Arabian horse: breeding and grooming features

The Arab horse is one of the most ancient on earth. It influenced the formation of dozens of modern breeds. Today, no equestrian show is complete without the participation of these graceful horses. Horse Purebred Arabian breed is famous not only for its beauty and grace, but also for its ability to develop high speed.

There is no reliable data on the time when the riding breed of Arabian horses was bred. Scientists suggest that it originated from the 4th to the 6th century AD. In those days, the local Bedouins had a need for fast and hardy horses. They led a nomadic way of life and fought with the peoples who inhabited the Arabian Peninsula.

According to experts, Arabian horse horses originated from North African, Syrian, and Persian blood. For centuries, these animals were bred in blood purity. Then it was forbidden to cross horses with representatives of other breed lines. This was severely punished, and the death penalty was expected of those who dared to take a thoroughbred horse out of the peninsula.

Acquaintance of Europeans with these graceful and fast racers during crusades. Animals were highly appreciated and began to be used to improve the characteristics of local horses. Purebred English breed, for example, was not created without the participation of Arabian stallions.

Attention! These horses came to Russia for the first time during the reign of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. Since then, Arabian stallions have been used to breed new domestic breeds.

Breed description

Arab thoroughbred horse has a number of characteristics. These animals have an unusual skeleton structure. The chest consists of 17, not 18 edges, and the lumbar region consists of only 5, not 6 vertebrae. The structure of the tail is also different: in the Arabian steed, it consists of 16, rather than 18 bones.

The lifespan of animals is 30 years. They are distinguished by good health and fecundity. The main quality for which Arabian horses are valued is endurance. They are able to cover a distance of 600 miles per week.

Reference. One Arab horse maker lived 40 years.

Arab thoroughbred horse has a short stature and dry body type. Consider the main characteristics of animals:

• stallion is 150-155 cm tall, females slightly lower - 145-150 cm at the withers,
• body weight varies from 400 to 600 kg, it depends on the sex and age of the animal,
• bones thin,
• the back is flat, dense, medium length,
• the croup is rounded a little down,
• chest wide,
• the neck is long, with a swan bend,
• limbs dry, long, having the correct setting,
• compact hooves,
• small head
• muzzle with a characteristic pike profile,
• well defined cheeks
• nostrils are wide,
• big and expressive eyes
• ears are small,
• the tail is long enough, it has a high landing, and while running it takes a vertical position,
• the mane is luxurious, silky, shiny.

Arab thoroughbred horse

The horses from the Arabian Peninsula most often have a gray suit and its possible variations. Less common is bay and red color. The black coat color is inherent in only one type of breed - dahman. Pin and silver bay horses of Arabic origin are very rare.

Animals are good-natured and have a docile disposition. They quickly become attached to the owner and keep him loyalty, but also require respect for themselves. An Arab horse remembers the hurts inflicted on it and does not tolerate when forced to do something.

Nature has endowed animals with high intelligence, they are easily trained. Arab horses are often used in cinematography because they are incredibly beautiful and show acting talent.

Breed history

For many centuries, the Arabian horse breed attracted increased attention. The origins of its true origin to this day remain under cover of obscurity. Ancient images found during excavations suggest that these animals existed on the Arabian Peninsula as far back as 3000 years BC. Nomads cultivated beautiful Arabian horses, horses in the desert harsh climate after centuries acquired unprecedented endurance.

In the seventh century, the Arabian horse breed was fully formed. The main role in this belongs to the endless Bedouin wars. During the battles the horses acquired endurance, maneuverability, agility. The result was a relatively small, tightly knit, graceful Arab handsome. Horses of the Arabian breed are considered the most valuable riches of nomads. Under the fear of the death penalty, they were forbidden to be taken out of the country; the same prohibition was imposed on the crossing of purebred Arabs with other breeds.

The Europeans first learned about the Arab horses during the Crusades. On the Russian open spaces handsome men were brought only in the eighteenth century. Until the middle of the last century, representatives of the breed made up the main gene pool to improve domestic horse breeding, breeding and new riding breeds. The Arabian breed is the basis of the Oryol trotting and thoroughbred riding breed.

