How to Work With an Arabian Horse

Arabian in flight

Arabian horses are unique. Bred by the Bedouins for thousands of years to exist side by side with their human masters, the Arabian horse has a very close bond with humans. More than any other horse breed, they desire human companionship and affection. This article will give you some tips on how to work with one.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Study the breed and its history. Educate yourself on where the breed came from, how it lived and how that might have effected its evolution over the centuries. Look at photos of foundation Arabians, then look at current magazines and compare. Pedigrees are incredibly important in the Arabian breed, so do your homework there as well.

2. Find a reputable breeder in your area and call to set up an appointment to visit. Most Arabian breeders are eager to share their passion for the horse, and visiting them will be an enjoyable outing.

3. Walk out into the pasture with the farm owner and watch how the horses react. Chances are, once the horses are aware of visitors, you will be mobbed for pets. Study how they come when the person calls. Watch as the owner interacts with them while grooming, riding or playing with them.

4. Handle one of these amazing horses for yourself. Treat him kindly and with respect, but always demand that he see you as the dominant member of his small "herd." Arabians cannot be manhandled. They are too smart to be beaten or cowed into doing what you want, but if you ask them, and reward them for their efforts, no other horse in existence will try harder for you.

5. Do not expect an Arabian to tolerate some of the treatment that other breeds will. For example, Arabians may not make the best mounts to do steer wrestling or calf roping on, as they will not understand why they must do the same thing over and over without any tangible reward. They are too smart for that. They make great cow horses because once they understand that you have a job to do with a finish, they will work those cattle relentlessly to get them where they need to go.

Tips & Warnings

• Love is the key to handling Arabians. They are incredibly sensitive to human emotion and body language, and can sense all of your feelings.