Are Arabs more difficult?

[*Sez*]

Right - I've fallen madly in love at first sight with an Arab ;) . My dream from being a very little girl was to have a chestnut Arab of my very own with a white blaze (yes, yes, I read the Jinny and Shantih books from about the age of seven!) and now I'm in a position where I can actually make a decision as to whether to have one. I bought Jake with my parents which was the main reason we got a cob (and I am very fond of cobs), but I do realise how lucky I am having such a chilled out and laid back little man.

When I was at school, one of my best friends had a three year old Arab and he always seemed lovely, very easy to do and I got to handle him and mess about etc. But having one of these of my very own always seemed a long way out of reach. Thanks to my parents getting me all upset and worked up, and many long long chats with hubby, I might be in a position to get another horse (long story) and so this might be my chance to have my dream come true. I have found "my dream horse", fair enough much younger than I had dreamed, but another wish was to get a youngster... and wanted to ask whether people think Arabs are more difficult to care for?
They seem to have a reputation for being fizzy and difficult, and (trying to be practicle) I wondered whether people found Arabs cost more in vets fees than a nice family cob? Are they at great risk of colic and laminitis? Anything else dire I should know??
I'm certainly no expert on any particular breed and in my experience have found that personality usually tends to shape any traits as opposed to breed, the same way as people, but thought I should be prepared before I make myself seem like a total naive novice battling with "too much horse". (Yep, you guessed it - had almost made a decision about what I wanted to do with myself and have gotten all worried now :o )

[Mehitabel]

i'#ve known several arabs. i think they are more sensitive to bad handling - so what another might put up with, will send an arab over the edge. well handled and kept sensibly, not wrapped in cotton wool, they are fantastic horses. i'd have one if i were going ot branch out from foresters.

[Pink's lady]

From those I've met, I'd have said they were too bright for their own good sometimes and they need stimulating.

Like Methibel said, they'll less tolerant of fools and bad handling. Unlike a cob or whatever, they don't just 'accept it' and put up with it, which is probably where they get their 'highly-strung' reputation. However, physically, they're really tough little horses who are rarely ill.

Give them work and purpose and correct handling and you'll end up with an incredible horse. They're brave, sensible, athletic and honest. :D

[laura jeanne]

I love Arabs. We ride them on trail rides on the weekend - we rent from a stable that takes you out on rides - and I love all the ones I've ridden. They are very sturdy and forward-going and used to going out on all kinds of trails- through water, across busy streets (one a six lane road), and they are very friendly. I'm currently in love with the one I rode last weekend and wish she were mine. Of course I've never taken care of a horse myself or had anything to do with training, but this is the kind of horse I would like if I could have one!

[Kanuma]

i have an arab, and in one word INTELLIGENT is arabs, to bloody intelligent, and they dont suffer fools gladly! dont wrap it in cotton woll, dont treat it like it is delicate, they are not they are very very hardy (mine used to live out) they dont tend to cost more in vets fees (well most of them dont, mine has, but several i know only see the vet for thier vaccines and nothing else)
mine has just learnt that he can tear his bandages off! and when we put cribox on them he pushed them down (trailer accident).

[shandy84]

I have had an anglo arab on loan and own a PB arab now. I don't think that they are particularly harder, they just need a slightly different approach, you need to be firm as with any horse but sensitive to their moods as they are temperamental. For example on an unhappy day for Shandy we may do some easy longreining and leave trying harder stuff for a happier day.

I have found that arabs are highly intelligent and become easily bored, because of this they can be difficult to ride if not kept motivated.

All in all I wouldn't suggest someone buy one without handling and riding one before because they are a very different kettle of fish :) the relationship you can build with them though is very special and they are the type of horse that once they trust you and respect you they would try their hardest to do things to please you :)

[Skyhuntress]

I think Arabs have gotten a bad rap. I think the problem with them is that everyone treats them like they'll explode, much like people do with TBs. Both breeds CAN be a bit 'hotter', but if handled and trained right, the majority of Arabs are no different then any other breed.

As a breed, they ARE intelligent, which I think is part of the problem ;) Because they are sometimes smarter then their riders. But the ones that I've ridden have been quite gentle and eager to please the rider.

I have seen Arabians come down with colic-but that was mainly because they were allowed to get so exciteable, not because they were Arabian

[*Sez*]

Thanks very much for all the replies.. they've definately set my mind at ease. I don't mind having an intelligent horse that needs stimulating - I personally find that preferable (all my animals are too smart and too cheeky for their own good :rolleyes: ).

