Half-Arabian

Warmblood

The Half-Arabian is a horse with one registered purebred Arabian parent. The other parent may 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. Competitive trail, endurance, English and western, cutting, stock horse, hunter/jumper, driving, dressage and pleasure riders all use Half-Arabian horses.

Physical Description

The Half-Arabian most obviously takes on the characteristics of the Arabian - its beauty and refinement athletic ability. Other characteristics depend upon the breed of the other parent. In general, the Half-Arabian shows endurance, versatility and intelligence.

Origin

The International Arabian Horse Association established the Half-Arabian Registry to encourage both the breeding and use of Half-Arabians. Today almost 300,000 horses are registered in North America. Crossing purebred Arabians with other breeds is not a new concept. - it is how all light horse breeds developed. Thoroughbreds, American Quarter Horses, Lipizzaners, Morgans, Saddlebreds, Tennessee Walking Horses and many others can trace their origins to the Arabian horse. A wide variety of performance and pleasure Half-Arabian horses have also evolved through infusion of Arabian blood.

Interesting Facts

In creating a Half-Arabian, it allows an individual to customize the horse of their choice through selective breeding. In an effort to promote the Half-Arabian, the IAHA Registry allows breeders to show at national, regional and local levels; compete in distance rides, and much more.

"There is a growing market for horses that are registered Half-Arabian through the International Arabian Horse Association. This registry has been very successful in preserving the Arabian influence in a number of breeds. Although the most popular Half-Arabian breed may be the Arabian/Saddlebred cross, a growing number of people are flocking to the Morab (Half-Arabian/Morgan), the Quararab (Half-Arabian/Quarter Horse), the Aralipizzan (Arabian/Lipizzan), Arapaloosa (Arabian/Appaloosa). In the show ring Hackney/Arab cross horses have become very successful high-stepping Park champions, and Warmblood and Gaited horse fans have been crossing their mares with Purebred Arabian stallions to produce horses with more refinement and endurance." Half-Arabians

Influences

1. Arabian 2. Any non-Arabian horse except Thoroughbred

For More Information:

International Arabian Horse Association
Half-Arabian Registry

Sources:
Permission given by my dear friend, Cowboy Frank, to use his breeds section.
Oklahoma State University list of livestock breeds