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Anglo Arabians |
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Anglo Arabians |
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Originating in Britain, the Anglo-Arab is now bred elsewhere in the world, especially in France, where they pay great attention to the production of a specialist all-around horse. This cross between a
Thoroughbred stallion and
Arabian mare (or vice-versa), and subsequent re-crossing are only two strains of the pedigree. A number of permutations are possible in France, although
there must be a minimum of 25% Arabian blood in order to be entered into the stud book. The horse's ancestors must also be
Arabian,
Thoroughbred or Anglo-Arabian. Theoretically the Anglo-Arab should combine the best traits of both the Thoroughbred and the Arabian. While retaining the soundness, endurance and stamina of the Arabian, the Anglo-Arab should also incorporate the scope and some of the speed of the Thoroughbred without the excitable temperament. Today the Anglo-Arab is found all over the world, but the only well-established breed is the French Anglo-Arab. Originally the French Anglo-Arab was no more than 15.3 hands, but its size has been increased, some now reaching 16.1 to 16.3 hands high. The French Anglo-Arab has an
aptitude as a riding horse, and has the quality of an excellent competition horse with a quiet but
energetic temperament.
The Anglo-Arab has a long, lean head that is more Thoroughbred in appearance than Arabian with a straight profile. His ears are mobile and his eyes, expressive. Though there is no breed standard, the overall appearance of the Anglo tends toward the Thoroughbred rather than the Arabian. His withers are more prominent that those of Arabians, and he has a longer, well-set neck. His oblique and powerful shoulders are virtually those of a Thoroughbred, developed for riding purposes.
The Anglo-Arab has a deep chest, and his back is usually short. He has a tendency toward long and horizontal quarters, and his frame is more solid than the Thoroughbred and well up to weight. He has sound limbs which are uniformly good, and any lightness of bone is compensated for by its density and good quality. He has finely formed legs with good length with indicates his galloping ability.
Usually breeding
Arabian stallions to
Thoroughbred mares, the British are likely to obtain progeny which will exceed either of their parents in size. But the crossing of Thoroughbred stallions to Arabian mares is considered in Britain to produce smaller offspring. These have less monetary value that the purebred.
Lighter in type, the French Anglos from the southwest have specific races reserved for them. The systematic breeding of Anglo-Arabs began in France in 1836 at Pompadour. This stock was based on two Arabian stallions, Massoud and Aslan (a Turk), and three Thoroughbred mares, Dair, Common Mare and Selim Mare. One reason for the development of Anglo-Arabs as a breed in France is due to the fact that foundation mares existed in the southwest and in Limousin, in central France.
These light horses had been bred in these areas for centuries and they had a very strong Oriental influence and appearance. These were known as the horses of Navarre, Bearn, and Gascogne, and after the breed's creation in 1843, they were used to develop it. The breed became sufficiently established by the 1920s that Anglo-Arab stallions could be used to further promote the breed.
First as a cavalry mount, then as a general riding horse, and as a specialist for competitions, the Anglo-Arab became popular. It was the first French breed created. In 1874 races were started especially for the Anglo-Arab. Increasing success of the breed created a need for two additional studs, one at Pan and one at Tarbes in south-west France. These two centers - Limousin and the southwest - produce different types of Anglo-Arabs. The breeding aim of speed for the racetrack was preferred in the southwest, so they breed for lighter horses.
Heavier and stronger horses with altheticism and power for competitions are bred in the Limousin. The successful Anglo-Arab has been used to breed France's other competition horses, as the Selle Francais and the Cheval de Selle. Today there is also another division of the French Anglo-Arab - the Anglo-Arab de Complement (also called "F.A.A.," "Facteur d'Anglo-Arab"), which has less than 25% pure Arab blood in its veins. More consistent in build and shape than Anglo-Arabs of other countries, the French Anglo-Arab has alert eyes, open nostrils, and long ears. The withers are well-back, which gives "a good length of rein" to riders. His shoulders are well sloped and his back short. The body is deep, the quarters powerful and the hocks set low. He has a courageous temperament, is sometimes spirited, and has supple, brilliant paces.
Today, the principal breeding centers in France are Pau, Pompadour, Tarbes and Gelos. Pompadour produces Anglo-Arabs that are larger, more muscular, and noted particularly as excellent jumpers. Here the overall objective is to produce the best tough riding horses which will excel at racing, jumping, cross-country, and dressage. The colors of this excellent saddle horse vary from chestnut, to bay and brown. He ranges in height from 16 to 16.3 hands high. He is a very athletic horse, and excels in all types of equestrian sports, from racing to dressage.
For more information on English and French Anglo-Arabians, visit:
For information on Anglo-Arabians from other countries, visit:
For information on Half-Arabians, visit:
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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