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Arabian Horse
Equus ferus caballus
The oldest riding breed and the great endurance horse — a dished face, high-set tail and famous stamina.
How to spot it
A refined, compact horse of about 14.1 to 15.1 hands (147 to 157 cm) with a short, slightly concave 'dished' face, large eyes, small muzzle, a high-set tail carried like a flag and a smooth, floating stride. Common coats are grey, bay, chestnut and black.
Temperament
Intelligent, alert and spirited, with a famously close bond to people and an eagerness to work. It is sensitive rather than difficult, and does best with calm, consistent handling.
What it's bred for
The desert breed of the Bedouin, prized for stamina and soundness over distance — which makes it the dominant breed in endurance riding today. Its blood underlies the Thoroughbred and most modern sport and riding breeds.
Care & upkeep
An easy keeper that evolved on sparse desert feed, so it gains weight readily on rich pasture — watch the ration. Its heat tolerance and sound, hard feet make it well suited to hot, dry climates.
Health & lifespan
One of the longest-lived breeds, routinely working into its twenties and living 25 to 30 years or more. Responsible breeders screen for a few inherited conditions such as SCID and cerebellar abiotrophy.
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