Types of arabian horses

The Arabian breed has united several families. The most common and famous of them are Ateshi, Kadishi and Kokhlani. Kokhlani have been divorced for more than two thousand years in the most thorough way and, thanks to this, they are far superior to their relatives. In the central part of Arabia, Nejadis are bred, which are considered to be the most noble horses.

Modern Arabian horses on the features of the exterior are divided into four types:

1. Siglavi - animals of medium, light constitution, short stature, color mostly gray. They have proved to be not too good as racers, they cannot boast with excessive agility of siglavi.
2. Koheylan - horses with wide breasts, the constitution is massive and strong. Color prevails bay and red. The Cochaelans are very hardy and valued as superb horses.
3. Coheilan-siglavi is a hybrid breed that combines the massiveness of koheilan and the sophisticated beauty of siglavi. The Arab horse breed Koheylan-siglavi differs large growth and increased efficiency. The color may be red, bay or gray.
4. Hadban - most horses of this breed have a red or bay color, sometimes there is a gray color. Hadbana - the largest of all the Arab horses. They are athletic, frisky and hardy.

Much to our regret, nowadays even in Arabia itself, purebred representatives of this glorious breed are less and less common. Apparently, this is caused by the mixing of blood. Half-breeds cannot give a perfect basis for selection work. The purebred Arabian horse is very much appreciated, the price of the half-blood is much lower, but they are inferior to him in everything, compared to a real Arab.

The Arab horse, in comparison with other breeds, is low, the height at the withers is about 150 cm. The constitution is elegant, the legs are strong and strong. The neck of an Arabian horse can rightly be called a swan, as it is long and beautifully curved. The tail is set high, on the move the Arabian horse always lifts it high up. The spectacle is very effective when a beautiful horse rushes at high speed, and the tail held high is fluttering in the wind.

Arabian breed can be recognized by a unique profile - the nose bridge is slightly concave. The head of the Arabs is very beautiful, with great eyes and round cheeks.

A distinctive feature of the Arabian horses is an unusual skeleton structure. These beauties have 17 ribs, whereas all the other horses have 18, the lumbar vertebrae have only 5 (the rest of the horse world has 6 vertebrae each) and 16 caudal vertebrae, while the other 18.

Arabian horses are predominantly white, black or bay. In the first year of life, the color looks lighter, and with age it acquires a gray tint and brown dots on the wool, the so-called buckwheat.

Anglo-arab horse

Arabian and English horses are among the most ancient, as well as the most popular and famous breeds to date. Anglo-Arabian horse breed originates in the UK. Breeders wanted to create the perfect animal. They succeeded completely: the Anglo-Arab horse is perfectly built and at the same time extremely strong and enduring. Horse breeders were delighted with the new breed.

Anglo-Arab horse was the result of the crossing of Arabic and English purebred breeds. From the Arab side, the new breed received elegance and unpretentiousness, and from the English side - power, large size, speed and the ability to think and quickly assess the situation. This combination allows representatives of this breed to participate in all types of equestrian competitions. Nowadays, the Anglo-Arabian horses are successfully bred not only in Great Britain, France also appreciated the work of the British and started breeding these magnificent animals.

The Arabian horse breed, along with purebred English, produces the most diverse offspring. Breeders noticed that more powerful and large individuals are obtained after crossing Arabian stallions and English mares. If you cross the English stallion and the Arabian mare, the offspring will be smaller and weaker than in the first variant.

The Anglo-Arabian horse is quite high, reaching 160-170 cm at the withers, sometimes individuals are much higher, depending on the genotype. This breed has a long elegant head, large expressive eyes, beautiful, deep-set ears. Against the background of a muscular long elegant and proud neck, a well-marked wither looks great.

The body is not very big, but muscular, with a wide and deep chest. The croup is long, powerful legs with strong hoofs that you can not even shovel.

