The Complete Guide to Arabian Horse Characteristics: From Dished Profile to Show Circuit

Identifying the Dished Profile

The dished profile, a hallmark feature of Arabian horses, is characterized by a concave facial

Arabian horses, is characterized by a concave facial contour between the eyes and nostrils. This distinctive trait varies in prominence among Arabians, ranging from subtle to pronounced. While traditionally valued, extreme dishing can be controversial:

• Moderate dishing is considered desirable and doesn’t affect breathing1
• Extreme dishing may be associated with modern breeding practices2
• Some Arabians have minimal dishing, especially those from certain bloodlines3
• The appearance of a dish can be enhanced when the horse flares its nostrils1
• Geometric morphometric studies have identified three distinct face shape subgroups within Arabians, including both dished and straight profiles4

It’s important to note that not all Arabians exhibit pronounced dishing, and the trait’s prominence can vary significantly within the breed23.

Recognizing the Floating Trot

The floating trot is a distinctive gait that sets Arabian horses apart from other breeds. This elegant movement is characterized by:

• A light, springy step with high knee and hock action12
• The appearance of the horse gliding or floating above the ground12
• Exceptional suspension, with all four feet leaving the ground momentarily3
• An energetic, proud, and graceful attitude during movement13

This unique trot not only showcases the Arabian’s natural athleticism but also contributes to their smooth ride. The floating trot is a result of the breed’s compact body structure, strong hindquarters, and horizontal pelvic bone position, which allow for efficient energy transfer and elevated movement23. This gait is particularly prized in show rings and dressage competitions, where it exemplifies the Arabian’s innate beauty and grace in motion.

Spotting High Tail Carriage

Arabian horses are renowned for their distinctive high tail carriage, a trait that sets them apart from other breeds. This characteristic is not just aesthetic but also functional:

• The tail is typically carried in an elevated, arched position, especially when the horse is excited or in motion12
• High tail carriage is a natural feature, not artificially created or maintained
• It’s considered a more reliable indicator of Arabian blood than head shape in mixed breeds3
• The tail’s position contributes to the overall impression of pride and elegance associated with Arabians
• During movement, the high tail accentuates the horse’s floating gait and adds to its graceful appearance

While the degree of tail elevation can vary among individuals, a consistently high tail carriage is a hallmark of the Arabian breed and a key feature to look for when identifying these horses.

Arabian Horse Coat Colors

Arabian horses are renowned for their distinctive coat colors, which are limited to a specific range due to their genetic makeup. The Arabian Horse Association officially recognizes five coat colors: bay, gray, chestnut, black, and roan12. Here’s a breakdown of these colors and their prevalence:

• Bay: The most common color, accounting for approximately one-third of all Arabians3
• Gray: The second most prevalent, making up slightly less than one-third of the population 3
• Chestnut: Comprises about 15% of Arabians3
• Black: Relatively rare, often grouped with brown and together making up around 20% of the breed3
• Roan (often called rabicano): The rarest color in Arabians3

It’s important to note that Arabians do not carry dilution genes, so colors like dun, cremello, palomino, or buckskin are not found in purebred Arabians14. White markings on the face and legs are permissible, as is the presence of the sabino gene, which can create a “sabino-like” pattern5. The coat colors of Arabians often have a distinctive metallic sheen, which can make light chestnuts appear golden and grays look almost white as they age14.

Black Arabian Horses

Black Arabian horses are a rare and striking variation within the breed. While black is recognized as one of the coat colors for purebred Arabians, it is less common than bay, gray, or chestnut12. The rarity of black Arabians adds to their allure and value among enthusiasts. Key points about black Arabian horses include:

• True black Arabians have black skin and coat without any brown hairs
• They often appear to have a bluish sheen to their coat in sunlight
• Black is a recessive gene in Arabians, making it less frequent
• Some black foals may gray out as they mature
• Black Arabians retain all the breed’s characteristic features like the dished face, arched neck, and high tail carriage13

Despite their color, black Arabians possess the same athletic abilities, intelligence, and gentle temperament that the breed is known for4. Their striking appearance makes them particularly popular in shows and as pleasure horses.

