AHA Breed Description:

The Arabian horse is known for its ancient bloodlines, which in many cases can be traced directly back to the desert. Unlike most breeds, Arabian horses have existed as a pure breed for thousands of years! By contrast, most breeds seen in North America today were developed in the last 50-150 years.

Arabian horses have been selected for specific traits for many generations, including a distinctive appearance and certain physical attributes. Together, these breed characteristics are very consistent in Arabian horses and are frequently passed on to offspring. Because they were bred very carefully, Arabians often have a great deal of “type.” Type is defined as the characteristics which make a breed recognizable and distinctive from others.

Classic Arabian Type:

Head - When compared to other breeds, the Arabian’s head appears small and refined. Characteristics include: large and wide-set eyes, bulging forehead, dished face, flaring nostrils, small and refined muzzle, rounded jaw wide between the branches, small and close-set ears.

Neck - A clean, or tight, throatlatch is an Arabian characteristic, as is a long and arched neck tying in high to the chest and withers

Shoulder - A long and sloping shoulder will be well-covered in muscle.

Topline - The Arabian will appear relatively flat through the croup. The tail is set high and often carried high.

Barrel - Ribs are well sprung

Legs - Well muscled forearm and gaskin, straight and sound bone, large and defined joints, long and sloping pasterns, round and proportionate feet

Size - 14.1h to 15.1h is considered the Arabian breed standard.

Coloring - Coat colors include varying shades of bay, chestnut, grey, and black.