Last updated: 2 August 2026
Horse breeds
Arabian
One of the oldest modern horse breeds.
- Origin
- Arabia / Middle East
- Height
- Usually 1.45 to 1.55 m at the withers.
- Disciplines
- A leading breed in endurance, and also popular for showing and leisure riding.
- Character
- versatile and friendly
- For beginners
- Yes, suitable
Origin
The Arabian originally comes from Arabia / Middle East. One of the oldest modern horse breeds. Compact, intelligent and enduring, with a strong influence on other modern riding horses. Today, the Arabian is especially often associated with endurance riding.
Appearance and character
Playful breed indicator (from the app)
These are playful indicators from the HorseJournal app, not a scientific or official breed standard. They describe general tendencies. Every horse is different.
Good for beginners?
With a gentle, people-oriented character, the Arabian is often a suitable choice for beginner riders, always with good guidance.
Did you know?
Many modern riding horses carry Arabian blood somewhere in their lineage.
Famous horses and remarkable facts
Bask
Bask was a Polish-bred Arabian stallion who became U.S. National Champion Stallion and had a major international influence on Arabian breeding.
Cass Ole in The Black Stallion
The Arabian show stallion Cass Ole played the title horse The Black in the 1979 film The Black Stallion.
Frequently asked questions
How tall does a Arabian get?
Usually 1.45 to 1.55 m at the withers.
Which disciplines is the Arabian suited for?
A leading breed in endurance, and also popular for showing and leisure riding.
What health points are linked to the Arabian?
Generally hardy and healthy, though a few hereditary conditions occur (such as SCID and cerebellar abiotrophy) that DNA testing can avoid, so responsible breeding and a pre-purchase exam remain sensible.
How old does a Arabian get on average?
About 25 to 30 years.
Can I mix the Arabian with another breed?
Yes. In the HorseJournal Breed Mixer you pick the Arabian and a second breed, and the app creates your own dream breed with a name, a profile in your own language and an illustration.
