The Arabian Horse Breed: Why The Hate?

May 18th, 2008 | by citizen.K | Print & Hang in the Barn Print & Hang in the Barn |
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Plain and simple, the sport horse world holds an unacceptable intolerance of Arabian horses. Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Event riders are so…dare I say…racist when it comes to this breed. Although Arab horses may not be the “model” for any of these disciplines, it doesn’t mean that Arabians can’t hack it, can’t be competitive, or only signify rider inadequateness.

Horse people seem to have a love or hate for the Arabian horse. A few people that fall in the middle, but for the most part, you either own an Arabian, or you hate Arabians. Personally, I have heard and seen valid arguments both ways. On the love side, Arabian Breed Shows certainly do bring out the crazies [cough: Swayze], but haters: Arabs can make great sport horse mounts.

For the most part, you either own an Arabian, or you hate Arabians.

That said, the Arabian horse definitely isn’t a first choice for any of the sport horse disciplines. The Arabian is small. With an average height between 14.2 and 15.1 hands, their size is considered undesirable in the Hunter, Jumper, Dressage, and Event horse world. Especially in the Hunter ring, Arabians do not have the competition “look”. At a big Hunter show, it would be an AMAZING feat for an Arabian to win any class, even if that Arabian had a PERFECT round. Hunter judges, most particularly, hate Arabian horses (but remember, Hunters Are Not a Sport).

Talking about the Arabian horse and their size does bring up an important point about today’s sport horses: bigger is better almost everywhere. So is thought…

However, when considering a rider’s ability, a 17+ hand Warmblood isn’t easy for a 5’3”, beginner or intermediate rider to pilot. Concerning collection alone, many riders within this experience bracket do not have the ability, experience, and muscle to handle the task of guiding a big, fast moving horse around a ring. Jumping a course of any size takes a lot more work, adjustment, maneuvering, and steading of a big Warmblood than a smaller horse (like an Arab). At any barn, anywhere in America, too many junior and amateur riders mount horses that are just too big and too powerful for their abilities. In this instance, an Arab would be a good choice for a rider to get the hang of collection, adjusting, and lateral movements.

Additionally, there are many misconceptions of the Arabian horse. Many people think because Arabs are light boned and small they cannot “hold up” to the rigors of jumping. Do not be fooled: Arabians are very tough and generally very sound. Just like every other horse breed, conformation signifies soundness problems way in advance. Moreover, conformation “defects” of a particular horse are simply a product of poor breeding, not, in the Arabian’s case, a poor breed.

Arabs, too, even the small ones, CAN jump big. No matter what you point them at, there is no doubt Arab horses would try. But without an average or long stride length, most Arab horses are going to lack enough scope to jump around a big course.

Fashion has a lot to do with the Arabian and it’s unpopularity within the sport horse world.

Another Arab misconception is their temperament is said to always lean towards spastic or hot. Certainly, Arab horses can be “spastic”, “spooky”, and “hot-blooded”, but I’ve met an equal amount of Arabians that were also quiet, calm, and very “dead broke”. As far as a comparison, the Arabian temperament is very similar to the Thoroughbred temperament. Arabians do seem to be more sensitive to their surroundings, and that also means their experiences. Unlike most “dumb-bloods”, Arabs generally can hold grudges against (bad) people and experiences (like cats).

If we generalize the good and bad points of Arabians, I would break it down like this.

Arabian Horse Strong Points:

  1. Great Feet
  2. Incredible Endurance
  3. Incredible Stamina
  4. Longevity
  5. Above Average Soundness
  6. Easy Keepers

Arabian Horse Weak Points:

  1. The Look of the Arabian has to be Appreciated

Now, if I specify good and bad Arabian traits concerning the sport horse world, my list would look more like this.

