Best Arabian

Best Arabian Best Arabian
What do I need to know about riding an Arabian vs other horses?

I love the beauty of the Arabian horse, and I am in the process of searching for the perfect one to buy. Before purchasing, though, I am wondering what is different about riding Arabians compared to other warmbloods and other hotbloods (besides the obvious difference in looks).

First of all, great choice. Arabs make wonderful riding horses, but most of all, great companions. They are in no way stubborn or unintelligent, exactly the opposite in my experience.

The key to establishing a good riding relationship with an Arab is to work with him (or her) and have respect for each other. Do not buy a young Arab if you are not familiar with training a horse. They can be difficult to train, only because they are so smart. You have to have a very calm personality so as not to excite an Arab. I would suggest getting a gelding about 7-10 years old. This way, you can still teach him anything you want, but he should already be trained pretty well.

When you do find that ‘perfect Arab,’ don’t just buy on looks alone, he/she almost needs to choose you, instead of you choosing him/her. My first horse was a 4 year old Arab gelding. My mother bought him for herself, and the two of them didn’t get along at all. He wouldn’t listen and frequently took off with her. Then I started to ride him, and we had a wonderful friendship. We could go anywhere and do anything. He ended up being a fantastic jumper, could jump 3′3”, and could run like the wind. I used to take him out bareback with just a halter and lead rope and we’d go for long trail rides and go galloping. In the arena, I could ride him even without a halter or bridle, he had that much trust in me and I in him. But no one else could get on him and do the same.

Arabs tend to be ‘one person’ horses. They are very loyal to one person, and will do anything for that person if the respect and trust has been established.

As for the riding aspect, there really isn’t anything ‘different’ about an Arab. They do have far superior movement to many other breeds, and tend to be rather bouncy, especially in the trot, due to the loftiness and impulsion in the gait. The canter, however, is usually marvelous. The walk is long and free. Overall, a very nice ride, but not so easy to sit the trot. They make great dressage horses, are fantastic jumpers (although they can get a little ‘hot’ while jumping), and great trail or endurance horses. They are very surefooted and have great stamina.

Good luck in finding yourself a great companion and riding buddy!!