The Anglo Arabs are descended from thoroughbreds and Arabs. The aim of the breed was a horse that combines the advantages of both breeds.
The Anglo Arabs largely adopted speed and appearance from the English thoroughbred. The perseverance, courage, and robustness come from the Arabs.
With a height of around 1.60 m and a strong build, the Anglo Arab is very versatile.
Whether as a dressage or showjumping horse, as an eventing horse, or as a school horse for beginners – the Anglo Arab is a true all-around talent.
Breed description
The Anglo Arab is a real jack of all trades. The best characteristics of English thoroughbreds and Arabs were combined in it.
His height from 1.55 m to 1.65 m and his muscular build make him a horse that can be ridden by almost any rider.
This great horse is just as attractive for very demanding riders as it is for beginners. His sensitivity, which is paired with a great willingness to perform, enables every rider who is friendly to this horse to get the best out of him.
The Anglo-Arab skilfully uses the speed inherited from the thoroughbreds in versatility and jumping competitions. But he also gives his rider a lot of joy in dressage tests and as a hunting horse.
A well-trained Anglo Arab is a reliable partner for inexperienced and insecure riders.
His friendliness and his unpretentiousness make him a good school and training horse.
Size: 155 – 165 cm
Weight: 450 – 600 kg
Origin: France
Lifespan: 20-25 years
Color: All colors
Suitable as: Dressage, leisure, jumping
Origin and breed history
The origin of the Anglo Arab is in France in 1835. At that time, the military was looking for good cavalry horses. From the wars of Napoleon, the English thoroughbreds were known to be very quick and willing to perform.
The Arabs stood out for their courage, their modesty and their perseverance. In 1815 a first attempt was made to cross the Arab with the thoroughbred.
The result generated enthusiasm. The Anglo Arab combined the best of both races. He was fast, persistent, robust, willing to perform and sensitive.
He lacked negative qualities such as explosive temperament. In 1823 the first stud book was founded in France. When cavalry horses were no longer needed after the First World War, the breed was changed and the focus was now on use as sport horses.
Over the years, the Anglo Arab has become an indispensable part of tournament sport. To this day he is a popular and successful eventing and show jumping horse.
But also as a dressage or hunting horse he can often be found in the top positions. As a recreational horse, he is actually more of a horse for experienced and demanding riders.
With good and conscientious training, however, it is also wonderfully suitable for beginners.
The appearance of the Anglo Arab
The Anglo Arab has a height of 1.55 to 1.65 m and his head is straight, noble and distinctive. The nostrils are large and flexible, the expressive, dark eyes are set wide apart.
The great freedom of gait and the slight neck mark his suitability as a riding horse. The mane and tail are very fine and have a silky sheen.
The neck of the Anglo Arab merges into the withers, which extend relatively far into the back. The shoulders are sloping and the back is of medium length.
The interaction with the long, rounded croup and dry legs creates a very harmonious image of a noble riding horse.
The hooves are of normal size and match the rest of the horse’s proportions.
Temperament and essence
The character of the Anglo Arab is characterized by great serenity and strong nerves. He is friendly and easy to get along with.
The Anglo Arab is reliable and easy to handle even in a troubled environment. The noble horse is very robust and undemanding.
His high level of motivation and sensitivity make the Anglo Arab a perfect partner for a wide variety of disciplines.
Versatility, jumping, dressage, or even the hurdle race are no problem. Since this horse is so balanced and has strong nerves, it is ideal as a training horse or as a horse for insecure riders.
However, a prerequisite for this is appropriate and competent training. If this training is missing, the Anglo Arab is more suitable for experienced riders.
Husbandry and nutrition
Attitude
The Anglo Arab is very robust and healthy. For this reason, he can live well in open or semi-open stable housing. With enough exercise, he is also satisfied in a spacious box, preferably with a view of the hustle and bustle in the courtyard.
As active and herd animals, horses need daily exercise in a group on a sufficiently large pasture area. They need to be able to move around freely and want to find their own food.
If this is not possible, the pasture should be provided with a salt lick, fresh water and a shelter to protect against too much sun, snow or rain.
If the conditions in your stable are not so ideal, you can try to improve them with simple means. You may also find other horse owners from your stable with whom you can team up.
A lot can be achieved together and with a little creativity. Take a look at the available pasture areas. If trees or a shelter are missing, a shelter can be built together. A change of pasture brings variety to the horse’s everyday life.
Nutrition
Your Anglo Arab can also try the herbs on the neighboring meadow. It is important for your Anglo Arabs to have a species-appropriate and varied feed.