Sport Horse Arabian Horse Strong Points:

  1. They can be very good movers
  2. Great Feet
  3. Incredible Endurance
  4. Incredible Stamina
  5. Longevity
  6. Above Average Soundness
  7. Easy Keepers
  8. Size Can Be Beneficial for a Smaller Rider
  9. Temperament can be Great for a Beginner
  10. Price

Sport Horse Arabian Horse Weak Points:

  1. Size which can be Bad for a Long Legged Rider
  2. Temperament can be too much for a Beginner Rider
  3. Often Not Enough Scope to Handle the Bigger Courses
  4. The Arabian Look doesn’t Work in the Show Ring
  5. People Will Treat you Differently

Arab Sport Horse Opinion From Citizen HorseSo, to sum it up, fashion has a lot to do with the Arabian horse and it’s unpopularity within the sport horse world. There are some legitimate reasons to NOT ride an Arab, but there are also legitimate reasons TO ride an Arab.

Personally, I wouldn’t buy an Arabian horse. I like a big horse, I’ve got long legs, I am looking to hit big jumps, and I, honestly, don’t appreciate the Arabian look. But, there are some very, very, very great Anglo-Arabians (Arabian, Thoroughbred crosses) used in Warmblood bloodlines and winning high level Jumping, Dressage, and Eventing shows.

I used to own one.

And though I wouldn’t buy an Arab now, if someone does like Arabs, I would never look down on them. Unless someone wanted to jump 4′+, win in the Hunter ring, or their riding personality didn’t fit an Arab, I would never talk them out of buying an Arabian Horse.

Different strokes, really. None better, just better fitting.

And knowing that Arabs can be a great fit for sport horse riders, why not fully accept the Arab into the sport horse world? If a rider is enjoying the horse, and the horse is enjoying it’s job, we needn’t hold prejudice against the Arabian horse breed in sport horse riding or competition.

Sadly though, I’d surmise part of the “stigma” surrounding Arabians in a traditional Hunter/Jumper/Dressage/Eventing sense has to do with their overzealous legions I mentioned earlier. It’s a sad truth, but hard core Arab fanatics give the breed a really bad name outside of their fanatical world.

Although the Arabian will never be my choice for a horse, I thoroughly understand that some people are drawn to this breed, and for others, the Arab is a practical choice. Arab horses do have there good and bad qualities, and though they may not be the IDEAL sport horse, there are Arabians out there that can do the job, and do it well.

No matter what, if you see someone with an Arab, don’t scoff, and you don’t have to like the breed, just respect that someone else does. Though on average, sport horse competition Arab horses may not stack up on paper, there are, frankly, quite a few Arabs out there who can jump, pass, gallop, and leap their way past the fancy Warmbloods.


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    1. 18 Responses to “The Arabian Horse Breed: Why The Hate?”

    2. By Lori Kern on May 20, 2008 | Reply

      WELL, i would like to mention the ARABS influence in most breeds!!!!…..those horses are amazing and i see more and more switch in dressage to morgans/arabs and smaller more compact breeds as of late,…..i for one ride a tennessee walker in beginning dressage and he is only 15 hands……so here is a hats off to smaller horses and smaller people choosing the right size mount…..and my small horse that i would not trade for a warmblood….or other.

    3. By Brittany on May 22, 2008 | Reply

      I like the fact that you think that people should stop looking down on the breed and the person who owns the breed.

    4. By jens on May 22, 2008 | Reply

      I sometimes love and sometimes hate my arab. He’s been the single best training tool I’ve ever had to learn from. He’s taught me about staying centered, riding a jarring trot and most of all, volumes about saddle fitting. He’s also taught me about quiet affection, unreproachable spirit and the horses ability to be human (ie. making an fool of oneself).

    5. By Lerrin on Jun 6, 2008 | Reply

      A nice balanced, honest look at Arabians and the (honest) bias against them- thanks very much.

      I just lost my 25 yr old in September, and I miss her every day. Though a rescue (obtained with papers), she was the most sane, mentally balanced animal that I’ve ever had the pleasure to own & ride. She converted many an avowed’Arab hater’ during our years together and her steady behavior and demeanor during normal and extraordinary situations.

      Sadly- the people around Arabians often do them no favors. I believe that they attract- because of their (arguably) general attractiveness/beauty- the kind of people who ‘always dreamed’ of owning a horsey, not horsemen or horsewomen interested in a working relationship with an animal as they improve their riding skill set. Alternatively, they may attract people who just want an attractive accessory- (the diamonds and denim crowd)- I don’t know, just my suspicions.

