For more than 4500 years, the Arabian horse has been a constant source of stamina, smarts, and companionship for its owners. One of the oldest horse breeds in the world, the Arabian has seen its blood intermingled with virtually every other breed known to man and has proven its versatility in a variety of ways.
Competing with the Arabian Horse
With their large lung capacity, wide nostrils and short, straight back, the Arabian has been designed to go for long distances across hot desert sands without getting fatigued. Because of their breeding, they are ideal for both endurance racing (where they experience a variety of different terrains for 30-100 miles per day) and competitive trail riding. They have also been used for just about every kind of western or English event you can name, though with their shorter stature, they have more difficulties than other breeds with the large fences of the show jumping arena. From halter classes to dressage to reining to driving, however, the Arabian can do it all.
Incentives of Owning an Arabian
Similar to the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), the Arabian Horse Association (AHA) has a variety of incentive and award programs designed for its members to encourage activities of all kinds with their Arabians. Open events, frequent rider programs and competitive distance riding all provide Arabian owners the chance to earn points and prizes.
Before You Buy an Arabian
Like the Thoroughbred, who carries a lot of Arabian blood in its veins, Arabians are prone to being "hot-blooded," meaning they are sensitive, athletic horses who thrive best in active environments. They can be flighty if they aren't desensitized to spooky things and require a handler who's confident in his/her leadership. Arabians are also incredibly intelligent horses and will get bored easily so be prepared for a few gates to be opened by inquisitive lips, coming up with "toys" for the horse to play with in their stall, or mixing up their training to keep them interested (you'll never outlast them when it comes to a battle of stamina during training so you'll have to match them in wits).
Most of the genetic health problems Arabians suffer from such as: severe combined immunodeficiency, guttural pouch tympany, equine juvenile epilepsy, lavender foal syndrome, cerebellar abiotrophy, and occipital atlanto-axial malformation are present from birth. Most are fatal, will be corrected through surgery, or will be conquered by the time the horse is 2 years of age but if you are buying an adult Arabian, it's a good idea to know what their health history entails.
Companions for Life
It is widely documented that the Bedouin Arabs who first bred what we now call the Arabian used to bring their horses into their tents at night where they were treated as pets and partners. The breed's deep love of people and willingness to please their human companions has carried down through the centuries. With an Arabian, you get loyalty, reliability and endurance in a beautiful little package.
Sources
- Arabian Horse Association. "Participate, Play, Earn: Awards & Recognition." Arabianhorses.org
- Lloyd, Sandra. "Arabian" Animal-world.com 1998-2011
- Pluspets. "Arabian Horse: A Complete Guide to Arabian Horses." Pluspets.com
Becky Norman - Since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a B.A. in Honors English (Writing Minor), Becky Norman has moved to ...
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