There are very few breeds of horses that have been as instrumental in foundation stock as well as shaping the development of horses worldwide. The Arabian horse truly is one of the most highly desirable breeds for adding refinement, stamina, reliability, spirits as well as loyalty and elegance to any type of horse from the heavy draft breeds and ponies through to the competitive sports horses from around the world.
Some of the modern breeds of horses and ponies that have been founded on Arabian stock include the Quarab, Trakehner, Lipizzaner, Haflinger, Percheron, Anglo-Arab, Orlov Trotter, French Riding Pony, Westphalian, Hackney, Anglo-Norman, and the Missouri Fox Trotter to name just a few. Most of the Eastern and Asian breeds were also strongly influenced in very early breeding programs with the Arabian blood.
Traditionally used in the East as a horse for long treks across challenging and difficult terrain, the hotblooded Arabian was strong, an easy keeper, a willing worker and a horse the possessed incredible stamina, endurance and a natural intelligence. These natural attributes have made this moderately small sized horse a natural in almost every type of competition and event. Arabians can be found internationally in most events just as they can be found as wonderful children's horses and even as working horses on stock farms and ranches around the world. It is important to note that the Arab breed actually is representative of several types of horses bred in the Arabian peninsula but typically these types are grouped together.
Currently the Arabian horse is used in almost every type of competition and event. They are in high demand in most countries for both English and western style riding. Some Arabians excel at show jumping and dressage at lower levels where their athletic ability and their stamina and grace make them a popular horse for smaller riders. Many younger adults and older children moving from pony classes to adult level competitions in dressage and show jumping select an Arabian horse as a transition horse.
Endurance riding, which is gaining an increased following in many areas, is ideal for the Arabian horse. The stamina and endurance of the breed is legendary and most of the championship horses are Arabian or Arabian crosses. There is also a growing number of Arabians used in short flat track racing and they have proven to be a crowd pleasing class in most racing events.
Arabians can also be used in driving events and competitions where their beautiful presentation and graceful movements make them an excellent choice. Many owners of Arabians used for driving report that the horses really seem to known when they are being shown and put on a flashy performance when they have an audience.
Although the Arab is seen to the be somewhat temperamental and difficult to work with they make excellent horses when treated with respect and taught using positive training methods. They are an intelligent breed and can become bored with the same type of training routine, so do best with variations. They are very loyal to their owners and most really like children, making them good all-round horses for any family or rider.
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