Designed for the passionate, consumed horse person, the Arabian horse brings thousands of years of pure breeding together with its beauty, intelligence, personable nature, and athletic abilities, requiring only what it will freely return to its owner: mutual respect and lasting companionship.
Before you even decide to buy, evaluate your own skill level and devote some serious thought to what you expect to do with your horse once you have bought it. Will you pleasure-ride, learn a new horse-related skill, or participate in the show ring. You will likely change your focus once you have your horse; perhaps it will be very talented in some direction or a great endurance prospect or a happy and able jumper. The Arabian horse, in particular, is capable of nearly any athletic accomplishment towards which you aim. There is no law that says you must stick with your original ideas; common sense, however, dictates that you operate within the ability-range of both you and your horse.
If possible, seek the advice of a reputable horse person, preferably someone without a financial interest in your purchase. When you have found the horse you really like ask for a veterinary check by a veterinarian of your choice; it will be an invaluable investment.
If the horse you are evaluating is trained for a specific activity, be sure to get on the back of the horse and see how it responds to your cues. Match your wants and desires with the attributes of the horse under consideration and make sure that it meets your specific needs; only then discuss a price for the horse. Your goal should be to find a horse that will provide you with long-term enjoyment. Purchasing the wrong horse because the price was right, won't make you a happy horse owner.
As with people, great offspring can come from both humble backgrounds and champion blood lines. The opposite is just as true. When evaluating a potential purchase first check the horse's conformation, gait, attitude, athletic ability, and then its pedigree.
What will it cost?
As you might imagine there are no set rules when establishing prices but, be assured that Arabians today are priced competitively with other popular horse breeds. And, you will find that very good horses are available in every price range. This range is established by the seller's circumstances, the horse's age, level of training, conformation, pedigree, show record (if any), and even by the geographic area in which you are looking. As you review the prices of horses you will see these prices separate out into distinct categories. We won't attempt to tell you what to pay for a horse, but rather give you some general guidelines for evaluating what you should expect for your money.
Part of the cost is made up of its structural soundness and the level of training the horse has had for a specific activity. The other part will consist of the "market value" of the horse's potential based on its blood lines or its actual performance history if it has been involved in a competitive activity. Generally, as prices go up, more and more has been invested in the training of the horse and the closer the horse is to being immediately "ready-to-go" for a particular activity, whether it be trail riding, showing or even racing. If you are looking for an older horse, find out about its recent history regarding use; by whom, how often, and about any peculiarities. Most of all, get on that horse and ride it for a while. And, don't forget the vet check.
When prices begin to get very high for foals or younger horses, the market is putting a much higher value on the horse's pedigree, implying a potential for a great show horse, race horse, etc., than it is on conformation or current performance. On the other hand a proven champion show horse or race horse with breeding potential, like any known entity, will be in much greater demand and therefore claim a much higher price.
The thing to remember is that, although a history of champions in the horse's pedigree can be a good indicator of potential for that horse, without proper conformation, a good attitude, athletic ability and proof of soundness of structure, the horse most likely will not meet your expectations. On the other hand, there are many great horses that meet all of the criteria for great form, ability, and disposition that come from more humble backgrounds and go on to be that dream horse everyone is looking for, or even a champion athlete.
Appointment time
Make an appointment to see the horse you are interested in; turn up on time; and be candid with the seller about what you are looking for. If you truly like the horse, ask if the seller will accept terms if the purchase price is more than you had planned for. It is not unusual to make an offer on a horse, but do not insult the seller by making a ridiculously low one; explain that you are working with a pre-set budget and you will be pleasantly surprised at the number of sellers who will work with you given a measure of courtesy and good will on both sides. Also, ask to see the horse's health records and make a note of the names and phone numbers of the seller's veterinarian and farrier.
If you purchase a horse on contract, be sure that the contract is in writing, properly signed, dated and witnessed as called for by the statutes of the state you live in. Also, contact the Arabian Horse Registry of America (303-450-4748) and verify the horse's registration status and current ownership.