      I do know that I wanted an Arabian because 1) I didn’t want to ride an ATV or push button pony ride. The thing I most enjoy about riding and horse(wo)manship is the give and take- ‘why don’t you do this?’ ‘oh, I get it.’ ’sorry- my bad.” it’s nice to spend time with you, too’. I don’t want to ride something that wasn’t thinking (to my mind, that’s dangerous, too). My little mare protected my ignorant rear several times-and incurred injury to herself to spare me,when she could have done otherwise. She WAS definitely the ‘better half’ of our partnership!

      2) I didn’t WANT a large horse (mine was 13.3 h)- I was 38 when she arrived (at age 17), and I did NOT want to live the 2nd chapter of ‘The Black Stallion’ (rearing /pawing /danger)- my career, lifestyle, & health insurance status didn’t allow for 6-8 week recuperations.
      Finding tack that fit was the biggest problem, but still well worth it.

      3) She also cost A LOT less to feed and vet out: but it seems that most people who get into horses don’t really seem to care/have to care about that &/or are in denial and then get in a financial mess(I had to know & care).

      4) When I saw (supervised) children leading her in from turnout (when I was at a boarding barn)-I almost had a heart attack (thinking liability concerns). I later realized that barn management let the children lead her (always supervised) BECAUSE she was among the most sane, reliable, and trustworthy of the group. While she didn’t particularly enjoy children (loved babies and toddlers)-she was reliable and steady when they were around.

      My veterinarian had an insight about Arabians- he said that the biggest problem with Arabians was that 60-80% of them were smarter than their owners. (He also assured me that I was in the 20%; I corrected him! lol)

      Anyway- I really enjoyed mine, and miss her every day. Thanks for this post- especially since you are candid and fair about Arabians not being your favorites (which is perfectly ok and fair). Your insights are appreciated.

    6. By Bonnie on Jun 10, 2008 | Reply

      I have owned two Arabians. One little mare that was so much fun. She was my trail horse, my “fun” horse. She was solid as a rock! Didn’t spook at anything, went through water, ground tied, everyone would say that she was a quarter horse living in an Arabs body. I don’t think that was the case, I think that was just who she was. She liked to take care of people and she did! Also, longevity, YES, she lived to the ripe old age of 32!

      The second Arab I owned was a “rescue” type situation. A woman at a barn I boarded at couldn’t afford her gelding care anymore so she was going to send him to auction. He was grey, old 24, and not the prettiest horse I have ever seen. Long back, short neck, very downhill, big ears (for an Arab), super dished face. But, he had great feet and was sound as could be. I though he could be my second trail horse. He didn’t agree. He had been a halter horse for the first 8 years of his life, then was shown as a park horse (I think thats what it’s called). He was full of steam. Not spooky but he didn’t act his age.

      I ended up sending him to a friends house to finish his years as a pasture friend to her retired boys. He too lived to be 29 years. Had colic not gotten him I’m sure he would have lived into his 30’s.

      One more thing to add about Arabians is that though they are easy keepers, in my experience they have very sensitive stomachs!

    7. By Kay on Jun 12, 2008 | Reply

      I couldnt agree more, horses for courses I say! And everything I seen this year at bramham horse trial was massive! People don’t need theses big horses, its the size of the jump in the horse that counts! Iv seen tiny horses jumping huge fences. My first horse was a fizzy trotter cob (who I still own) I got him as a stallion, he was 11 years old and unbroken, I was only 11yrs old myself. I broke him, gelded him and evented him, the best 15hh horse ever! He took me to the top in RC championships. Now he is 19years and due to a foot problem from his earlyer pacing career he is a happy hack now with my mum.
      I have just now bought a 2 year pure bred old arab colt (15hh) I have been warned before not to buy one and for this I went looking for one as I proved these stereotypics wrong one with my trotter and ill do it again with my little arab, hopfully I will have the best of partnerships in all aspects of equine sport and never look back.
      When I looked for a arab I remembered one thing, the horse has to have the heart to do it, if any breed has this and you reconise it, they will do anything for you!

