How to Draw Arabian Horses

Arabian horses are characterized by refined heads, small muzzles, and large eyes.

Arabians are considered one of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world. The breed originated in the desert climate of the Arabian Peninsula and is renowned for its athletic ability, high levels of intelligence and eagerness to please. When drawing an Arabian horse, it is important to capture the many aspects of the breed's personality, along with the key details of an Arabian's conformation, such as its refined head, muscular body and high-set tail.

Instructions

1. Understand the conformation of Arabian horses. According to the Arabian Horse Association, the breed is defined by the Arabian's elegant, arched neck. When drawing an Arabian, the neck should be drawn in an upright shape that emphasizes the proud way in which the breed carries itself. Additionally, Arabians are a smaller breed with refined features. Because Arabians were built for speed and distance in the deserts of Arabia, the breed boasts a short back and compact body. However, just because Arabians are smaller in stature does not mean they are a weaker breed. While refined and elegant, Arabians are a strong breed capable of carrying heavy riders over long distances. The grace and strength of the breed should be constantly kept in mind when drawing this noble creature.

2. Carefully draw the details of the head, which is considered the most defining characteristic of the breed. The head of Arabians is very beautiful, beginning with a much larger upper head and large eyes and tapering down to a very small muzzle, which can easily fit in the palm of a hand. The eyes are set farther apart on the head than other breeds and can be extremely expressive, according to the Arabian Horse Association. The ears on the Arabian are also one of the hallmarks of the breed. Smaller, especially in stallions, the ears also feature a more curved appearance than other breeds. The head, like the rest of the Arabian, should have a refined appearance that shows the breed's intelligence and nobility.

3. Capture the personality of Arabian horses. The Arabian is considered a hot-blooded breed, which means they are spirited horses bred to be fast and athletic. Their spirited nature also contributes to the breed's intelligence and ability to learn quickly. When drawing the Arabian, the artwork should encapsulate the breed's affinity for learning, as well as its athleticism. One of the most beautiful aspects of the Arabian is its naturally high tail carriage, which symbolizes its free spirit. Drawing the Arabian with a high tail is one of the best ways to portray the personality of this beautiful breed.

References

• Horse Breed List: Arabian Horse Breed Information
• Arabian Horse Association: Frequently Asked Questions
• Horse and Horse Information: Arabian Horse