Are you interested in knowing what an Arabian horse is like? If you need to learn to differentiate them from other types of horses, you are in luck since Arabian horses are one of the most easily identifiable horse breeds in the equine world, both due to their physical characteristics and their behavior.
The first thing you should know about Arabian horses is that they are known under the expression of “warm blooded ” horses. This denomination refers to its behavior and character, which is quite strong and has little or nothing to do with other more docile breeds. This can be a problem when training them since sometimes it will seem that their behavior is capricious and they will certainly not pay any attention to us. However, this type of strong and dominant character is part of the charm of this breed.
His “hot blood” and strong character resulted in very strong and energetic horses, practically tireless. They are very animals proud with an elegant and slender demeanor in their posture. Their “indomitable” character can be perfectly appreciated when they are loose and gallop through the meadow through the strong blows that they expel from their noses. Their posture is very graceful and when trotting it seems more like they are floating on the grass than running on it. This elegance that we perceive is the result of its natural posture with its tail raised. This is one of the main features that will help you recognize an Arabian horse, since the rest of the breeds only raise their tails occasionally, while Arabian horses always keep it raised.
Another point to note is that this breed is one of the most appreciated in the equine world, so buying an animal with these characteristics can lead to a fairly expensive and costly operation. These animals are not only recognized for their beauty but also for their resistance. It must be taken into account that this breed comes from the Arabian Peninsula and to adapt to the harsh living conditions typical of this territory, Arabian horses have had to develop great resistance and physical strength. Adapting to these difficult conditions has meant that these horses have strong and very dense bones, which translates into great strength that makes them perfect animals for work and horse racing.
If you want to know more about what an Arabian horse is like, continue reading.
What do you need for an Arabian horse?
- An Arabian horse
- Patience
- Weather
Instructions for an Arabian horse
- Before starting to analyze all the characteristics of these horses, it is convenient to know something about their origin in order to understand them better. This breed comes from the territory in which the current Arab countries of Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Turkey and Yemen are based. The breed was the result of the mixture of various horse breeds and is similar to that found in parts of Central Asia. It is also one of the oldest horse breeds, since it is more than two millennia old. These data are known thanks to archaeological finds in which horse skeletons have been discovered. Comparing their physiology with that of current Arabian horses, it has been concluded that they belonged to the same breed, although their size was somewhat smaller before.
- It’s most obvious and identifiable characteristic is the one we mentioned before about its raised tail. This is the point that will make it easier for you to learn to distinguish them from other breeds.
- His head also has an easily distinguishable shape. Compared to other horse breeds, Arabian horses have a wedge-shaped head. Their nostrils are quite wide while their snouts are smaller and narrower, giving their head this peculiar shape.
- Despite their slender stance, Arabian horses are not very tall. Formerly they were much smaller but their crossbreeding with other breeds has allowed their size to be higher today. Today they can present a height that varies between meter fifty and meter sixty, while before they used to measure between meter forty and meter fifty. As we see over the centuries, its size has increased by about ten centimeters, a considerable measure when we refer to the size of a horse.
- Turning now to focus on his character, it is worth remembering that we are dealing with a “warm blooded” horse, which means that they have a strong temperament. This can lead to them being capricious and misbehaving at times. A poorly trained Arabian horse can be a nervous and anxious horse.
- However, his “warm blood” does not have to be a bad thing. They are horses with a lot of personality and great intelligence, so they learn everything they are taught very quickly.
- Finally, it should be remembered that despite their graceful and elegant posture and their small size, they are perfect animals for work and racing as they are very strong, tough and resistant.
Tips for an Arabian horse
- If you have an Arabian horse you must have a lot of patience with him. Remember that they are animals with a lot of personality and a very strong character, so sometimes you will have to be patient. However, you should keep in mind that being patient does not mean being permissive. Arabian horses are very intelligent and quickly learn everything they are taught. A poorly behaved Arabian horse will be a constant problem as they tend to be nervous and anxious due to their high energy. For this reason you must be uncompromising during training. If you are not used to dealing with this breed of horses, it is best to consult an expert on the subject who can guide you on the best way to do it.
- Arabian horses are very expensive. This is one of the reasons that could put you back when buying one. However, you may think that by doing so you are making an investment. By acquiring a purebred animal later you can cross it and sell its offspring, in this way you will recover part of the initial investment. Acquiring an Arabian horse is always a good idea despite its high price since you will be buying a very strong animal that you can use to work or to participate in races.