    8. By Suzanne on Jun 16, 2008 | Reply

      I can sum up my thoughts with very few words: Breed prejudice is rampant in the horse world everywhere, and it greatly hurts the horse industry as a whole.

      I boarded for the first 15 years of my horse ownership, and I met horses from almost all breeds. I met quite a few Arabs. Some I loved, some I didn’t. Just like every other breed.

      I’ve experienced this prejudice myself, against my choice of breed, the Morgan. In Texas where I used to live, and in Indiana where I live now, in many circles if you don’t own a Quarter Horse, well, you better sell what you do have and get yourself a REAL horse.

      I’m NOT knocking Quarter Horses. My first horse was a QH, and if horses were immortal, I’d still have him. It’s the PEOPLE who seem to think that the QH is the only horse that can do anything. Hmmmm….. sounds a lot like what was said about Arab owners doing their breed no favors.

      There are good horses and bad horses in every breed, and I don’t think a real horse person would write off an entire breed - ANY breed - as nothing but junk.

    9. By Keren on Jun 21, 2008 | Reply

      Well, I’m going to disagree with your definition of ‘hardcore Arab fanatic’ ;). Maybe it’s because I like in the UK, but the people I’d define as ‘hardcore Arab fanatics’ are people like the Guinnesses, who bred the Olympic eventer Tamarillo as well as successful endurance Arabs. The people who do the damage are the fashion brigade who only see Arabs as another kind of Prada handbag - they are not horsemen by any definition, and the majority of Arab owners would not drop one tear if the whole boiling of them vanished tomorrow.

      Tamarillo is not big and he’s more than 50% Arab, but even so, his tall rider William Fox-Pitt has no problem taking him round the world’s most testing 3-day Event courses - he says Tam ‘rides much bigger’ than he looks. And that’s what most people find about Arabs - to quote a friend, they are “only small on the outside”.

      Arabs get a bad rap from riders for two reasons: one, you cannot browbeat an Arab or force it, unlike a cob or a warmblood. Arabs want to work WITH you: if you are the sort of rider who expects to domineer, or who does not credit a horse with intelligence then don’t even go NEAR an Arab: if you don’t respect their brains, they certainly won’t respect yours.

      Two, people think that because Arabs are hotbloods, you have to feed them like a TB. Wrong, wrong wrong. The Arab evolved to make the most of possibly the world’s worst equine environment: feeding them the same rations as a TB (or a warmblood) is like stuffing a kid with chocolate and high-sugar fizzy drinks. Both end up with attention deficit disorder, but whereas the poor kid gets Ritalin, the Arab gets badmouthed as “crazy”.

      The bottom line is, it’s not the Arab horse that’s inadequate - almost always, it’s the person who badmouths it who is.

    10. By Diandra on Jul 4, 2008 | Reply

      I was happy to read this post. Arabs get a bad rap from people that have never really gotten to know one. They are not your typical horse in any sense. They train faster and are smarter than most any other horse. They live to please and will do almost anything you ask of them. They can do any discipline and do it well usually, although as the poster said…they won’t do well in classes where there is a definite “type” like hunter. I have seen some great Arab and Arab/mix horses at the hunt club meetings and they do as well and better than the clunky warmbloods and crazy TB’s. They also stay a lot more sound!
      People that have problems with Arabs usually have no understanding that the Arabian is NOT like any other horse in existence. They are super sensitive and don’t do well at all with a heavy handed rider. I own two of them and adore them both.

    11. By Betty Willard on Jul 4, 2008 | Reply

      How can anyone HATE such a magnificent animal?? (Well, how can anyone hate ANY animal?) Arabians, in particular, are intelligent, gorgeous, gracious, courageous; everything you could want in a horse. I’ve ridden only one in my life and she was the finest horse I’ve ever ridden. To me, Arabians suggest creation of the Hand of God: as though He sculpted the perfect horse from the purest marble, then blew the breath of life into the nostrils; almost, “And the horse became a living soul.”

    12. By Sura Laya on Jul 14, 2008 | Reply

      I owned an Arab as a kid. He had been mishandeled terribly and was very unpredictable and hard to manage, yet he was so lovable and affectionate, I put up with the crazy behavior. When I went to buy my first “nice” horse as an adult, I had decided I wanted 16+ hand dressage schoolmaster. My trainer, however, brought me to a barn to look at a 15h arab. I had the worst test ride of my life on him but my trainer persuaded me to put an offer on him.

