The Arabian Horse

What Makes Arabian Horses Unique?

Horse lovers know that the Arabian horse is the best of all light horse breeds for general saddle use or riding.

In this article, we will go through the history of the Arabian horse in brief, with some information about the physical character, feeding guide, Arabian horse prices and factors that might affect your purchase price.

Arabian Horse Ancient History

The history of the Arabian horse is one of magic and mystery that has been travelling through the centuries. It is also known as the Arab horse and is among the most popular and appreciated horse breeds globally.

Besides their striking physical characteristics and remarkable intelligence, they are also one of those ancient horses’ breeds’ origins.

The Arabian horse derives from the Arabian peninsula in the middle east, where it was developed for use by nomadic Bedouin tribes. They have existed for over 3,000 years, such as their importance to their country of origin; a national program is established to maintain breeds standard. The Arabian horse has also been used as a horse for war. With time, they were bred and developed into other horse breeds, like the Andalusian horse, which is an excellent example. They eventually arrived in the new world with a Spanish conquistador; even historical figures such as George Washington owned the Arabian horse, his famously known as Blueskin, and Marengo was the famous war horse of Napoleone Bonaparte.

Arabian Horse Physical characteristics

The Arabian horse has unique physical features. If we have a look at their skeletal anatomy, we can see that instead of the usual six lumbar vertebrae and 18 ribs of other horse breeds. They only have five lumbar vertebrae and 17 ribs; this gives them their characteristics high lifted tail. Arabian is shorter than the majority of horse breeds, measuring about 152 centimetres in height. Their weight is between 300–400 kg, they reach sexual maturity at around four years old and they have a life expectancy of about 35 years old. Their coat is short and glossy with accepted colours from Bay Chesnut, grey, black and Rome. The Arabian horse presents a docile responsive character and is similarly communicative.

Arabian Horse Feeding guide

Feeding Arabian horses should be based on quality, offering hay oats, barley bran, wheat and corn in addition to grass grazing, and you can also complete their diet with some specific horse feed. Providing a moderate amount of vegetables as treats. Sometimes people feed their horses an apple or carrot as a treat — and sometimes, horses choke on them. Cutting them up small help prevent choking. Plenty of fresh, clean water is essential. Also, a salt lick is necessary. Horses require a daily supply of salt. A full-sized horse requires at least one ounce (two level tablespoons or 30 ml) of salt each day. In cold seasons, salt helps promote enough water consumption to prevent dehydration. In warm seasons, salt replaces what is lost from perspiration. Overfeeding with supplements and treats can cause serious — even deadly health issues. Your veterinarian is your best source of information about what will be best to offer your Arabian horse and in what quantity.

Another critical aspect of their coat is caring; you need to brush and bathe their coat regularly. You also need to offer good general hygiene care, specifically needing to trim their hooves every six weeks or so. Also, they will need plenty of physical activity to avoid potential health problems.

Arabian Horse Purchase Price

The price varies wildly, depending on lots of factors. Current listed prices via the Arabian Horse Association span the range from $500 to $155,000. A more typical price range is $5,000 to $85,000. However, most Arabian horses will cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000.

Factors Affecting Arabian Horse Purchase Price

1. Age

The prime age for an Arabian horse is between 7–14. Horses that are older than this may still have a higher cost than others, depending on the condition of the horse and its ability to breed. It’s important to remember that horses don’t enter into senior status until around the age of 20, so horses further away from that age tend to cost a little more. You’ll invest more in younger horses over time than in older horses. Some younger horses may be more expensive. However, it would help if you did other pricing factors that come into play during the purchase process.

2. Genetics and Bloodline

Horses can occur from solid bloodlines but have genetic issues that affect their health. An Arabian horse with a known health issue or a minor injury will be cheaper than other Arabians. It is a good idea to bring in a trusted veterinarian during the sales process if you save money this way to ensure that the overall health prospects of the horse are still positive when looked at in the long term. Horses with Arabian solid bloodlines and a championship pedigree will fetch a higher price. If bloodlines are essential to you, then the price of a horse with documented genetics is worth the investment. If you’re looking for an Arabian that is more for recreational purposes, you can save some money by avoiding this pricing factor. The World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) categorizes and catalogues Arabians from various families and may be helpful if you have pricing questions about an individual horse.

