Arabian Horse: Complete Breed Guide [Temperament, Care, & More]

Arabian horses have earned a top spot as one of the premier racing horse breeds in the world. But, there is so much more to this breed than meets the eye. Its stunning beauty and even temperament (as hot-blooded breeds go) have made it a top-of-the-line pick for breeding throughout history.

 

 

Arabian Horse Characteristics

Arabians were carefully bred for specific traits, including an outstanding ability to form strong, cooperative relationships with people. They are a powerful breed that is quick to learn, willing to please, and good-natured. The Arabian's extreme intelligence also allows them to quickly master many different riding styles.

 

You can recognize an Arabian by its lithe, compact body, small, wedge-shaped head, and long, arched neck. The Arabian also boasts powerful legs and strong hooves. The hair on its coat, mane, and tail are fine and silky.  Although the Arabian naturally comes in many colors, gray is currently the most common.

 

Arabian Horse Size

The Arabians horse height is around 15 hands (60 inches/152 cm), and its average weight can range anywhere from 800 to 1,000 pounds.

 

Arabian Horse Personality

Equine enthusiasts and casual horse lovers alike can often have a negative attitude towards the horse breed. This is mainly because they are naturally “spastic” or “spooky.” Their skittish nature can create uneasy feelings in newer riders or passive observers. In reality, the vast majority of Arabians are exceedingly friendly — they're even said to have puppy personalities.

 

Arabian Horse History

Did you know that this breed is one of the oldest breeds in the world? Archeological evidence suggests that the Arabian's lineage dates back as far as 4500 years! Throughout history, Arabian horses spread across the world via war and trade. Major historical figures such as George Washington, Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, and Napoleon Bonaparte are among the many icons who owned and rode Arabians.

 

Arabic horses were originally domesticated by the Bedouin tribe, who historically inhabited the desert regions in the Arabian Peninsula. The nomadic Bedouin tribe lived a sparse life and needed a horse that could survive on little water and even less pasture. The Arabian is a well-traveled breed, having seen everything from trading to war, causing the breed to spread far and wide. Because of this, Arabian bloodlines can be found in nearly every modern breed of riding horse.

 

 

How to Care for an Arabian Horse

Arabian horses, like all living animals, require intensive care and attention. Proper equine care may include, but is not limited to:

 

• Appropriate and comfortable housing in a barn stall or stable
• Timely feeding according to the horse's body weight and activity
• Clean water 
• Daily exercise
• Coat, mane, and hoof care
• And last but not least; regularly scheduled visits to a specialized horse veterinarian 

 

Cost of Maintenance

The results of a horse ownership survey conducted by the University of Maine placed the average annual cost of owning one horse at $3,876, with a median cost of $2,419. This means that the regular expense of owning a horse lands around $200-$354 monthly.

 

Boarding

Boarding for an indoor horse will be more expensive than it would be for an outdoor horse, potentially costing over $600 a month for a stall at a barn or stable. While the cost of boarding typically averages around $400 to $500 per month, in major metropolitan areas that cost can go as high as $1,200 to $2,500.

 

Vaccinations

Competition horses must be fully vaccinated before they go to any show. Risk-based vaccines will depend on a handful of factors, such as your geographic location, the horse's breeding status, if your horse travels, and other variables. At least once a year, your horse should receive the following core vaccines:

 

• Rabies
• Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE)
• Western Equine Encephalomyelitis (WEE)
• West Nile virus 

 

Horseshoes

Shod horses have to be re-shod about every four to six weeks, regardless of whether or not they have worn the shoes out. This is primarily because your horse's hooves will grow continuously and when shod the hoof can't wear down naturally as it would with an unshod horse.

 

• The typical full-time U.S. farrier charges around $130 for a trim and nailing on four keg shoes, while part-time farriers charge an average of $95 for the same work.
• The charges for resetting keg shoes will generally average about $125.52 for full-time farriers.
• Competition horses must have shoes on their front hooves to participate in any shows.

