse has a notably sociable, people-oriented temperament. They are curious and sensitive, and often show a strong emotional connection with their carer or rider.

Although Arabian Horses are friendly and willing to work, they are also known for their lively energy and sharp alertness. Their intelligence means they learn quickly, but they can also be sensitive to inconsistency in training. This means they are best suited to an experienced rider who works calmly and consistently.

In everyday handling, they are often affectionate, playful and communicative. Their expressive posture and lively eyes reflect their character: alert, proud and full of spirit. However, because of their sensitive nature, they can react strongly to tension or harsh handling, so patience and gentleness are essential in their training.

The Arabian Horse therefore combines energy, loyalty and intelligence in a unique temperament that makes them popular with riders looking for a horse with personality, depth and a strong bond.

Everything about the Arabian Horse

How much does an Arabian Horse cost?

The price of an Arabian Horse varies widely and depends on factors such as age, training, bloodlines and intended use. Unbroken foals and young horses are usually available from around €2,500 to €4,500, depending on pedigree and health. Backed or trained Arabian Horses generally range between €6,000 and €15,000, while top-quality show or breeding stallions can reach prices of €15,000 to €30,000 or more. When buying, it is important not to focus solely on price, but also to consider health, temperament and suitability for the intended discipline, so the horse fits your goals in leisure riding, sport or breeding.

For which disciplines is the Arabian Horse suitable?

The Arabian Horse is a versatile and energetic breed, suitable for a wide range of disciplines. Thanks to its stamina, speed and intelligence, the breed excels in endurance and is known worldwide for long-distance performance. In addition, it is used in dressage, show jumping and recreational riding, because the Arabian Horse is easy to train and has a strong, supple body. The breed also plays an important role in breeding due to its strong genetics and elegant build, helping to improve other breeds. However, because of their high energy and sensitive temperament, Arabian Horses are less suitable for beginners and require an experienced rider who can train consistently and competently. The Arabian Horse combines beauty, performance and loyalty, making it ideal for sporty, experienced riders.

What are the physical characteristics of an Arabian Horse?

The Arabian Horse has a number of distinctive physical characteristics that make the breed instantly recognisable. The horse has a noble, refined head, often with a slightly concave, dished profile, large expressive eyes and small, finely pointed ears. The neck is elegant and well muscled, while the withers are high and clearly defined. The body is slim yet muscular, with a short back and strong hindquarters, making it well suited for speed and endurance. The Arabian Horse has a high-set tail, often carried proudly, and a glossy, short coat. The most common colours are bay, chestnut, grey and black, although various shades within these colours occur. This combination of beauty, elegance and strength makes the breed popular and recognisable worldwide.

How old does an Arabian Horse get?

An Arabian Horse lives on average between 20 and 25 years, but with good care and healthy living conditions, some horses can reach 30 years or older. Thanks to their slim, muscular build and efficient metabolism, Arabian Horses often remain active and fit into later life.

What should I look out for when buying an Arabian Horse?

When buying an Arabian Horse, it is important to pay attention to several aspects. First, check its health, such as the hooves, joints, heart and lung function, and any hereditary conditions that can occur in the breed. Also consider the horse’s temperament, as Arabian Horses are intelligent, energetic and sometimes sensitive, which makes them less suitable for beginners.

In addition, it is important to look at pedigree and studbook registration, especially if the horse is intended for breeding or sport. Level of training and experience are also crucial. A backed horse with training in dressage, show jumping or endurance is often a better choice than an unbroken horse, depending on your own experience. Finally, intended use and purpose matter. Decide whether the horse needs to be suitable for leisure riding, sport or breeding, so the purchase matches your needs as closely as possible.

Handling and care of the Arabian Horse

The Arabian Horse is one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world. Originating from the Middle East, this breed was bred for centuries by Bedouin tribes in the desert. Thanks to its stamina, speed and strong bond with people, the Arabian Horse became an indispensable partner in both warfare and trade. Today, it is valued worldwide for its beauty, lively character and versatility in equestrian sport.

Activities in which the Arabian Horse excels

Endurance riding: Thanks to its exceptional stamina and efficient use of energy, the Arabian Horse excels in long-distance competitions.
Dressage and show: Its graceful movements and elegant appearance make it popular in the dressage arena and at show events.
Jumping and versatility: Arabian Horses are agile and athletic, allowing them to perform well in light jumping and eventing disciplines.
Recreational riding: Thanks to their intelligent, people-oriented nature, they are excellent partners for riders who enjoy relaxed outdoor rides.
Breeding: The Arabian Horse has had a major global influence on other breeds, including the Thoroughbred and many warmbloods.

What you need to know about caring for the Arabian Horse

Because of their refined build and sensitive nature, Arabian Horses require slightly more attention in daily care, but they are generally strong and healthy. Daily care includes careful grooming of the coat, checking and cleaning the hooves, and ensuring a clean and safe living environment. In addition to a comfortable stable, Arabian Horses have a strong need for exercise and mental stimulation. Regular turnout in a field or paddock is important, alongside training or recreational riding.

The Arabian Horse needs a balanced diet that suits its energetic character and high metabolism. High-quality roughage forms the basis, supplemented with the appropriate amount of concentrate depending on workload and activity level. Adequate exercise helps maintain muscles and fitness, while regular veterinary check-ups, dental care and hoof maintenance contribute to a long, healthy and vital life.

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