Finally, recognize that it is possible to absorb all this good advice and then walk into a barn or farm or field and fall completely, irrevocably in love. The horse may not be what you planned on, may look totally different from your image of your ideal animal, may not suit your predetermined plans at all-it will nevertheless totally absorb your interest and possess your imagination and will be the only possible horse for you.
An Arabian, in particular, possesses incredible qualities of personality, equine intelligence and striking beauty which will wind themselves around your heart and become an essential part of your life. The greatest and most lasting rewards will come from that almost inexplicable bond which can arise between human and horse, from that completely un calculating companionship which these marvelous animals give so generously.
Recommended to assist buyers of any horse, is the "Pre-purchase Exam." Your local equine practitioner can help you assess the health and soundness of the horse you are looking to purchase. Those who are familiar with the owner or farm may accept guarantees stipulated in the purchase agreement. In either case, knowledge of the horse's physical condition will help you better care for your horse over its life.
Physical exam
A thorough physical exam, (eyes, mouth, teeth, heart, body condition, reproductive exam, physical history, vaccination history, worming history) often precede a "soundness exam." where by watching the horse in motion or even by taking radiographs, a potential athletic compromise or current lameness is ruled out. Of course, the condition of the horse should be balanced against its age and intended use.
Eyes-The Arabian horse has large, expressive eyes, widely set for excellent vision especially to the rear. Examination of the eyes is therefore critical, and recognition of any past injury or ongoing inflammation is important.
Dental check-All horses need dental check ups regularly. Horses ridden with a bit, in particular, are far more comfortable with their "wolf teeth" removed, if present, and with a "bit seat." A bit seat is the application of a tooth file, (a "float") to round off the upper and lower premolars so that the bit seats itself more comfortably in the horse's mouth.
Heart-Horses, like people, can and do have heart "murmurs," arrhythmia (irregular beats), and other audible normal and abnormal heart conditions. Some murmurs, for example, are perhaps acceptable in an older mare to be used strictly for breeding, whereas the same murmur might spell potential disaster in a seven year old 100 mile endurance horse.
Physical condition-The physical condition of the horse predicts it's future, and reflects its past. A very fat horse has not been worked consistently, for whatever reason, and will take some time and care to be "fitted up" without stress or strains. A very thin horse, on the other hand, may be nervous, unwell, have teeth problems, or be low-man in the pecking order for food. In either case, a diagnosis should be made prior to purchase.
Breeding soundness-Any stallion or mare to be used for breeding should be proven "reproductively sound." In mares with unknown recent reproductive history, a full physical examination of the reproductive tract, often including ultrasonography, culture and uterine biopsy of older mares, may be advisable. Stallions must have drive, and acceptable numbers of fertile spermatozoa, or have, as proof of their breeding soundness, recent live and healthy foals. Nevertheless, an examination of the stallion's reproductive tract may provide important information prior to obvious physical problems.
Physical history-Old injuries, behavior problems, past surgeries, past medical crises in the horse's history should be reviewed in light of future plans for the horse. A veterinarian with experience will have some ability to predict long-term consequences results from any such historical documentation.
Worming history-Perhaps one of the most critical historical pieces of information to you as a potential buyer is the horse's worming history. The results of a poor worming schedule are often severely compromised vessels in the gut, which in time may result in a bowel without blood perfusion, death of that portion of bowel, colic or even death of the horse. Be sure of a good worming history, and continue yourself to maintain a proper worming program based on sound advise, and if necessary, on a microscopic fecal examination.
Vaccinations-Each area of the country and world has its particular endemic diseases for which it is advisable to vaccinate your horse. Your equine practitioner is specifically aware of horse diseases, and can help you determine your horse's future needs locally, country-wide, and even world-wide, if necessary.
In addition to the vet check you should check the housing condition that your future horse presently inhabits. Many keys to this horse's future lay before the observant person who takes note of the way the horse is kept on a daily basis. An intelligent buyer visits his potential selection several times, at a varied schedule, unless he or she is familiar and confident in the seller.
