Why do you hate Arabs

I had a pure-bred Arab for 9 years (bought him at 18 months old) who was the kindest, gentlest, sweetest horse on the planet. Ask Burtie, she used to do dressage on him. It makes me really angry when I hear them being slagged off as there are so many generalisations. I agree that some are nutcases but, in my experience, it is because they are made that way by their owners/handlers. Burtie and I went to the AHS show at Malvern one year and were appalled by the behaviour of some of the in-hand Arabs in the show ring. They were rearing and leaping about all over the place - ok, they looked very spectacular but when you consider that the Arab is primarily a riding/warhorse, who the h*ll would want to ride THAT! I think they are stunningly beautiful and I just love their intelligence, it makes them so trainable but they can and do take the mickey. There not the horse for everyone as you have to respect their sensitivity. I have an Anglo who is 50:50 Arab:TB at the moment but she doesn't have the charm of the pure-bred. I'd love another pure-bred and wouldn't think twice about getting one.
 
Interesting thread! There are a lot of myths and stereotypes about Arabs, most of which have been trotted out here. But then there are myths and stereotypes about many other breeds as well. There will always be some horses that conform to their 'breed stereotype', but also many that don't.

My first horse was an unbroken 4yo Arab stallion - yes, I know, really sensible choice for a novice owner! Despite my inexperience, he went on to compete in affiliated eventing, sj and dressage - as well as hunter trials and drag-hunting. He was only 15.1, but he carried 13 stone (6ft male rider - not me!) throughout his eventing/ht/hunting career - and was never once lame, sick or sorry in the 10 years I had him. Quite simply the toughest, bravest, most wonderful little horse I've ever met.

I now have another 3yo Arab stallion. An international in-hand champion, so he's pretty good at the 'prancing about on a string looking beautiful' side of things. And yes, he has the dishy face, high tail, flamboyant action, etc. that you'd expect of a show-Arab. But he does also have excellent conformation, and I am hoping that he will follow in the footsteps of my first horse (and many other performance Arabs) and prove himself as an athlete.

Meanwhile, how could anyone call this 'ugly'????
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(Photos all taken as a 2yo last year - not what I would call 'weedy' either!)
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Your lad gets more stunning every time you post photos of him. I'd love to be able to have a couple of quality arab mares and put them to your boy to breed some performance arabs... that's the plan in a couple of years when I get my own land (and have a bit more money!)
 
Thanks gedenski!

Sorry - I shouldn't keep posting pics of my boy - but I just had to here cos I was so surprised to read people's posts saying they find Arabs 'ugly'!

I know Arabs are accused of lots of things, but being ugly isn't normally one of them lol!
 
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Your lad gets more stunning every time you post photos of him. I'd love to be able to have a couple of quality arab mares and put them to your boy to breed some performance arabs... that's the plan in a couple of years when I get my own land (and have a bit more money!)

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I'd use him too, if I wasn't 3000 miles away
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HTobago, my deepest apologies, I can't remember the name of your other stallion. You mentioned him the other day and I instantly remembered him and thought "Ohhhhhhh, lucky girl!"
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Thanks gedenski!

Sorry - I shouldn't keep posting pics of my boy - but I just had to here cos I was so surprised to read people's posts saying they find Arabs 'ugly'!

I know Arabs are accused of lots of things, but being ugly isn't normally one of them lol!

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I know what you mean! Even non horsey people stop and stare when they see my two boys, tails flaring, out in the field. And I'm always getting lovely comments when I'm out riding - 'lovely horse', 'isn't he beautiful' etc. I never get any comments about me!

Don't stop posting photos of your boy... I'd love to see some more actually. Does he have a website... if not you should make one for him.
 
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