The Arabian horse is the earliest improved breed of horse. The Part-Arabian is a horse with one registered purebred Arabian parent. The other parent can be any non-Arabian horse. The exception is an Arabian-Thoroughbred which is registered as an Anglo-Arabian horse. Each Half-Arabian is unique, combining the elements of two separate breeds.
In order to be registered as a Part-Arabian (or less correctly, a Half-Arabian), a horse must have one parent that is a purebred registered Arabian, and the other parent must be a horse (no donkeys or mules) of another breed (whether purebred or partbred), a grade animal (of mixed parentage) or an Arabian cross.
What Other Breeds Can Make a Part Arabian?
A few popular Part-Arabian breeds include:
Anglo-Arab: A Thoroughbred-Arabian cross
AraAppaloosa: An Appaloosa-Arabian cross
Morab: A Morgan-Arabian cross
National Show Horse: An American Saddlebred-Arabian cross
Pintabian: 99% Arabian blood with tobiano coloration
Quarab: Quarter Horse -Arabian cross
Welara: A Welsh pony-Arabian cross
Alex Hua Tian (CHN) competes with the Anglo-Arabian gelding Chico at the 2008 Olympic Games. Bob Langrish photo
Characteristics
Since there are so many combinations of Part-Arabian horses, it is impossible to pinpoint specific characteristics. Even so, the Arabian parent will often pass down the refined, chiseled head, dished face, long arching neck and high tail carriage, as well as the breed’s energy, endurance, athleticism, intelligence, courage and graceful nobility.
Part-Arabians generally range from 14.2 hands and up and can be found in an assortment of colours and patterns that correlate with either the Arabian parent or the breed with which they are crossed.
Uses
Part-Arabian horses can be used in either English or western riding and are excellent on the trail as well as in the show ring. From cutting and reining to jumping, dressage, driving, and long distance riding, the Part-Arabian makes a wonderful companion and a great family horse.
To read about purebred Arabians and their history, click here.
For more information, visit:
Canadian Arabian Horse Registry
Arabian Horse Association
A National Show Horse must have 50% Arabian blood. Bob Langrish photo