3. Arabian Horse Personality

Arabians are brilliant horses. They are curious but not overly pushy in trying to find out what you are doing. Many are mild-mannered, enjoy receiving attention, and will work with you without much of an issue. Some Arabians used to be the Alpha horses of their herd. Stallions, in particular, can be somewhat stubborn and aggressive, especially if their behaviours have been allowed without guidance or discipline.

When there is a hot-tempered Arabian, there is a good chance that the horse’s price will be lower than a comparable mild-mannered horse. If you’re used to working with horses and don’t mind implementing some behaviour modification techniques, saving several thousand dollars in this category alone is possible.

4. Coat Color

Arabians have black skin. This skin coloration developed in response to their original location in the APAC region and the Middle East, where deserts are prominent. Most Arabians come in solid shades, including chestnut, bay, gray, and black. Specific coat colours are sought after more than others, especially if the Arabian has more white markings within the coat than the average. If you’re willing to settle for a little less than perfection in terms of coat appearance, then you can potentially save a lot on the final price of your new Arabian horse.

5. Ongoing Costs

The initial investment into an Arabian horse is essential, but it is good to consider the ongoing costs. Veterinarian services must regularly be provided to the horse, including vaccinations, routine physical inspections, and potential emergencies. There are feed costs to consider, so even though you may pay an average of $10,000 for the Arabian initially, you’ll likely be paying an average of $300-$600 per month to care for the horse. If you need to board your horse at a third-party stable because you don’t have the room to keep the Arabian on your property, then the ongoing costs may double.

Because the ongoing costs are relatively the same for expensive or inexpensive Arabians, purchasing the best quality horse you can afford makes sense. That way, you can enjoy being a horse owner without worrying about your budget.

6. Training

Training an Arabian to perform specific tasks or complete certain jobs takes time. That time and the final skill the horse has developed in completing tasks or duties will be into the final price of the horse. The quality of the horse’s training will also increase the cost. If a well-known trainer has worked with an Arabian, the price of that horse will be higher.

7. Competition Experience

Arabians who have competed in some way will always be priced higher than those who have not fought. Even if the horse competed and failed to win anything, competition increases the price. The longer a horse spends racing, in a show ring, or performing equitation, the more the owner will ask before agreeing to a sale.

8. Location

Different parts of the world can command different prices for an Arabian horse. In countries like the United States, there may be other price structures on the East Coast compared to the West Coast. Of course, the actual cost is relative. If you live on the East Coast and the price of an Arabian is $12,000, it is still cheaper to purchase locally than to buy a $10,000 Arabian on the West Coast and then spend $4,000 in transportation costs.

9. Breeder Reputation

Several well-established Arabian breeders are operating around the world. Many of them will introduce you to their operations and work with you to find a horse that is best suited to meet your needs. If you’re looking for an Arabian that will ride trails and be a therapeutic experiential treatment option, that’s a very different need than wanting an Arabian who can perform under high-pressure racing conditions.

10. Geldings

This is a reason for some owners to increase the price. There is the cost of the procedure that must be in mind. Also, many gelded horses tend to become ridable when this may not be the case. In general, Compared to other breeds, the price of an Arabian is reasonably modest. If you’re looking to purchase a horse: you typically get what you pay!

Arabian stud farms are worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Last but not least,

Arabian horses can be loving, loyal, responsive companions. Many older Arabians make lovely family and beginner horses, whether ridden or driven in harnesses. They tend to be more people-oriented than some other breeds and enjoy the company of their human families.

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Seize Your Life Today staff

A group of professional writers with more than ten years of experience as freelance writers in five different categories: - Kids & Parenting - Health & Fitness - Beauty & Fashion - Arabian Corner - Solid Tips