Various Uses of the Half-Arabian

Tags: Arabian Horse, Competition, Riding

 

Half-Arabian horses are certainly ranked among the most versatile of horses. Because they inherit traditional Arabian hallmarks such as stamina and proud bearing, they are naturals as performance horses, and custom cross breeding means that anyone can have the horse they need for a specific job thanks to selective breeding, to include the best traits of the other breed. The truth is that breeders are only limited by their imagination when it comes to creating a Half-Arabian to order! Here we'll take a look at the just some of the ways Half-Arabians are being used with a great deal of success.

One of the reasons Half-Arabians are so popular is that they naturally inherit many of the Arabian's best traits, such as intelligence, beauty, athletic ability and stamina. This last trait is very important for those that enjoy endurance racing. Also called distance racing, this sport is popular throughout the world and is recognized by the International Federation of Equestrian Sports. In the United States (where the majority of Half-Arabians are bred), these races are usually either fifty or one hundred miles long, which veterinary checks along the way the check the health of the horse.

Those that enjoy English pleasure riding or highly formal events such as dressage, saddle seat and three day eventing love the Half-Arabian not only for its good looks, but for its natural athletic ability. Paired with another breed with a high stepping trot, this horse is nearly unbeatable in the ring. Similar to dressage but developed in America, saddle seat is designed to show off a horse's most extravagant gaits. Events like three day eventing combine looks, discipline and athletic ability, with a combination of dressage, show jumping and a cross country course, in which the horse and rider must complete the course not in the fastest time, but within a specified time limit, negotiating obstacles such as ponds or fences.

Western breeders and riders often cross Arabians with stock horses in order to create a horse with all the best Arabian traits plus the ability to excel as western pleasure mounts or to work with cattle or succeed in events such as cutting and reining. Cutting is an equestrian event in which the horse and rider must separate a calf from the rest of the herd and keep it away for a predetermined amount of time. Reining involves the rider leading the horse through a predetermined pattern of spins, circles and stops, all performed at a canter or gallop. While these are popular competitive sports, both of them come from the real work done by cattle ranches, where Half-Arabians are also finding work.

Purchasing a full blooded Arabian can be an expensive ordeal, but those that are looking for an all around family horse with style are turning towards Half-Arabians that are the results of crosses with grade, or unregistered horses. Not only are they eligible for registration and can be entered in a wide range of competitions through the Arabian Horse Association, but they are wonderful choices for those that just wish to enjoy the beauty and intelligence of a Half-Arabian pleasure horse.

comments powered by Disqus