Networking is one of the seller's best forms of advertising. If you have lived in a community for a while and know people who own horses, be sure to tell them that you are offering one of yours for sale. You would be amazed to know how many horses find excellent new homes by referral. This "network" should include your veterinarian, farrier, trainer, feed store, local 4H and Pony Club groups as well as members of the club to which you belong. If you happen to sell your horse through a professional or other intermediary, pay the agreed commission promptly-these can be one of your best sources of referrals.
When you receive calls from people interested in your horse, screen potential buyers there and then; ask if they have owned a horse before, if the rider is a beginner or has had some experience, and if the horse is for a child or an adult. Also, ask what the potential buyer plans to do with his/her purchase. Ten minutes on the phone can save you lots of time.
Be clear in your own mind on the strengths and weaknesses of the horse you are selling and never hesitate to say that you feel the horse may be unsuitable for the buyer; stress good points, but be absolutely honest. Avoid discussing the horse's height over the phone; the majority of people have no idea how tall 15 hands high is, but all seem to think that any horse which stands less than that is too small; not true. Somewhere along the line, you may simply have to educate people on the issue of height in the Arabian breed.
Once you have made an appointment for someone to look at your horse, do your very best to present it well. Allow the buyers to see the horse in the stall, to watch him being brushed and tacked up if you are selling a riding horse; if the horse is for a child, arrange for a child you know to ride your horse; insist on helmets and proper shoes; lend a helmet if the buyers have not brought one. If you are selling breeding stock, arrange for a friend, neighbor or employee to show the horse in hand while you talk to the buyers about it.
Once the horse has been presented and put back in his stall or paddock, offer your visitors some refreshments. Have available a copy of the pedigree and some photos (keep a Polaroid handy to take pictures of the potential buyer and horse and give them a copy).
Be sure you are completely clear on the asking price and terms, if any. If you are not totally confident in your ability to price a horse, ask for help. There are enough professional horse people out there who can and will help you arrive at a fair price; once you have arrived at it, stick to it. If you can, accept terms, but make sure to have a contract clearly stating the terms in writing. Contracts for the sale of horses exist in pre-printed form. If you agree to sell on contract, be sure the buyer understands that the official registration papers will only be handed over on fulfillment of the agreement.
Think "customer service." If the potential buyer is truly interested in the horse, always offer them the opportunity to come back several times to see it again. Suggest they arrange for a vet check by a veterinarian of their choice and, if they appear likely to purchase the horse, offer them some perk, like up to a month of free board-you'll be amazed what can make or break a sale. If the buyer decides to buy the horse but doesn't have his/her own means of transporting it, suggest haulers who do an excellent job, or offer to deliver the horse within a specified distance of your farm.
When buyers are first-time horse owners, give them a complete list of veterinarians, farriers and reputable trainers in the area, a folder with the horse's health history, detailed instructions for the horse's care, and an invitation to call at any time for help or advice.
A final suggestion: trust your intuition. You want to place your horse in a loving, appreciative home where he will become an ambassador for the Arabian breed. Many times those who purchase horses from you will come back to purchase again and again, and even become part of your circle of horse enthusiast friends. Do everything you can to help your buyers feel happy with their purchase; you will gain friends, your horse will have a good life, and you will have made a positive contribution to the Arabian horse.
The Arabian's conformation and "type" have been selectively bred for longer than any other breed. Records reflecting desert-bred animals still connect today's Arabian horse's traits with particular traits prized many hundreds of years past. Such documentation makes it possible to retrospectively study heredity, to then predict what good and bad characteristics will be likely to pass from a given stallion and mare into the next generation. The Arabian Horse Registry Of America participates in this ongoing body of essential knowledge by verifying breed purity through blood typing and pedigree for every foal registered from pure-bred Arabian mating. The Registry makes this information available as a service-an invaluable tool for the serious horseperson in breeding selection.