Initially, the Anglo-Arabian horse breed was used during the fighting in France. These animals are strong, intelligent, and even the ear is excellent - in a word, ideal fighters. In addition to the war, the Anglo-Arabs have proven to be one of the best competitors in all kinds of equestrian sports. In addition, thanks to strong hooves, horses can quickly move along the worst road.

Arab horse is beautiful, graceful, hardy. In addition to these qualities, she still has a developed intellect and a proud strong character. The Arabs very quickly learn both good and bad, they are vindictive, they remember offenses for a long time and never forgive offenders. A thoroughbred horse will be a loyal assistant for an experienced rider, but if you decide to teach your child how to ride a horse, then such a horse will not work. A real Arab horse is obeyed only by a strong, self-confident person and requires a firm hand. Despite the hot temperament, most of the Arabian horses are friendly and committed to the person.

The Arabian horse is very receptive and sensitive to the world around it. She is attentive and noble in relation to people and animals, knows how to independently think through their actions. Arabian horses cannot tolerate being forced to do something against their will, especially if force is used. But with all their stubbornness, they will make every effort to please the person to whom they feel affection and who they trust.

Health and Stamina

With a small height at the withers, the Arabian horses are extremely hardy and easily maintain long distances with an adult rider in the saddle. These racers do not complain about health, they are simply excellent.

The horses of the Arabian breed come from hot countries, they have thin skin and a structure that contributes to heat loss. Ordinary Arabs are not as sensitive to cold as thoroughbred riders.

The Arab horse is a real long-liver, if we take in comparison with it ordinary domestic horses. Handsome men from southern countries in normal conditions live up to thirty years. Arab mares until death, even in old age, can produce offspring.

Arab horses are very fast and hardy. Horse races with their participation in recent years have become very popular, and this popularity is only growing. The successes of these horses in the arena are indisputable, in addition, the Arabs showed themselves perfectly in horse riding. Watching such a sight is very nice. This is such a beauty that will be remembered for a lifetime! Horse races with Arabian horses are held regularly, the last stage of the race is a one-day journey of one hundred miles (161 km).

The best fast modern breed that participates in horse racing is a thoroughbred or English racing horse. It was bred on the basis of the Arabian breed.

If you watch the jumps, you can see that the Arabian racers are inferior in speed to some other breeds, but the closer to the finish line, the more contenders for victory the Arab leaves behind. This is due to the extraordinary endurance of the horse of this breed. She is able to maintain her strength to the end for a long distance and at the finish she looks much more cheerful and faster than other participants.

Arab horses - dancers and actors

In addition to all the wonderful qualities possessed by the southern beauties, the Arabian horses are dancing! It turns out they have great, even lezginka can portray. This is not surprising, given their graceful physique and mental abilities. Dance of horses can be seen in the circus. The spectacle is very beautiful: an elegant run, which easily with the change of rhythm goes from trot to step, and the speed change, again to the beat of the music, beautiful turns, during which you can see the beauty of the animal. They very precisely fall into the rhythm. Experienced trainers are sure that animals need to be trained to music. Horses are best perceived loud, clear and rhythmic melodies.

Arabian horses are wonderful artists, a lot of films were shot with their participation, especially pictures about Arab countries, Bedouin battles. For example, remember the film by Yuli Gusman “Do not be afraid, I'm with you! 1919, which he shot in 2011. The main role involved Eldar Gasimov. His hero Farhad adorns it on the Arabian steed, whose nickname is Mysore. A faithful Arab helps his master save the bride Shirin. Mysore played great, it turned out capable actor. This is just one example, and their countless number, if we take the cinema as a whole, both domestic and foreign.

Famous owners of Arabian horses

Arabian horses are very much appreciated. Their owners, both in the past and in the present, were and are many famous, illustrious people. To have such a horse is considered prestigious, it is valued more than any car or jewelry.

If we are talking about celebrities, one can not forget Marshal Zhukov. This illustrious man had a favorite - an Arabian stallion, whose name was Kazbek. When the great commander received the Victory Parade in 1945, he sat on the handsome Kazbek.

