Arabian horse

The Arabian horse first appeared in the Arabian Peninsula at least 2,500 years B.C.E They were carefully inbred to maintain desirable features, e.g. stamina, soundness, strength, and beauty.

• Description:
  • compact body with short back
  • usually between 14.0 hh and 15.0 hh
    • Arabians are always referred to as horses, not ponies, whatever their height
  • Arabians have short, fine heads, with large eyes, small muzzles and a "dished" profile
  • The coat color of Arabians is diverse, with grey as the dominant color, followed by bay, chestnut, and black. Purebred Arabians cannot be paints, pintos, or palominos.

Because of the genetic purity of the Arabian horse, it is often used as a refining influence on other breeds, and has played a significant part in the evolution of almost every recognized breed, including Percherons, Thoroughbreds, Haflingerss, American Quarter Horses, and Trakehners.

Arabians have a reputation for being "hot blooded" or "flighty," which is seldom true. Most Arabians are mild, gentle horses suitable as pets for children. Their athleticism also makes them a very versatile breed, and they are capable of competing in many fields, including Dressage, English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Cutting, Reining Endurance Racing, and many others.