The Bedouins of the Arabian desert were dependent for survival on their Arabian horses. While they valued the beauty of their horses, they were equally adamant that their horses were strong, with deep chests, straight legs, large joints and good lungs to carry them across large stretches of their desert homeland.
The Arabian's distinctly eloquent head has been represented artistically for literally thousands of years, to this day appearing in nearly all horse related advertisements for every conceivable equine related commodity. Referred to as "type," defined, described, and judged for centuries, the shape and beauty of the Arabian head remains its most distinctive and sought after quality.
In general, Arabians have a short, straight back (usually 23 vertebra as compared to 24 with most other equine breeds), perfect balance and symmetry, a deep chest, well-sprung ribs, deep girth and strong legs of thick density. An Arabian can most readily be identified by its finely chiseled head with a dished face, long arching neck, and high tail carriage.
Although no individual animal will possess all of the qualities described below, the composite, nevertheless, epitomizes the finest specimens observed:
| 1.Ear 2.Forelock 3.Temple 4.Eye 5.Nose 6.Nostril 7.Muzzle 8.Lips 9.Chin 10.Chin groove 11.Branches of jaw 12.Cheek 13.Occipital crest 14.Poll 15.Crest 16.Neck 17.Throat latch 18.Jugular groove |
19.Point of shoulder 20.Chest 21.Shoulder 22.Upper arm 23.Forearm 24.Knee 25.Cannon 26.Fetlock joint 27.Pastern 28.Coronet 29.Hoof 30.Withers 31.Back 32.Loin 33.Point of hip 34.Dock 35.Croup 36.Ribs |
37.Flank 38.Brisket 39.Belly 40.Thigh, haunch 41.Buttock 42.Point of buttock 43.Stifle 44.Gaskin 45.Hock 46.Suspensory ligament 47.Tendon 48.Chestnut 49.Elbow 50.Heel 51.Trapezium 52.Tail 53.Cannon-splint bone area |
Outfitting Your Arabian
Arabian horses require the same kinds of saddles, bridles and stable halters as other breeds. However, most Arabians require slightly different sizes.
Arabians usually need western bridles that are smaller in the cheek and brow areas. A cob size English bridle (the smallest size made for horses) fits most Arabians. Breast collars made for Arabians usually fit better than those designed for larger, more broad-chested breeds such as Quarter Horses. If used, a martingale designed for Arabians fits best because it accommodates the breed's higher neck set and head carriage.
Because Arabians usually have more refined heads with smaller muzzles than other breeds, they also need smaller bits. The typical Arabian bit is size 4 3/4 (4 3/4 inches across). Horses with narrower jaws (from side to side, where the bit lies in the mouth) may need a 4 1/2. Arabians with wider mouths may take a standard horse size bit (5 inches).
Retail and mail-order tack stores often sell tack specifically designed to fit Arabian horses. However, some standard horse equipment also may fit. For example, western saddle blankets and pads that are 30 inches x 30 inches will fit most Arabians. Pads measuring 29" down the back may fit even better. A 30-inch western cinch usually fits an Arabian, and an English girth of 44 to 46-inches should fit the average Arabian (girth sizes start at 38 inches).
Most Arabians are wide (very round) in the barrel. The "well-sprung" ribs which contribute to the Arabians exceptional lung capacity and stamina result in wider backs. Because of this, "Arab" saddle trees (the underlying structures of saddles) are wider than standard saddle trees. A wide tree also prevents the saddle from rubbing low and/or wide withers.
Arabians usually have short backs, which help them carry heavier weights than longer-backed horses. Because the Arabian's back is shorter, the western saddle's skirt should not be more than 27 inches long (measured down the horse's back). The shorter skirt prevents chafing as the hind legs move forward.
There are a variety of English saddles, depending upon the style of riding. Most riders use dressage, hunt seat (jumping), or "all-purpose" English saddles (designed for both the flat and jumping) for casual pleasure riding. Lightweight saddles designed for endurance riding are also popular for competition and trail riding. In English Pleasure classes at Arabian shows, cutback saddles are used. Riders in Show Hack classes use dressage saddles, and hunters and jumpers use hunt saddles.