White Arabian Horses

White Arabian horses, while striking in appearance, are not actually a distinct color within the breed. What is often referred to as “white” in Arabians is typically a variation of the gray coat color. True white horses are extremely rare in Arabians due to genetic factors1. Key points about “white” Arabian horses:

• Most “white” Arabians are born dark and gradually lighten to a white-like appearance as they age
• This process is called “graying out” and is controlled by a dominant gene
• Some Arabians may appear nearly white by age 6-8, while others may retain some darker hairs
• Unlike true white horses, gray Arabians have dark skin under their coat
• Occasionally, Arabians may carry the dominant white gene, resulting in a white coat from birth, but this is very uncommon23

Gray Arabians that appear white retain all the breed’s characteristic features, including the dished face, arched neck, and high tail carriage. Their light coloration often accentuates these traits, making them particularly popular in shows and as pleasure horses4.

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Golden Arabian Myth

While the term “golden Arabian horse” is sometimes used colloquially, it’s important to note that there is no official “golden” color in purebred Arabian horses. What is often referred to as “golden” is typically either a light chestnut or a buckskin-like coat color. However, true buckskin coloration does not exist in purebred Arabians as they lack the dilution genes necessary for this color1. Horses that appear golden in Arabians are usually:

• Light chestnuts with flaxen manes and tails, which can give a golden appearance
• Palomino-like coloration, which is actually a very light chestnut
• Bay horses with a particularly golden hue to their coat

It’s worth noting that the metallic sheen often associated with a “golden” appearance is more characteristic of breeds like the Akhal-Teke, known for their distinctively shiny coats2. While Arabians can have a glossy coat, they do not possess the same degree of metallic shine. The Arabian Horse Association recognizes coat colors of bay, gray, chestnut, black, and roan for purebred Arabians3.

Arabian Horse Marketplace

Arabian horses are highly sought-after for their beauty, intelligence, and versatility, making them popular in the equestrian market. When looking for Arabian horses for sale, potential buyers can explore various options:

• Online marketplaces like Arabian Horse Exchange and DreamHorse.com offer extensive listings of Arabians for sale12
• Prices can range widely, from around $3,000 to over $100,000, depending on factors like pedigree, training, and show record3
• Reputable breeders and specialized Arabian horse farms often have horses available for purchase4
• Buyers can find Arabians of different ages, from yearlings to mature horses, and various coat colors including bay, chestnut, and the rarer black25
• Some sellers offer part-bred Arabians, which can be more affordable while still retaining many desirable Arabian traits5

When considering an Arabian horse for purchase, it’s important to evaluate the horse’s temperament, conformation, and suitability for your intended use, whether it be for showing, endurance riding, or pleasure riding64.

American Arabian Horse Association

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) is the primary registry and membership organization for Arabian horses in the United States. Formed in 2003 through the merger of the International Arabian Horse Association (IAHA) and the Arabian Horse Registry of America (AHRA), the AHA plays a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Arabian horse breed12. Key aspects of the AHA include:

• Maintains the registry for purebred Arabian, Half-Arabian, and Anglo-Arabian horses in the United States1
• Organizes national championship shows, including U.S. Nationals, Youth Nationals, and Sport Horse Nationals13
• Offers youth programs and scholarships through the Arabian Horse Youth Association (AHYA)1
• Provides educational resources and promotes Arabian horses through various outreach initiatives4
• Collaborates with the United States Equestrian Federation to sanction horse shows and license judges for Arabian horses1

As of 2019, the AHA had approximately 18,000 members and has registered over 665,000 purebred Arabians since its inception3. The organization continues to play a vital role in maintaining breed standards and promoting Arabian horses in various equestrian disciplines.

Arabian Show Circuit

Arabian horse shows are prestigious events that showcase the beauty, athleticism, and versatility of the breed. These competitions range from local to international levels, attracting enthusiasts and breeders worldwide. The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) organizes several major national championships in the United States, including the U.S. Nationals, Youth Nationals, and Sport Horse Nationals12. Key aspects of Arabian horse shows include:

• Classes for various disciplines such as halter, performance, and sport horse events
• Competitions for purebred Arabians, Half-Arabians, and Anglo-Arabians
• Age divisions for youth, amateur, and professional handlers and riders
• Prestigious international events like the Al Shaqab International Arabian Horse Show in Qatar34
• Prize money and rewards programs to incentivize participation and breeding excellence1

The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, held annually in Arizona, is one of the largest and most renowned Arabian horse events globally, attracting around 2,300-2,400 horses2. These shows not only celebrate the Arabian breed but also serve as important platforms for breeders, trainers, and enthusiasts to network and showcase their horses’ qualities.