Arabian Breed Profile Sheet
Conformation
Purebred Arabians according to the US Equestrian Federation, have a relatively small head with a concave, "dished", or straight profile. They also have a small muzzle with large nostrils and large expressive eyes that are set well apart. Purebred Arabians also have a long arched neck that runs well back into comparatively high withers, well sprung ribs, a short back with a nearly horizontal croup, and high tail carriage. Their skeletal structure is such that it is built for speed and endurance. While most Arabians have only 5 lumbar vertebrae, it is not out of place for a Purebred to have 6 lumbar vertebrae. Despite being small, the Arabian horse is strong and resilient. They have a good bone density, short canons, and sound feet. The USEF also states that the Purebred Arabian comes in sizes of 14.1 hands high to 15.1 hands high with some individuals falling outside of this spectrum. Polish-bred and sport-bred Arabians tend to be in the higher end of the height spectrum. Take notice that this means that a horse that would normally qualify to be pony at 14.1 hands high would still be classified as a horse if it was also a Purebred Arabian.
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Temperament
Classified as "hot-blooded," Arabians are noted for having a "lively" temperament. They are sensitive and intelligent creatures and as such are able to learn quickly. Treated and trained well, Arabians are inquisitive and gentle natured.
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Colors
The OTB AHA recognizes the following colors: Bay, Black, Chestnut, and Gray. The Purebred Arabian may also have the following patterns: Rabicano and Sabino. The OTB AHA does not recognize the Roan pattern in a Purebred Arabian because according to Spoonenberg in Equine Color Genetics the true roan gene does not exist in Arabians and those that are thought to be roan are actually manifestations of Rabicano or Sabino.
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Genetic Disorders
According to the Arabian Horse Association (arabianhorses.org), Purbred Arabians are susceptible to several genetic disorders. They are not limited to certain strains, or bloodlines, of Arabian. They are:
Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Disorder (SCID) Cerebellar Abiotrophy (CA) Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) Juvenile Epilepsy Guttural Pouch Tympany (GPT) Occipito-Atlanto-Axial Malformation (OAAM) While more information will be added about these genetic disorders, in the meantime feel free to visit AHA (real) pdf on genetic disorders. |