I'll definately try to track down someone local with an Arab (there MUST be at least one local!) for some advice and stuff and will try to spend a lot of time getting to know this lad (if it turns out he's the one for me.. mustn't rush into anything) before I commit myself to him. I think as long as I approach him with a "firm but fair" attitude, then it'll probably be okay. I'm sensitive to Jake's moods - he gets a real face on from time to time, so that's probably been good practise!

[ponylover88]

...

[H & Bailey]

I would say they are on a par with a thoroughbred to the sort of ride you would get-alot faster and more on toes that a cob.As they are very bright may look for spooky monster bushes if bored etc.They tend to ride with a higher head carraige so there strides are shorter and bouncer they have sensitive mouths so you have to be very light with hands.They tend to remember and not forgive easily.this is good if teaching new things as pick up on new things really quickly.
i would say go try the horse and see if you can have a few rides on it to see if you will be able to manage it,and have enough time to ride it.as a cob can be left a few days etc an arab needs riding each day to keep it stimulated

[Peace]

I'm at a barn with bunches of them, and in my experience they're much less spooky and temperamental than the TB's I've known. :) In fact, I can only describe one out of all the Arabs at our barn as spooky, and that's down to her owner never riding her or taking her off the farm.

It's true what is said above - I'm sure ours wouldn't tolerate bad handling, and they are very intelligent. They're also incredibly fond of people, especially their very own person but they tend to be fairly soppy with other people too, as long as they feel the person appreciates them. :)

I don't ride Arabs because they are pretty forward-going, and I prefer to savor life at a more sedate pace. ;) But I enjoy taking care of them.

[ponylover88]

...

[*Sez*]

would say go try the horse and see if you can have a few rides on it to see if you will be able to manage it,and have enough time to ride it.as a cob can be left a few days etc an arab needs riding each day to keep it stimulated

He's only a yearling but I intend to take him (if I went for him.. I have to keep remembering the big IF :rolleyes: ) for a walk every day, and my dad loves walking and I'm sure would take him for long walks to the beach etc as well. I can't imagine my parents not totally falling in love with him :rolleyes: . We already ride Jacob every day and have two lessons a week (then he gets a hack on a Saturday by my RI) as he is quickly bored and turns to menacing if he has nothing to do for ten minutes (think Dennis and Gnasher but in black and white instead of red and black!) :D . I'm actually looking forward to the idea of doing the extra work of two horses and eventually having group lessons with my dad and Jacob. Luckily, we're not short of riders in our family (three of us ride and care for Jacob, but there are others who "stop by to help out") and I'm sure we'd all do the same for the Arab, too, so both horses could quite easily be exercised every day.
I'd also love to show him in-hand while he's still little.
I've been speaking to a friend of mine who has had lots of horse owning experience and she gave me lots of advice on getting him used to all kinds of strange things, from plastic bags to trains and the sea. It was so interesting picking her brain :cool: . Am going to spend the rest of the night with head buried in books like "From Foal to Five Years" in my horse library (otherwise known as spare bedroom :o ).
Does anyone have any other ideas on ways to keep him mentally stimulated both in and out of the stable? I already have snack-a-balls, mirrors and egg balls on my list of "things I would need if (IF) I bought a second horse.

I also think the statement about "I enjoy taking care of them" is really important. I love spending time with Jake, even when I'm not riding him. It's theraputic to be able to spend time at the yard and with him, just grooming or playing with him. He plays tug of war like a dog (I always let him win... honest ;) ) and loves to just be cuddled and talked to. I had to explain this to a few people when I mentioned that I'd like a youngster. A lot of people say "where's the point when you can't ride him?" but I think just building a relationship with a horse and gaining their trust and friendship is the beautiful part of having horses. Riding is just a bonus ;)

[Pink's lady]

If your confident working with and bring on a youngester, there's no reason not to go for it,

HOWEVER, a youngesters need is different from an adult. He'll need other youngsters to play with. It's a nessesity that many people forget. You will need to think about how you are able to keep him. Ideally he should be out as natural as poss, getting wet and muddy as he wants, growing a thick and wooly coat ;) . Now is when they get their 'hardiness'

He sounds lovely though. Good luck if you get him :D

[shandy84]

If I heard right that he's a colt you may also have more of a handful than you thought. A first time arab owner will have a harder time bringing on a baby than working with an older horse and in reality I wouldn't suggest it unless you have worked with youngsters before a lot as that not forgetting thing arabs have will inevitably make him a lot harder to train correctly, it can be done but to be done right you will have a tough time :)

[*Sez*]

Thanks for all your replies. I intend to take everything that has been said very seriously and to really think about what I plan to do :)

Had a chat with hubby last night and he didn't seem very keen on the idea of a second horse, all of a sudden :( . But he said he'd had a word with my step-mum about the idea of me getting a youngster and she was apparently less than enthusiastic as well, which surprised me as she was always very keen before. I think it is probably money related more than anything else :( . But we'll see. I suppose I'll probably have to just wait and see if the owner responds and take it from there. Chances are that he's probably sold already.

