Horse Breeding: Arabian Horse Type

Type in the Arabian breed of horses should always approached from a broad vantage point and with a historical perspective in mind. The summation of definitive characteristics should be the focus rather than a singular factor or trait of the horse. It is paramount that one considers the unique qualities of the Arabian, a desert horse, as defined by Lady Wentworth: utility, soundness, temper, and vitality. These are the qualities that separate the purebred Arabian from other horse breeds and they are superior in all respects. More quantitatively, these fundamental assessment criteria can be put into the context of four major areas: Balance, Quality, Movement, and Disposition.

Balance
Arabian horses have superb balance, symmetry, and harmony of proportion. They are distinctly athletic and although balance is essential for all horse breeds, the apex is achieved with the Arabian horse. In other words, the Arabian is the "epitome of all things that a quality horse should have" in a compact form. Also, to have a correct physical build, balance is fundamental. It is equally essential in establishing the foundation of type. Without balance, the Arabian horse would fail to be a creature of serviceability, which is what has so endeared him to man. Of course, some Arabians in the breed may exude an extreme in one or more specific attributes such as the head, neck, height, or movement. The ultimate goal, though, is balance when it comes to a supremely useful Arabian horse. The true beauty of the purebred Arabian is in their harmonious body movement; this comes from having excellent balance.

Quality
Quality is an attribute that can be elusive and quite hard to quantify, but for those who have seen it, it is unmistakable. It has been referred to as beauty, elegance, presence, charisma, radiance, or vitality. Quality is the single element that defines the Arabian horse best. Whatever you want to call it, it can be seen in the alert command of the Arabian stallion, the confident maternal bearing of an Arabian mare, or the young foal who shows a zest for life. When looking at Arabian type, it is important that any Arabian horse should have irreproachable quality.

Movement
Also vital to defining Arabian type is movement and how capable and efficient the horse is. From a historical perspective, Bedouin mounts were expected to be both swift and have a high stamina as they were used as warhorses and for transportation. Through the centuries, the Arabian horse was selectively bred with these traits intact to become an equine of superior soundness, agility, and versatile athleticism. Arabian horses were expected to have great dexterity back in the ancient Middle Eastern desert as they were the original surefooted vehicles of war.

They needed the agility to charge swiftly into raids or battle and be able to make an abrupt turn on their haunches for a quick getaway. Having this agility required an ample muscularity and harmonious strength. The stride of the Arabian has always been long, light, powerful, and purposeful. Their movement has such an efficiency of exertion and fluidity of motion. These defining traits of the Arabian horse's movement have carried forward to today as any Arabian of superior type should exude an abundant athletic ability.

Disposition
Just as important as balance, quality, and movement to the fundamental definition of Arabian type is disposition. If the disposition is lacking, then all of the other aspects are of little consequence. Purebred Arabians as a breed have always been:

o Highly intelligent
o Kind
o Willing and fairly easy to train
o Courageous
o Curious and social amongst humans

They have been blessed with a highly spirited character while still being manageable. The Arabian horse is unrivaled as a companion within the equine world. In the ancient Middle Eastern deserts, Arabians were forced into an intimate coexistence with the nomadic Bedouins so that both would survive. This demanded a highly compliant and agreeable disposition. This is, in all likelihood, the most intangible quality that has most endeared the Arabian horse to mankind.

Concisely defined, type in the Arabian breed of horse is the ideal combination of beauty and serviceability. Neither should be sacrificed at the expense of the other if true Arabian type is to be attained. The fundamental elements of beauty can be broken down to quality and disposition of the purebred Arabian while balance and movement would be the crucial components of serviceability. For many Arabian horse enthusiasts, these are the breed hallmarks that define Arabian type.