Another famous Arab owner was Napoleon. His favorite is an Arabian stallion named Marengo. It was a glorious horse, which in no way inferior to its owner. For the great ruler, he became a loyal friend and ally in all battles. With a small height of only 145 cm, Marengo was unusually brave, he was not afraid of the thunder of guns, carried out any order of his master. During the years spent in battles, the stallion received eight wounds, but this did not make him weaker and did not instill fear of battles. When the wound healed, he was still eager to fight. Austerlitz, Yen, Wagram, Waterloo - in all of these battles the glorious horse managed to take part with its famous rider. During the heavy retreat of the French in the war with Russia, Marengo again faithfully served Napoleon.

Breed virtues

The Arabian breed is one of the few whose blood has been kept clean for centuries. Scientists believe that this fact has influenced the external data of animals and their physical abilities. The advantages of the breed line include:

• excellent health
• longevity,
• fertility,
• unprecedented beauty and grace
• versatility of horses,
• endurance.

Attention! Although the Arabian horse is inferior in speed to the English thoroughbred, he is able to reach the finish line first due to his endurance.

Horses of the Arabian breed: price

Arab horses are valued highly, not only in a moral sense, but also in the material sense. The cost of selective stallions is more than one million dollars. The price of a purebred Arabian horse depends primarily on the pedigree. The data of the horse and the quality of his parents are taken into account. The usual price of an Arab begins from four thousand euros, and ends with several millions. The most expensive is considered to be the Arabian horse Padron, for him the new owners gave 11 million dollars.

At the American auction in 1955, a bay stallion of the Arabian breed, nicknamed Pesniar, was sold, who was the champion of the Pose Song race. One million dollars was paid for it. Stallion Menes won the Metropolis race in 1977. После чего его сдали в аренду на целых пятнадцать лет, взяв за это один с половиной миллион долларов. Новые хозяева так полюбили своего питомца, что не смогли с ним расстаться и купили за 2,4 миллиона.

Помесные лошади стоят намного меньше, чем чистокровные арабские скакуны. Если рассматривать результаты, которые полукровки выдают на конных состязаниях, то они весьма высоки. Another plus of such horses is that they are more adapted to the Russian climate. You can buy such a half-breed by paying about two thousand euros.

When choosing an Arab horse, you should pay attention to the following points:

• pedigree,
• reputation horse farm or farm, where I come from,
• veterinary certificate
• external data horse,
• injuries, diseases.

When negotiating a price, you need to consider the cost of transporting the horse from the seller to the buyer. Whatever it was, but you will not have to regret about such a purchase - the Arabian racers worth their weight in gold! Do not believe - ask the Bedouins, they know exactly what a real Arab horse is worth.

Arabian horses - photos and specifications

Arabian horses are considered srednerosly breed, at the withers reaching 150-153 cm, which is quite a bit. Chest in girth is 173-179 cm, pyasti - 18.5-20 cm.

The exterior is characterized by a dense and lean physique. The body is rounded with a straight long croup. One of the main features of the breed is the set tail, which is highly bulging during the gait.

Suits of Arabian horses in terms of frequency of appearance:

The pinto sabino are occasionally born. Very rarely appears silvery-bay color.

"Arabs" live longer than most other breeds. Many individuals reach the age of 30 years, and the mares still retain a high fecundity.

Today there are the following types of Arab horses:

1. Koheylan - have a strong constitution, are considered good racers.
2. Siglavi - slightly shorter, quieter in horse racing.
3. Hadban is bigger, tougher and faster than the rest.
4. Koheylan-siglavi - combined type, characterized by excellent performance and high growth.

The main quality for which the "Arabs" fell in love all over the planet, is their endurance with long transitions. These horses are able to make 500-600 km a week, which is why they were indispensable during military campaigns of the pre-industrial era.

Origin of the Arabian horse breed

It is perhaps the most ancient of the modern breeds. Appeared on the Arabian Peninsula about 1.5 thousand years ago. Formed in a dry hot climate in conditions where the Arabs, who led endless wars with each other and with their neighbors, needed strong and enduring horses. Purposeful selection allowed to bring out a good, downed, surprisingly resilient and fast animal.

