Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose an Arabian horse?

Ask any Arabian horse owner!  They will tell you that once you experience the beauty, versatility, intelligence, and loyalty of an Arabian horse you will fall in love forever.  The Arabian horse is a classic.   It is the oldest and purest of breeds, celebrated for centuries in art and literature.  These magical horses have captivated some of the most influential figures in history – from King Solomon, to Napoleon, Catherine the Great, Oliver Cromwell, even George Washington!  Why not be next?  To own an Arabian horse is to own a piece of living history, to share your life with an animal that literally changed the course of human civilization.  Becoming an Arabian horse owner is also an introduction to a fascinating lifestyle.  Whether you are a schoolteacher, a CEO, a homemaker, or a prince, you will instantly join a community of people that share your love of the breed.  You will be welcomed at farms and events around the world, making new friends and enjoying experiences that might otherwise never have been possible.  To become an Arabian horse owner is to become part of an unbroken chain of passionate people who have treasured the Arabian horse for thousands of years.  Experience the passion!

 

How much does an Arabian horse cost?

Think of this question like asking how much a car costs.  Is it a family car, a car to enjoy on weekend road trips, a Formula One race car to win the world’s most prestigious races, or a museum-quality rare model?  The price depends almost entirely on the proposed use, quality, and credentials of the horse.  A wonderful Arabian horse for you and your family to enjoy can be purchased for a relatively modest amount and is no more expensive than other breeds.  If you are seeking a highly trained show horse, the price will vary depending on whether you wish to compete on a local, regional, national, or international level.  Breeding horses will also be priced depending upon their quality, pedigree, proven offspring, and potential.  Remember that it costs as much to properly take care of an inexpensive horse as one that is quite valuable, so it makes sense to buy the best quality horse that you can afford.   However, there are many wonderful Arabian horses available in a wide variety of price ranges, so there is almost certainly an Arabian horse for you to love and enjoy that will easily fit your budget.

 

What can I do with my Arabian?

Almost everything!  One of the most attractive aspects of the Arabian breed is their versatility.  While the blood of the Arabian was used to create almost all of the light horse “specialty” breeds, the intrinsic qualities of the Arabian make them ideal for many disciplines.  They may be ridden western or English, on the trail, or in the show ring.  They are used as working cow horses and sport horses, and there are special shows and races for Arabian horses held around the world.   When it comes to the sport of endurance racing, where horses compete at distances of up to 100 miles in a single day, the Arabian horse is simply the best in the world!  Another area where the Arabian breed excels is simply as a treasured equine companion.  Because they lived alongside Bedouin nomads for centuries in a harsh desert environment, they have an especially strong bond with humans.  They will actively seek your attention and respond with intelligence, love, and loyalty.    

Where should I look for my first Arabian horse?

As with any major purchase, especially a living animal, it makes sense to take your time and do some homework first.  There are many books and publications about the Arabian breed.  Read and learn.  Make “virtual” visits to the farms on Arabhorse.com.  Then arrange to visit several well-established Arabian horse breeders.  Most are more than happy to make an appointment with you so that you might see their horses and discuss your needs.  All Arabian horses are beautiful, so look at several, be discriminating, and make sure your choice reflects your ideal use for the horse.   You may wish to find an experienced mentor in the Arabian breed and ask if they can accompany you in your search, or guide you in finding appropriate references materials to help you in your quest.  If you are a rider, it is always important to choose a horse that compliments your expertise.  Be certain that the Arabian horse you choose undergoes a pre-purchase exam by a qualified veterinarian to ensure he or she is healthy and suited to making your dreams come true.       

 

I have heard Arabian horses can be really spirited.  Is this true?

When you experience the Arabian horse in motion – dancing on air, the embodiment of pride and beauty – you can feel the essence of their spirit.   These legendary horses had to possess stamina, courage, and yes, an abundance of spirit in their earliest role of the ideal desert warhorse.  At the same time, however, you will notice that Arabian horses are extraordinarily gentle and kind around humans.   It is true that different horse breeds fit different human personalities.  If you wish for a blindly obedient horse that is easily dominated, then perhaps the Arabian is not for you.   Arabian horses are sensitive.  They will be attuned to your own thoughts and feelings.  They deserve respect, and in return they will do their best to please you at all times.  To experience a loyal and intelligent Arabian horse is an unforgettable experience of sharing and bonding, unrivaled in the equine world.      

 

What colors do Arabian horses come in?

Arabian horses all have black skin.  This is a result of adaptation to the desert environment of their ancestors, ensuring protection against an unrelenting sun.  While Arabian horses may have white markings, they only come in solid colors:  bay, grey, chestnut, and black.  There are several different shades or variations of the colors bay, chestnut, and grey.  Grey Arabian horses are actually born bay, chestnut, or black, and only begin to turn different shades of grey, and eventually white, as they age.   So a dapple grey, for instance, may become pure white when mature, or “flea-bitten” depending on their genetics.  While you may be attracted to a particular color, there is an old horsemen’s saying that “a good horse is a good color.”  Just as you would not base your love for your child on the color of their eyes or hair, it is a sensible idea not to base your choice of a horse solely on its color.   Quality and suitability for your intended purpose are much better priorities.

 

Which is better for my first Arabian?  A stallion, gelding, mare, or foal?

While it may seem romantic to own an Arabian stallion, this choice is much better left to experienced breeders.  Stallions often require an extensive show career, dedicated advertising and promotion, and proven breeding ability before they achieve success and acclaim, which is a substantial financial commitment for an owner, and also one requiring significant experience with Arabian horses.  For a horse just to ride, enjoy, and explore myriad possibilities, there is nothing better than an Arabian gelding.  A mare can be equally enjoyable in this role, but if you are thinking of perhaps becoming a breeder someday then it is imperative that you choose a mare with the quality, pedigree, and attributes that make her a candidate for breeding.  Along these same lines, if you think that you might eventually breed Arabian horses, remember is it better to purchase one horse of exceptional quality rather than many of lesser quality.  Especially for your first Arabian, it is ideal to purchase a mature animal that is already trained for your purposes.  While foals are darling, they require expert training and years of work before they are ready to be ridden.  Why not make the acquaintance of an Arabian horse breeder and enjoy their foals?  This way you can leisurely learn all you can about the breed before you raise a foal yourself.  If being a breeder appeals to you there are often partnerships, or partial ownerships, or other creative ways to work with an experienced breeder to experience the thrills of breeding a foal without all the challenges.