However, I am very keen to look into Arabs. I'd always dreamed of having one and it occurred to me that really there's no reason why I can't - financially it would probably be do-able in the future if my parents ever actually make their minds up about what they want to do :rolleyes: . I have a great support base of horsey family and friends and an incredible RI, so I think with lots of research (and some hands-on experience if I can actually find an Arab locally who's owners wouldn't mind me visiting... I was sure there was one at our yard but couldn't find him last night) then it can be something I can look forward to doing at some point :D

[ambatt]

There is a very active Northern Group of the AHS that covers your neck of the woods and have a look on Arabian Lines Forum - it is very friendly and there are lots of people on their who will glady let you look at their studs and offer advice.

I have had some cracking Arabs, very safe and sane, sadly I find it more and more difficult to find them anymore. :(

[*Sez*]

Thanks v much, Ambatt! :D

[Peace]

If you're into developing a friendship with a horse, then an Arab is definitely for you. :) I can readily believe the stories that the Bedouins used to keep them in their tents as part of their families. The ones I know would adore that sort of thing.

Does anyone have any other ideas on ways to keep him mentally stimulated both in and out of the stable? I already have snack-a-balls, mirrors and egg balls on my list of "things I would need if (IF) I bought a second horse.

You know, the one thing the Arabs I know are *not* good at is staying in a stall. A couple of years ago, we lost a lovely Arab mare because she couldn't adjust to the stall rest the vet ordered after she injured a tendon. She refused food or water, even with all the hand-walks the vet allowed, and died of colic as a result. :( More recently, my YO's personal Arab got his foot stuck through the bars of his stall door and injured himself badly. :( God only knows how he managed it as the bars are very close together. All we can figure is he was lying on his back kicking his feet in the air and somehow slid his hoof in sideways, then panicked when he couldn't pull it out again. Luckily the farrier was there with his tools and removed the stall door immediately, but Jafar had a deep wound as a result.

Maybe it's just because ours are accustomed to being out almost 24/7 except during the few cold months of our year, when they're only in at night, and don't stall well because they're unaccustomed to it. But I think all the time they spend out is one of the reasons they're not scatty or high-strung.

Arabs are kind of cold-natured beasties (or at least my YO seems to think they are as she's always putting rugs on ours :) ). Would your climate allow for much winter turn-out, do you think? I don't know how cold it gets where you are.

[Kanuma]

i will agree that arabs dont seem to like stables!!!! rian hates his, regularly beats up his bucket when kept in and it is a nightmare haveing him on box rest!!! he is currently climbing walls because he is not allowed out!

[*Sez*]

Unfortunately it doesn't like I'll be able to have an Arab until hubby and I are earning lots more pennies and buy a farm :rolleyes: . My parents have started barging their way in (as usual) and are insisting that "I don't know what I'm getting myself into with an Arab" and keep trying to suggest cobs for me. The reason being... they both want to ride it as well! See my other post on "gaining experience with babies"

[Peace]

That's too bad. :( Keep saving those pennies - it really sounds like you're an Arab person in the making. ;)

[mad mare1]

An arabian will be slightly more forward than other breeds, but the bond you get with an arab is amazing. I bought my chestnut mare, who does have a blaze and white sock, as an unbroken 9 year old former broodmare, I did all the work on her myself, and now 11 years later, I have a fantastic partnership with her, I love her deeply, and wish shewas younger, so we would have even more time together. Arabs are no more difficult, and especially, if they are not wrapped up in ten rugs, are as tough as old boots. They are intelligent, and pick things up easily. persevere and you will be rewarded with the most trusting partner you will ever have. One other thing, NEVER try to break an arabs spirit, do that, and you just have another horse, to break it's spirit is to takesomething from them, their sheer joy in living!!!!!!

[arabianknight]

wow! me and you share a dream. since I was young I have always wanted a chestnut arabian filly or mare, with white socks. And 4weeks ago, I bought HER! *yay*; she is adorable. She is only 19months but we already have made a bond. She listens so well; I definitely recommend an Arab. theyre great for riding, and as partners!!!!