The result of breeding was so successful that the Arabian horse breed turned into the most important wealth of Arabian nomads. These animals were forbidden to sell to foreigners under threat of death. Local laws forbade crossing them with other breeds, which made it possible to preserve the purity of the population over the centuries.

Despite all the prohibitions, in the era of the High Middle Ages, Arab horses began to fall to the West. First, as war trophies of the Crusades, and then through the usual trade. These horses were so superior to European animals that they quickly became popular with Europeans. At the same time, surprisingly beautiful and fast "Arabs" immediately began to be used in improving the old European breeds. And not only the race driver, but even the workers' heavy trucks.

Many high-profile European breeds owe their origin exclusively to the Arab race horse:

• thoroughbred horse
• Andalusian
• Orlov trotter,
• lusitano
• Boonite heavy truck and many others.

Today, when horses are not in demand either in the army or in transport, the "Arabs" still enjoy attention. They are in demand in equestrian sport, tourism, private riding. There is even an international association of Arabian horse breeding, which unites horse breeders and breeders from more than fifty countries of the world.

Arab horses in Russia

These racers were first introduced to our country in the 16th century, that is, much later than in Western Europe. But we also quickly appreciated the benefits of Arabians and began to use them to improve local breeds.

At the same time, in Russia the Arabian thoroughbred horse was always appreciated. The purity of the breed was valuable, so it was closely watched, preserving the original features. Due to this, the “Arabs” from Russia in tsarist times received the first prizes at various international competitions and exhibitions.

In the USSR, they continued to be bred, even when technical progress made these animals unnecessary neither in the army nor in transport. At the same time, the Russian population was so thoroughbred that horse breeders were willingly bought by horse breeders not only from Western countries, but even from the Arabian Peninsula.

With the collapse of the USSR, the situation in domestic horse breeding turned out to be catastrophic, but we still managed to preserve the population of riding Arabian horses. And at us all four pedigree types are bred, whereas in the West, breeders are limited to only the most beautiful siglavi.

Horse races with the participation of representatives of the breed are held on many domestic hippodromes, for example, in Moscow, Pyatigorsk, Kazan, Rostov. The main competition, focused on the Arabian horses, takes Pyatigorsk Hippodrome.

In addition to private farms, the best representatives of the breed today breed three stud farms - Khrenovsky, Moscow and Tersky.

Breeding Arab horses

Although such a concept as commercial horse breeding does not just exist, it is also a rather interesting idea for business in some regions of Russia, it is completely inapplicable to the horse breed, the Arabian horse. This is a pure horse breed, and therefore breeding it for meat and milk is the most stupid idea that you can think of.

"Arabs" makes sense to breed with:

• sales of young stock,
• equestrian tourism organizations
• participation in horse racing and exhibitions,
• as a hobby for private horse riding.

Obviously, to rely on at least some payback is possible only in the first two cases. True, here too the success of a business will depend on very many external factors not directly related to the technology of rearing horses.

Participation in horse racing is rather a gamble for the very rich than business. In order for the prizes to pay for the maintenance of animals, you need to win a large cash prize every month, which is obviously unrealistic.

Finally, if you like these animals and you are able to finance the maintenance of a small equestrian farm, then you can do this area purely for the soul. Horse riding in the fresh air over rough terrain is an excellent and very healthy form of leisure.

Creating an economy

Immediately it should be warned that the breeding of Arabian horses in Russia, even within a small horse-breeding farm, will require large starting costs, which will be difficult enough to recoup. To grow a good mount for the sport, it will take 5-6 years. For tourist purposes, horses can be attracted from the age of three. But all this time animals need to be fed, provided with professional care (including training) and veterinary care. Thus, the horse, ready to use, will have the cost price as a new foreign car of a middle or business class.