      Nearly a year later, this little arab is the greatest thing that has happened to me both mentally and as a rider. Yeah, he can be spooky and I could never put a beginner on him but he has consistantly beat out the warmbloods in the training level classes, won open classes when my trainer has shown him, and he is so naturally athletic and supple that he is flying through the upper level dressage movements.

      I have decided I am an arab person. I love their sensitivity, the emotional connection they develop with you, and that they are innately a challenge to ride. But I think the point is that you have to look at the horse for what he is not what breed he is. Arabs can be tremendous sport horses and for someone like me who is 5′4 and small built, a solid polish arab is the perfect size.

      A good Arab is a fantastic investment in your riding career, and trust me, you will never get bored with them.

    13. By Lauren A. on Jul 18, 2008 | Reply

      Arab-haters usually hate on Saddlebreds too, my breed of choice.

      It’s unfortunate, but it’s their loss.

    14. By Diane B. on Jul 22, 2008 | Reply

      As an Arab owner for over 30 years I can definitely speak from experience that there are a lot of Arab-haters out there. The question has be be posed is, “Why?” Most of these people have never ridden an Arabian, much less owned one.
      Arabians are honest, affectionate, and intelligent horses, and let’s face it..they embody most little girls’ fantasy of what the perfect dream horse looks like.
      It’s true, you can’t manhandle them or try to force them to do things. They respond much better if the rider or handler asks or explains what they’d like the horse to do. This is the dialogue, the dance, between horse and rider that makes it an art and an incredible adventure.

    15. By Steph on Jul 30, 2008 | Reply

      I would hardly consider a 15hh 2yo arab a “little” guy, he’s going to be huge if your measurements are correct!

    16. By Tess on Aug 7, 2008 | Reply

      Yes, it is true that arab horses are marginalised by those people out there who are xenophobic. well whats wrong with all them. even though marginalising people is bad enough but at least people can stand up for themselves with a voice. Well Arab cant talk! its so sad because the Arab is such a beautiful horse.
      in any breed we see bad horses not just the arab breed
      and sure some arabs arent good at one thing but they are good for at least one thing.
      To those that dont like the arab well its just because you abuse them, because they are smarter than you and because well you just never got the chance to get to know one.
      A quote from Seabiscuit: “he just needs a second chance”
      I own two lovely arabs. Yes we brought them as yearlings myself being only 14 yrs old. I am now 17 and am training them myself with the help of a very experienced horse trainer which she is my good friend. They are so different to any other breed they are just so beautiful and refined. they are so intelligent and they just love to learn. Me and my arabs have a long way to go together and I would never sell them.
      So too all thoses arab fans out there your quest i to turn all the people you can to liking arabs and to start a new name for them.
      and for those who dont like the arabs well just look out the arabs are comming through.

    17. By Olive G. on Aug 11, 2008 | Reply

      I think when you own an arab, or part arab, and train him to fit in an eventer world, you must have SOME talent right? I own a arab/welsh, and I have for about 3 or 4 years, and he is a jerk at times and other times he couldnt be more eager to learn. I’ve never owned a thoroughbred or anything but leased 2 connemaras and then was handed down my little arab/welsh *horse* (15.1hh) now. I event him and we have placed 7th at the best in a registered eventing comp. I now am able to get him round and maintain it for a good while and have a pretty, bouncing trot. Any arab-hater would like him. infact every arab-hater i know LOVES him! including many of my friends in pony club, and my friends mother. I dont know what it is, but my horse seems to bring out the best in arabs…and always will!

    18. By Sabine on Aug 31, 2008 | Reply

      Have you ever tryed riding an arabian horse ? - you don`t know what what you miss!!!

      (that is not a question to those, who have allready answered above!!)

    19. By Kris on Aug 31, 2008 | Reply

      My first horse was a half Arabian. He had been a bucking horse, but he loved me. I have had at least one horse since age five. My favorite breed is an Arabian. They love you and are very loyal.
      Kris

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