Horse · Arabian Peninsula
Arabian
also: Arab / Arabian Horse
Equiteca Editorial · Reviewed 2026-08-30 · 3 sources
The Arabian is one of the oldest breeds still bred today, developed by Bedouin tribes on the Arabian Peninsula over thousands of years. It is easy to recognize by its dished face, high tail carriage, and refined build, and it stands smaller than most riding horses at roughly 14.1 to 15.1 hands. Bred for endurance in the desert, it dominates long-distance riding and has influenced most modern light breeds, including the Thoroughbred. Arabians are intelligent, sensitive, and deeply bonded to people, which rewards patient handling and can overwhelm a nervous beginner. Most weigh between 360 and 450 kg.
At a glance
Compact and refined; the breed standard allows one fewer lumbar vertebra and pair of ribs than most horses, giving a short, strong back.
Temperament
Suited to
On price
Riding and trail Arabians commonly sell for 3,000 to 12,000 USD; top halter and endurance bloodlines and imported lines can reach well into six figures.
Care needs
Arabians are famously hardy and easy keepers, a legacy of surviving on sparse desert forage, so many gain weight easily and need controlled grazing. They handle heat well but still need standard hoof care every 6 to 8 weeks and routine dental and vaccination schedules. Their sharp minds do best with consistent handling and regular work to stay settled.
Common health issues
SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency)
A fatal inherited disorder in which foals are born without a working immune system and usually die within months. A DNA test identifies carriers, and responsible breeders test to avoid mating two carriers.
CA (Cerebellar Abiotrophy)
An inherited neurological disease in which cerebellar cells die off, causing head tremors and a lack of balance and coordination, usually appearing in young foals. A DNA test identifies carriers so at-risk matings can be avoided.
Lavender Foal Syndrome
A rare inherited disorder, seen in some Egyptian lines, that causes a diluted coat color and severe neurological problems at birth. It is fatal, and a DNA test is available to screen breeding stock.
Colors
bay, chestnut, gray, black, roan
Questions people ask
Are Arabians good for beginners?
They can be, but they are sensitive and quick to react, so a green rider is usually better matched to a calm, older, well-schooled Arabian than to a young one. Many gentle family Arabians exist; judge the individual and its training.
Why are Arabians so good at endurance riding?
They were bred over centuries to travel long distances on little food and water in desert heat. Their efficient stride, large lung capacity, and dense bone let them dominate 50 and 100 mile endurance races.
What genetic tests should I ask for when buying an Arabian?
Ask for results covering SCID, CA, and Lavender Foal Syndrome. Reputable breeders test breeding stock, and knowing carrier status protects any future foals you might raise.
How big do Arabians get?
Most stand between 14.1 and 15.1 hands, smaller than a typical Thoroughbred or warmblood. Despite the modest height they carry adult riders easily thanks to strong, dense bone and a short back.
Keep reading
Sources
Every figure on this page traces to one of these. We cite registries, associations, government and veterinary bodies, and published cost surveys - not other blogs.
- [1]Discover Arabian Horses- Arabian Horse AssociationregistryBreed history as a Bedouin desert horse, and the Arabian as the dominant breed in endurance riding.
- [2]Arabian Health Panel- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC DavisstudyGenetic tests for the inherited Arabian diseases: SCID, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, and Lavender Foal Syndrome.
- [3]Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA)- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, UC DavisstudyCA is a recessive neurological disease of Arabian foals; two carrier parents produce an affected foal about 25 percent of the time.