Of course, there are ways to reduce the cost of maintaining the economy. For example, you can rent space in a stable. The fact is that many rich people buy (sometimes receive as a gift from friends or business partners) thoroughbred horses in the amount of one or two pieces. Obviously, building a stable for so many animals makes no sense, but you cannot keep a horse in the garage either. The only way out is to keep the animal in a private stable, paying for the rent of the stall and the cost of professional care for it.

Now let's take a broad look at the principles of creating a horse-breeding farm for the breeding of the Russian Arabian horse. Obviously, to place a stable in the city is too expensive, and in general it is not advisable. Animals in addition to the enclosure will need at least a couple of hectares of space for walking and training. It is also highly desirable to have a natural pasture nearby.

So, in a stable one animal must account for at least 4 square meters. meters. Also on the farm should be:

• hay barn
• barn for storing other feed,
• household warehouse for tools, inventory, harness, etc.
• staff room
• walking platform.

Of course, there must be good ventilation in the stables, the staff must regularly clean the manure and monitor the maintenance of the temperature regime that is comfortable for the animals.

Since we are talking about breeding Arabian horses, and not some purebreds, it is very important to provide the right diet for them. In a certain combination, animals need to be given green grass or hay, silage, grain, mixed feed with vitamin supplements, as well as vegetables. Also, do not forget about the water, which will need about 150 liters per day for one.

Animal care

Every entrepreneur knows how difficult it is to find a competent and responsible employee. When it comes to breeding thoroughbred racers, it becomes even more difficult to pick up personnel.

Since in modern Russia it is not so easy to find specialists who are able to care for them, it is better to find people who love animals, and then simply train them to perform certain duties. And you need to look not for those who like to occasionally look at pictures of Arab horses, but for those who are accustomed to working with animals, for example, employees of animal husbandry complexes.

However, this relates more to ordinary personnel. Much harder with coaches. To take a man from the street and teach him to be a coach for a riding horse is not at all easy. Here it is necessary to look for a ready specialist. Same with the vet.

Theoretically, the distribution of feed and removal of manure in the stable can be trusted with modern automated complexes. Fortunately, such technologies have long existed. However, their cost is so high that the purchase of this equipment will cost the same amount as all the other starting costs. Given that the cost of labor in rural areas is quite low, it is cheaper to hire people who will do all the work manually.

Families or types of Arabian horses

There are about 20 horse families of purebred Arabs. They differ from each other in appearance, color and character. The most common are 4 types:

Arab Horse Family

1. Coheline He is inherent in tall stature, strong build, broad chest. The eyes of animals belonging to this family have a dark outline. Characteristic for this type of suit - bay or brown.
2. Siglavi. Animals are distinguished by a compact light body type and gray coat color. Horses from this family are calm and docile.
3. Hadban. This is the largest representative of the Arab breed. It has unprecedented strength and endurance, which is why it is often used in sports.
4. Cohelain siglavi. Mixed type, characterized by the qualities and traits inherent in representatives of both families.

Existing types

The breed of the Arabian horses itself is divided into several separate families, the most famous of which are kohlani, kadishi and ateshi.

Kokhlani far surpass the other subspecies of this breed, since their selection has been carefully worked for more than two thousand years.

The most noble of the Arab horses are considered Nejedi, living in the central regions of Arabia.

If we talk about the exterior of these animals, then modern experts distinguish four of its main types:

• Siglavi. These horses are distinguished by their medium and light build and short stature. Suit siglavi - mostly gray. As racers, these animals are inferior to the other subspecies because of their not very high agility,
• Coheilan. These horses have a broad chest and a strong, even somewhat massive constitution. The color is mostly red or bay. Cochaellans are beautiful and very hardy racers,
• Cohelan-siglavi. As the name implies, these are hybrids of the first two subspecies. The massive physique of koheylanov in them is harmoniously combined with the subtle beauty of siglavi. These animals are distinguished by high growth and high performance. The color of these hybrids can be gray, red or black,
• Hadban. The main color of this subspecies of the Arabian horses is red or bay, although there are also gray specimens. These are the largest, frisky and hardy athletic horses among all varieties of Arabian horses.