Horses are herbivores and, as such, are naturally preoccupied with eating for much of the day. Grass, leaves, herbs, fruit, roots, shrubs, berries, and seeds are part of a horse’s natural diet.
Make sure that your Anglo Arabs always have enough good hay and fresh straw to nibble on in the stable. Hay that is not contaminated by pesticides and that contains natural herbs is ideal.
If such hay is not available to you, you can add herbal mixtures. Pay attention to variety when adding herbs to your diet. In their natural environment, horses eat most of the day.
Therefore, a few feedings with large amounts of food can harm them because their digestive system is not designed for it. It is better for your Anglo Arabian to have several meals a day rather than just one or two feedings.
If this is not feasible, you should make sure that he always finds fresh and clean straw to nibble on. Carrots, sugar beets, and apples are ideal as a snack or as a supplement.
But fresh branches also provide a welcome change, especially in winter. Make sure, however, that the trees are non-toxic to horses, such as fruit trees, birch, or hazelnut.
Education and care
Upbringing
The Anglo Arab is friendly, sensitive, and reliable. He’s a great athlete and incredibly versatile. Of course, such a horse needs proper training.
You should be consistent and empathetic with him. In order to avoid frustration and disobedience, you should make sure that you do not ask anything of your Anglo Arab that he cannot do.
Train it with patience and empathy. In this way, you will train him to be a loyal and reliable partner.
Maintenance
In order to maintain the health of your Anglo Arab, your horse needs good care. The care time is important and also strengthens the connection between you and your Anglo Arab.
Check their fur and hooves every day. You should always remove coarse dirt quickly, if necessary with water and a mild shampoo. Then you remove dead skin and hair with grooming and brushing.
Brushing and grooming also stimulate blood circulation. You should pay special attention to the hooves.
Horses often stand in damp straw for a few hours a day. That puts a strain on the hooves.
And if the exercise area is limited to the pasture and the riding arena, this is also a burden on the hooves, which are naturally designed for use on many different soils per day.
Therefore, check and clean your Anglo Arab’s hooves regularly and at least once a day. Every 6 to 8 weeks the farrier should also check the hooves, cut them out, and correct them if necessary.
Health and Typical Diseases
Basically, the Anglo Arab is very robust and healthy. Nevertheless, he needs consistent and continuous care in order to be able to maintain his health.
Daily grooming and hoof care are therefore part of the health program. Regular checks by the veterinarian and the farrier are also important.
In this way you can prevent possible health problems so that they do not arise in the first place. A disease that is relatively common among Anglo-Arabs is cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), which is a genetic defect that causes neurons in the brain to die.
There are neurological deficits such as balance disorders and ataxia. There is no cure. The affected horses often have to be euthanized.
Life expectancy
Depending on the breed, horses live between 18 and 30 years of age. Cold-blooded animals have the lowest life expectancy, ponies the highest. The Anglo Arabs live to be relatively old due to their robustness and health.
Since age depends on the state of health, possible genetic impairments, and the overall living environment, you can do a lot for the health of your Anglo Arab.
If you lovingly care for your Anglo Arab, feed him healthy and appropriate to the species and ensure a largely relaxed living environment, then you are on the right track.
Your horse needs not only adequate physical exertion, but also mental exercise. Boredom should therefore occur as little as possible.
Your Anglo Arabian prefers to be out on the pasture with his fellow animals every day. Here he can enjoy the fresh air and his free time.
Buy Anglo Arabian horse breed
Are you enthusiastic about the Anglo Arab and want to buy this wonderful horse? The first point of contact for you can be the Association of Breeders and Friends of the Arabian Horse, VZAP.
But the breeding association for sport horses of Arab origin, ZSAA, can also be helpful. Here you can find information and ask for help in finding a suitable horse.
In Germany as well as in neighboring countries and especially in France you will also find many breeders who will be happy to help you in the search for your dream horse.
Or maybe you already know an Anglo Arab owner. He will be happy to help you and put you in touch with a breeder.
Decision support
The most important thing when buying a horse: the horse must suit you. So first ask yourself what you expect from your Anglo Arab.
Would you like to take part in distance or versatility tests? Or do you prefer to ride dressage? Would you like to breed yourself? Or have you not been riding that long and looking for a good horse that will help you?
If you lack the knowledge and experience to buy horses on your own, you should look for someone with experience who can support you with this.
If you don’t know anyone, feel free to speak to your riding instructor or the vet. Maybe they can help you. And if this is not possible, they will surely know someone who can help you find a suitable horse.