To learn which style of tack is best for your horse and how to fit it, observe what others use and ask experienced Arabian owners for guidance. Tack store employees can also help you find the proper fit for your Arabian. The sizes suggested here are general guidelines. Individual Arabians vary, and all tack should be chosen to provide the most comfort to the specific horse.
Feeding Your Arabian
Most Arabian horses use their feed efficiently, which means that they may require less feed than other breeds. Perhaps this is because their ancestors came from the deserts of the Middle East, where feed was scarce. Also, because Arabians also are smaller in comparison to larger, heavier breeds, they require less feed to maintain their weight.
This does not mean, however, that Arabians should be kept extremely thin or that they will thrive on poor quality feed. They need adequate calories and the same nutrients as any other horses. Like people, they need a proper mix of vitamins and minerals to stay in good shape and perform well.
If the horse is carrying the proper amount of weight, his contours will look rounded, rather than angular. You should feel the horse's ribs when you brush your hand across the horse's sides, but the ribs should not be visible. If they are, the horse is too thin and needs more feed. (If he's getting enough feed, have a veterinarian examine the underweight horse.)
Overfeeding also can create health problems. Feeding a horse too much rich feed or allowing a horse to become obese can cause founder (laminitis, a serious inflammation of the hooves). Feeding too much rich feed also can bring on a deadly bout of colic. So be careful when feeding grain, rich springtime grass, or other high protein feeds.
Fortunately, it's easy to feed an Arabian properly. Feed an Arabian as you would any other breed: give it enough good quality feed to maintain its proper weight, along with plenty of fresh, clean water.
Horses' feed requirements change depending upon their age and kind of use. Good quality horse hay and/or pasture may be sufficient for a lightly used, mature Arabian pleasure horse. More calories are needed when horses are more active and during cold weather. Young, growing horses and breeding or show stock need additional grains or supplements. Horses that are heavily used also require grain, supplements, and perhaps electrolytes when especially stressed. All horses need constant access to a salt block and, if recommended by your veterinarian, mineral supplements.
For tips on feeding your Arabian properly, ask your veterinarian. You can also seek advice from Arabian horse owners whose horses are in good condition, or refer to books that discuss the feeding and care of horses.
The Joys of Breeding
There is much to know before you can consistently breed Arabian horses with good conformation, breed type, athletic ability, and the people-loving dispositions that have made the breed famous.
The primary goal of all serious breeders is improving the quality of their breeding stock, which can only be done over several generations. This takes years of study and commitment.
First, breeders need a clear vision of the type of horses they hope to produce. They must discover which bloodlines have successfully produced the kind of horses they want to breed, and which may do so in the future.
A breeding program is a plan for mating specific individuals or families of horses to consistently reach the breeder's goals. Skillful breeders adjust their breeding programs to emphasize successful nicks, eliminate disappointing crosses, and introduce additional bloodlines.
A horse's pedigree is its "family tree." However, breeders must know much more than just the names that appear in their horses' pedigrees. To breed for improvement, they must know both the good and bad points of their horses' ancestors, because either can be inherited.
Conscientious breeders carefully study each horse's genotype (traits inherited from the horse's ancestors, whether or not they appear in that individual). They also analyze the phenotype (appearance) of each individual. Every Arabian used for breeding should be a good representative of the breed. Horses with serious inheritable defects should not become breeding stock.
Breeders also must protect the breed from inheritable weaknesses that cause serious health problems or death. An example is Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome (SCIDS), for which there is a medical test to identify carriers. Responsible breeders must find out whether any of their mares and stallions carry such defects and, if so, avoid breeding them to each other.
Breeding Arabian horses requires time and commitment. The dedicated breeder's greatest reward is the satisfaction of producing quality Arabians that can be enjoyed by others.