Alas, at present, purebred Arabian horses are difficult to find even in their homeland because of the large number of so-called half-breeds, which in breeding work are not capable of giving that perfect base, which is so valued by breeders. In this regard, purebred Arabian horses are very expensive (compared with the same half-breeds).

General breed description

An Arab horse at the withers reaches about one and a half meters, which is quite a bit for a horse tribe. A distinctive feature of this breed are strong and strong legs and a beautiful, elegant constitution. It is not for nothing that Arabian horses' neck is often compared to a swan, so long and beautifully curved. The tail has a high landing, on the run, it is always highly raised up.

The horses of this breed can be easily recognized by the special profile of their muzzle - they have a slightly concave nose. Arabs are also distinguished by a very beautiful head shape, huge eyes and rounded cheeks.

A characteristic feature of these animals is the unusual structure of their skeleton. All horses of other breeds in it have 18 ribs, and they have only 17 ribs. Unlike other representatives of the horse tribe, the Arabs have five lumbar vertebrae instead of six. Also, these beauties and caudal vertebrae are smaller - 16 versus 18.

Particularly beautiful are Arab horses with a black, white or bright-colored suit. In the first year of their life, their color is lighter, and over time, shades of gray and brown specks appear in it, which experts call buckwheat.

Anglo-Arabian Horses

The English breed of horses is no less an ancient and known in the world variety of these animals, and breeders could not help but try to cross them with Arabian horses. This breed was bred in the UK. The purpose of the selection was to create the perfect horse. And I must say, the result was impressive. Anglo-Arabic animals are harmoniously folded and beautiful, while very hardy and strong. From these horses horse breeders came to a complete delight.

As the name implies, these animals are the result of crossing purebred Arabian and English horses. From the first they got an elegant appearance, endurance and unpretentiousness, and from the second - power, impressive size, agility and excellent ingenuity. This unique combination is the best suited for equestrian competitions. Currently, the Anglo-Arabian breed successfully bred in France.

An interesting feature noticed by breeders is that the strongest and largest offspring is obtained by crossing Arabian stallions with English mares. If you act on the contrary, that is, the case of English stallions with Arabian mares, the result will be much worse - the hybrids obtained are smaller and weaker than their fellows of the first variant.

Representatives of the Anglo-Arabian breed are quite tall in withers - 160-170 centimeters. Depending on the genotype, there are also higher specimens. For the exterior of these animals are characterized by:

• long elegant head,
• big and very expressive eyes
• deep-set beautiful ears
• long, graceful, and at the same time muscular neck,
• good withers
• muscular torso of small size,
• deep and wide chest
• long croup,
• powerful and strong legs with well developed strong hoofs (sometimes they do not even shoe these horses).

Initially, the Anglo-Arabian horses were widely used in combat operations in France. Intelligent, hardy and strong animals with well-developed hearing have become excellent fighters. In addition to military use, the horses of this breed proved to be excellent on the fields of peaceful, equestrian battles in almost all sports of this sport.

Main character traits

These animals are famous for their developed intelligence, as well as strong and proud character. They are well trained, but at the same time they are very touchy and vindictive.

Arabs never forgive their offenders. Purebred Arabian horses are completely unsuitable for training beginner riders. They obey only strong and confident riders with a firm and experienced hand. They are friendly to a person and are distinguished by strong devotion, but their hot temper requires a lot of patience and prudence from their owners.

The Arabian horses are distinguished by their great attention to the environment and are able to independently determine their further actions.

Trying to get them to do something against their will, especially using brute force, is useless. However, in spite of their stubborn temper, they try very hard to please a strong and kind owner if he inspires confidence and affection in them.

Features of physical development

Несмотря на свой относительно небольшой рост, арабские скакуны – очень выносливые животные. Длинный пробеги для них – абсолютно не проблема, даже если в седле – взрослый человек. Здоровье этих лошадей – отличное, и при правильном уходе с ними нет никаких хлопот в этом плане.