 

Nutrition and Feeding for an Arabian Horse

There are many options when it comes to feeding your horse. Their diet can vary greatly depending on whether they are boarded indoors or outdoors (more on that below). Horses allowed access to a pasture are less costly to feed. However, grain can be a great source of nutrition and an excellent resource for Horse Parents.

 

Grain contains high levels of fat and protein that will help your horse gain body weight. On average, most horse owners will spend around $60 to $100 per month on feed, salt, hay, and supplements. But, some horse owners will spend much more, particularly if they feed their steed grain.

 

Arabian Horse Health Issues

The primary health problem when it comes to the Arabian horse breed is breathing issues. Breeders prize the Arabian's signature small nose. This naturally results in smaller air passages, making it harder for them to breathe. It also places the horse at higher risk of sinus infections.

 

• Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS): Lavender foal syndrome (LFS) is a genetic disease that can affect newborn foals. Afflicted foals have severe neurological abnormalities, typically cannot stand, and require euthanasia shortly after birth.
• Cerebellar Abiotrophy: Equine Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) is a genetic neurological condition found in young horses of Arabian and Arabian crossbred bloodlines. The disease typically causes the progressive death of neurons in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance, of affected foals.

 

Coat Color And Grooming

The Arabian Horse Association registers purebred horses with black, gray, chestnut, bay, and roan, though gray, bay, and chestnut are the generally most common coat colors. Black is one of the least common colors that an Arabian's coat will come in.

 

A well-groomed Arabian horse should be sleek with a shiny coat. Use a quality grooming solution to condition the coat and make your horse the shiniest version of themselves. Daily grooming is preferable, but you should groom your horse at least three times per week, at minimum. Be sure to check for skin irritations and injuries whenever you wash your horse.

 

Related: Why Do Horses Need Shoes? Exploring the Pros & Cons of Horseshoes

 

 

Arabian Horse Training

Arabian horses are highly trainable due to their intelligence and keen awareness. Follow these steps to make the training process effective and enjoyable for both you and your horse:

 

1. Build a Bond: Establish trust and comfort with your horse before training. Spend time together to form a strong connection, making communication and training more effective.
2. Master Groundwork: Lay the foundation for training with groundwork exercises like standing still, proper leading, flexing, softening, circling, and moving the hind-end and shoulders.
3. Desensitize Your Horse: Help your horse adjust to unfamiliar sensations, sights, and sounds, such as saddle pressure or traffic noises. This builds trust, prepares them for the saddle, and reduces spooking. Depending on the environment, you will also want to desensitize the horse to other sounds and sights, like honking traffic and cars. CBD oil or products with CBD that are made for horses can be very helpful for this process since it relaxes your horse, making them less prone to spook.
4. Introduce the Saddle: Familiarize your horse with the saddle gradually to prevent frustration or overwhelm, ensuring a smooth introduction and positive experience.
5. Get Them Used to Weight in the Saddle: Once comfortable with the saddle, introduce the feeling of weight on their back cautiously to maintain their comfort during this first-time experience.
6. Apply Pressure Under Saddle: Start asking for basic movements like walking, turning, or backing up. Build on groundwork training to reinforce understanding and responsiveness.

 

 

How to Get an Arabian Horse

You can purchase Arabians at auctions, from trusted breeders, or local shelters. On average, an Arab horse cost anywhere between $5,000 to $30,000. However, some top-of-the-line competition horses and stallions can range from $80,000 to $150,000. The price may vary depending on several factors, such as:

 

• Bloodline
• Training
• Age
• Gender

 

 

Final Thoughts - Arabian Horse

The Arabian horse is much more than a racing icon—it's a breed steeped in history, revered for its beauty, intelligence, and versatility. From their striking physical characteristics to their gentle yet spirited temperament, Arabians have earned their place as one of the most cherished and recognizable horse breeds in the world. Whether as loyal companions, competition partners, or family-friendly pets, these horses offer a unique blend of grace, power, and personality.