[laura kevin]

i have a share in a part arab and he's great to ride, very responsive (maybe because he's 26 yrs old :D ). anyway, they are very hardy but yes, they are intelligent and need stiumaltion. i love him to bits and think he's adorable :) . i don't think arabs are fizzy to ride but need to be kept calm and give them something to do when riding, eg. sprilling circles (circles that get smaller and smaller). anyway, hope this helps.

[LMS]

I think Arabs have gotten a bad rap. I think the problem with them is that everyone treats them like they'll explode, much like people do with TBs. Both breeds CAN be a bit 'hotter', but if handled and trained right, the majority of Arabs are no different then any other breed.

Yes, the Arabian & Thoroughbred are true hot bloods. Yes they can be tempermental, but under the proper handler, one that recognizes how special these horses are, in return, they will give you all they have!

So far, over the past 22yrs, I've had the pleasure of coming across 6 arabians:
- 2 were from breeding stock; a mare & a stallion and they were exquisite! They were everything you could dream a horse should be.
- A childhood friend of mine had one and he was playful & very sensible.
- At our stable (Therapeutic) we had a mare that everyone ended up not liking except for me. I would excercise ride her and yes she was quirky, catching her was a game, riding her kept your mind sharp. They ended up selling her, I wish I could've taken her home.
- I rode a son from Khemosabi, what a lovely boy but too smart & too mischevious. He was offered to me but I found he was too demanding for what I could give back to him.
- I now own an Arabian/QH mare and she's so quirky! I've had to prove myself to her to be worthy of her trust. I'm quite fond of her though everyone around me really dislike her except for my vet who now sees her in a different light. She's tough. She has her moments when she seems dangerous (Arabians are very expressive), other times when nothing phases her.
She's now, in an awkward way, showing affection toward me (She'll stand in front of me & sigh, then I'm able to gently fuss with her head massaging it for a little while).

Are you able to visit this horse before you can purchase?
Good luck,
LMS

[Shootingstar]

Seems you like Arabs quite a bit too, keep saveing! :D

[Dales_Lover]

It's the way you make 'em.

Arabs do like water, Arabs can jump. Arabs do like stables, Arabs don't freak out at the slightest thing.

Well, no more than any other horse.

[NoviceNic]

Im afraid I am a cob lover. Absolutely swear by them for a first horse. They are more hardy and easier to handle. Some cobs are forward going some are plods. We have an arab at ours stables. My friend and I hang on to the lead for dear life when Lilly starts to dance but her 13 yo old owner tends to just ignore her. Talk about wet nellies. :rolleyes:

[sweuzo]

i so want an arab :( no chance of that though :( unless my parents suddenly decide to buy me one, lol. considering my dad hasn't even given me a present for my birthday this year (september) i doubt that EVER. i want a dark bay or black one :)

[Arabmare]

Arabs are just like any other horse!!! In fact ive had the most problem with ID crosses for some reason!!! Never had a problem with Arabs ever but my god every time I rode an ID I had a death wish!!!! But in all honesty it would have just been those horses temperaments!! But both my girls hate stables, but it is me who puts this into their minds as i'm all for 24/7 living? maybe i feel more relaxed with them out in the field that it rubs off on them? Who knows!! They cope fine living out!!! Much better than my old welsh pony!!! He was a right whimp!! :D

[GOBBY]

My daughters pony is pba, sire zacaria, she is so easy to do in all aspects, always in season!! but you would only know if your stood behind her and i dont meen getting kicked, the obvous sign. she is hardy, will ride however you want to ride, relaxed dobbin pace, slightly more forward, or ____ of a shovel, never strong, not even hinting, loves water, jumps, and will hack all day what ever condition of weather. she is bright bay, black mane and tail, 4 white socks with a white pencil line, 14.2 and 10 years, however i have to agree with a prevous message you have to bond with them which is so easy, and never shout or get bulshy with them , they dont seem to cope with bullying, i do think they get on with quieter handlers but they are true companions to you, i lovvvvvvve our little girl sooooo much.

[JustJas]

I was the same I loved the Jinny books- I now have a chestnut arabian mare Jazzmine. She was a rescue case.
She is now fully broken- she is very choosy about who she trusts.
I would not change her for the world!

[Arabesque]

For a short time I looked after a lovely pure arab gelding. He was sweet, but too too smart. He could spot things to spook and jump over long before you could even think of them! He just loved people. Couldn't get enough of them- if you were in the field, the other horses may as well not be there, he was over and with you instead. Lunged and lead well. Landed on my foot when a car went by as we fed by his field- luckily he was still unshod- but he definitely leapt about a lot- I do wonder how he would have been ridden, as he was still unbroken when I left that yard.