Arabian Horse

Arabian Horse

Breed: Arabian Horse
Temperament: spirited, intelligent
Cost: riding quality $900 to $2500, breeding quality $2000 to $35,000 plus
Lifespan: 25-27 years
Recommended for: experienced horsemen

Arabians are said to be the oldest breed of horse in the world and are admired universally for their spirit, grace and beauty. They are one of the key ancestors of all modern thoroughbreds.

Appearance

Arabians are compact, muscular horses with slender legs and stand between 14-15 hands high although some modern breeding is producing Arabs around 16 hands high. They have an arched neck and a head with characteristic features: eyes large and set wide apart, the forehead is 'dished' ie: with a smooth concave line between the eyes and nose, and the nostrils large and open.

Colours range from purest white through chestnut, brown, bay and grey to glossy black. Another Arabian trait is the tail which arches up and over the back when excited.

Within the breed there are lines bred to suit a wide range of equestrian activities ranging from endurance events to led classes, the latter effectively a beauty pageant. This can lead to slight variations in the conformation of individual horses, ie: a cross country horse may be more athletic and lean than a show horse.

Temperament

While Arabians are expected to show spirit, they are said to be human-oriented and adapt to sensitive training techniques. If treated wrongly they can become nervous and flighty. They are classified as a hot-blooded horse as distinct from cold-blooded horses such as draught horses.

Health

Arabs can suffer from more individual diseases than other breeds but most are rare and usually apparent in early life. Problems include melanomas (although most are benign), gastrointestinal problems, and compromised immune systems. Arab Fading Syndrome is typified by the loss of pigment around the eyes and muzzle.

Breeding

Arabians are considered very good breeders with foaling considered desirable between August and December. Twins are uncommon.

Space and feeding

Stabling costs from $25-$150 a week, while feed bills are $20-$30 weekly, although these can vary enormously depending on the level of care demanded.

Ideal owner

Considered by many to be the ultimate horse, Arabians are versatile and suit a wide range of activities. They may not be the best choice for nervous or inexperienced riders unless closely supervised.

Grooming

Regular grooming will not only keep the horse looking nice, but will quickly pick up any minor injuries, skin or hoof problems. Competition and riding horses may need to be shod six-weekly and costs $40-$60.

Popularity

There are around 100,000 Arabians registered in Australia of which just over 40,000 are purebred. Australia is said to be the world's second-largest breeder of Arabians (USA 1, UK 3).

For further information

We filmed our story with Trevor and Sue Patrick, at Redwood Lodge Arabians, 506 Cusack Lane, Jimboomba, QLD, 4280. Phone: (07) 5546 9258, fax: (07) 5547 7487. Web site: www.sv.net/au/redwood

Note: Although in our story in response to a question from Don, Sue Patrick mentioned that Espano Estopa was the first Australian bred Arabian World Champion, Sue mistakenly thought she had been asked whether it was the first horse she had bred which had achieved this honour. In fact, Espano Estopa is the third World Arabian Champion to be bred in Australia. The first was Ralvon Pilgrim bred by Ralvon Arabian Stud and the second was Simeon Shai bred by Simeon Stud. The Arabian Horse Society of Australia
Locked Bag 6
Windsor NSW 2756
(02) 4577 5366

Affiliated Societies:

NSW/ACT

Ms Karen Bruce (Secretary)
NSW Arabian Horse Association
PO Box 125
Richmond, NSW, 2753
Phone: (02) 4995 6147

Marie Hutchison (President)
Arabian Riders and Breeders Association (ACT and Southern NSW)
GPO Box 1057
Canberra, ACT, 2601
Phone: (02) 4849 4506

QLD

Mr Andrew Falconer (President)
Arabian Horse Association (QLD) Inc.
69 Linnings Road
Haigslea, 4306
Phone: (07) 5426 6294

VIC

Ms Gudrun Martini
The Victorian Arabian Horse Association
Heritage Arabian Stud
45 Wilsons Road
Haddon, 3352
Phone: (03) 5344 8477

SA

Mrs Elly Barton (Secretary)
South Australian Arabian Riders and Breeders Society Incorporated
Amberglade Arabians
PO Box 160
Strathalbyn, 5255
Phone: (08) 8536 6177 (fax/ph)

WA

Ms K Senior (Secretary)
WA Arabian Horse Association
242 Abernethy Road
Byford, 6122
Phone: (08) 9525 4284

TAS

Maya Jaehne (Secretary)
Tasmanian Arab Riders and Breeders Incorporated
C/O Post Office
Meander, 7304
Phone: (03) 6369 5144

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