The Arabian horse evolved in a desert climate and was prized by nomadic Bedouins, often brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection from theft. The horse’s ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans has created a breed of horses that are good-natured, quick to learn, and eager to please. The Arabs also cultivated a high spirit and alertness in their horses, which became essential to their effectiveness in raids and during war.
On the other hand, the Arabian horse is also classified as a “hot-blooded” breed, a category that includes other refined, spirited horses bred for speed, such as the Akhal-Teke, the Barb, and the Thoroughbred. Like other hot-bloods, Arabian horses sensitivity and intelligence allow for quick learning and greater communication with their riders; however, their intelligence also makes them prone to learn bad habits as quickly as good ones. They also do not tolerate strict or harsh training practices. Some sources claim that it is more difficult to train a “hot-blooded” horse, because of their great sensitivity. Though most Arabian horses have a natural tendency to cooperate with humans, when treated badly, like any horse, they can become excessively nervous or anxious. They won’t become vicious unless seriously offended or subjected to extreme abuse.
Recent trends in halter breeding (bred for their physique) have given rise to Arabian horses with extremely concave features, raising concerns that the trait is bad for the animal’s welfare. Comparisons have been made to a similar trend with some dog breeds, leading breeders to seek out exaggerated forms for greater points, with little concern for the inherent function of the animal. Some veterinarians speculate that an extremely concave face is detrimental to a horse’s breathing, but the issue has not been formally studied.
This heavy focus on shape goes against a time-old saying of horses, “A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character,” coined by Winston Churchhill. Hopefully, in the near future, horses will be treated with more respect for their athletic ability over their appearance.
