A12: Arabian horse breeds and breeds impacted with Arabian blood.

Question 1

What are the General Characteristics of Hot/Warm-Blooded Horses?

Answer 1

• Narrow back with defined withers.
• Fine skeleton: Cannon girth 18-22 cm, Long legs, Small, fine, hard hooves, Height > 150 cm.
• Long hindquarters (speed).
• 400-500 kg.
• Head: Fine, concave, convex or straight profile. Fine, thin ears with no feathering.
• Large ground coverage.
• Lively temper, quick & steady action.
• Poor doers’→ struggle to maintain weight; high feed demand.
• Long lifespan (>15 years).

Question 2

What breeds are considered ‘hot-blooded’?

Answer 2

Oriental horses, Arabian & Arab-influenced breeds

Question 3

Name 3 famous ancient arab stallions

Answer 3

Kuhaylan
Saklavy
Munik

Question 4

What is the reputation of a purebred arab?

Answer 4

• Reputation for intelligence, spirit & stamina\

Question 5

Conformation of an arab?

Answer 5

1) Distinctive head shape:
‣ Concave/dished profile.
‣ Broad forehead.
‣ Large eyes.
‣ Large nostrils.
‣ Small muzzle.
2) High tail carriage.
3) Arched neck with well-set windpipe:
‣ Refined, clean throatlatch.
4) Long, level croup.
5) Deep, well angled hip & laid-back shoulder.
6) Compact body (short back) capable of carrying heavy ride.
7) Dense, strong bone with sound feet & good hoof walls.

Question 6

Is Arabian the oldest horse breed?

Answer 6

• One of the oldest horse breeds (archeological evidence shows similar horses dating back 4500 years)

Question 7

What has the arabian breed been used for in regards to other breeds?

Answer 7

Arabian horses have been used to improve other breeds → speed, endurance & good bone.
Almost all modern riding breeds contain some Arabian bloodlines.

Question 8

What is the Shagya Arab?

Answer 8

A type of breed with arabian bloodlines.
From Hungarian stud in babolna.
Similar to purebred Arabs but taller, less-refined, bigger boned & with more pronounced withers.

Question 9

What is a Barb?

Answer 9

-> Moroccan horse:
-> Ancestor of Spanish horses → Major role in development of Andalusian & Lusitano.
-> Imported to England ~16th century development of English Thoroughbred.
-> Influence of Barb is also apparent in many US breeds (Quarter Horse, Mustang, Appaloosa).
-> Light riding horse with good stamina.
-> Conformation:
◦ Powerful front end
◦ High withers
◦ Short back
◦ Sloping, narrow croup
◦ Low tail carriage
◦ Hardy, with clean legs & small, round, sound hooves
◦ Good sprinter (influences in racing horses)

Question 10

What is an anglo-arab?

Answer 10

TB x Arabian.
Minimum 12.5% Arab blood.

Question 11

What is an Akhal-teke?

Answer 11

-> Desert-type sport horse from Turkmenistan.
-> Metallic ‘bloom’ of coat → Palominos, buckskins.
-> Conformations:
◦ Fine head with straight/ slightly convex profile
◦ Long ears
◦ Almond shaped eyes
◦ Sparse mane & tail
◦ Long, lightly Muscled back
◦ Flat croup
◦ Long, upright neck
◦ Sloping shoulders
◦ Fine skin
◦ Tough but fine limbs
-> Slim body & ribcage.
-> Influenced many breeds → TB, Trakehner, Russian breeds.

Question 12

What is the Tersk?

Answer 12

• Originates from northern Caucasus mountain in Russia.
• Arab x Orlov Trotter x Anglo-Arabs (& small amounts of Thoroughbred blood) → Arabian look but larger than purebreds.

Question 13

What is the Don/ Russian Don?

Answer 13

Cossack horse utilized initially as cavalry horse

Question 14

What is the Kabrdin breed?

Answer 14

Caucasus mountain horse noted for endurance & ease to adapt to new surroundings

Question 15

What is the Karabair breed?

Answer 15

• Ancient breed from Uzbekistan area

Question 16

What is the Karabakh breed?

Answer 16

Mountain-steppe racing & riding horse.
Noted for good tempers & speed.
Hardy, strong, tough & sure-footed.

Question 17

What is the Gidran breed?

Answer 17

Chestnut-colored, Hungarian ‘Anglo-Arab’