Since the climate of the homeland of these horses is dry and hot, they have thin skin, and the structure is such that they quickly remove excess heat from the body. However, purebred Arabs tolerate lower temperatures as well, unlike the purebred riding horses.

If you take other types of domestic horses, the Arabian horse among them is a real long-liver. These southern beauties easily live to thirty years (with proper care and proper nutrition), and the mares of this breed are able to bear offspring until old age.

Famous horses

At all times famous people owned Arabian horses. To have such a horse has always been considered very prestigious, even more than to have any rare jewel or unique car.

For example, an Arab stallion named Kazbek was the favorite of the famous Soviet marshal G.K. Zhukov. It was on him that he hosted the Victory Parade on the Red Square of the capital in 1945.

No less famous is the Arabian horse named Marengo. And owned by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte himself, who went with him more than one battle. With a relatively small growth (only 145 centimeters), Marengo was notable for his incredible courage, was not at all frightened by the rumble of guns and unquestioningly listened to his distinguished rider. This glorious horse was wounded eight times in battle, but it had no effect on his courage and strength.

How much can an Arab horse cost?

The rarity of purebred Arabs in the modern world has made their prices fabulous. The cost of a purebred stallion with a rich and distinguished pedigree starts at one million dollars. The price of a horse with a normal, unremarkable pedigree starts at four thousand euros.

The most expensive at the moment horse named Padron was bought for $ 11 million.

Half-breeds cost much less - starting from two thousand euros. However, at competitions they are in no way inferior to their purebred brethren. In addition, half-breeds are better adapted to our Russian climate than purebred animals.

Areas of use

Today, Arab thoroughbreds are used in horse racing, amateur and professional equestrian sport. Russian racers in the 7 km run show excellent results, ahead of the Don, Akhal-Teke and Terek breeds.

Animals participate in exhibitions and act in films. In different countries, they are now used to improve the qualities of other breeds.

Care and feeding

Purebred horses are undemanding to care. They are quite spacious and warm stables. Animals need to walk twice a day. After a hard day, clean the hooves and remove dirt from the coat.

Horses bathe in the warm season twice a week, using special tools. After washing the body is wiped dry and let the animal walk in the sun. The mane is combed first with a large comb and then with a small one.

Despite the strong immunity given by nature, horses need regular veterinary examination. Observance of hygiene and proper nutrition is the key to animal health.

Purebred horses are undemanding to care

The basis of the diet of the Arabian horse is cereals and grass. For the winter, they stock up hay and vegetables. It is important that the feed is of good quality and properly stored. Racers participating in races are a special diet rich in protein. It also includes mineral supplements and vitamins.

It is important to provide your pet with clean drinking water. Every day, a horse consumes from 20 to 60 liters of water, depending on the season. Its temperature should not be below 15 degrees.

Arab horse - one of the most beautiful and hardy on the ground. This ancient breed is highly valued now. She played an important role in the development of various breed lines, including the Russian - Oryol, Streletsky, Don and Tver.

Using

The main focus for the Arabian horse breed is participation in various competitions. These are exhibitions and shows, smooth horse racing at racecourses, distance runs. Animals can ride from the age of 3 years, and with two begin testing at the racecourse. Three times the Soviet "Arabs" won the "Prize of Europe."

Today, in a variety of Russian hippodromes you can watch the races on the eastern racers. All-Russian "Derby" is held at the Pyatigorsk racecourse. The best representatives of the "Arabs" are now divorced in the Terek, Pyatigorsk and Moscow stud farms. They are also kept in private households.

"Arabs" are good at amateur riding, in non-professional equestrian sport. They are also used for introductory crosses in horse breeding to improve other sport horses. A selection work is carried out to preserve and improve the quality of the breed, and an increase in growth.

In order to estimate the speed of the horses, let us give the exact figures: they run a distance of a kilometer in just a minute and 8 seconds, 50 km in an hour and 38 minutes. 100 km individuals of both sexes overcome in 6 hours. The Arabs show good speed and endurance even at distances of 160 km.