why does everyone think arabian horses are so "high-strung"?

Question

It is not true at all I happen to own an arab and he is the nicest horse around and he is not even old

I think in one way that some people think they are because they deal with quarter horses who are so quiet they are almost dead

Answer 1

I don't think he is usual for his breed, but I am happy for you.
My family owned an Aarab named Kodera, he was loaded with spirit.
I also took care of an Arab named Cinda and she was an opinionated meanie!
I'm really happy for you. It's great to have a wonderful horse!
-Meg

Answer 2

I dont believe they are all high strung seeing as the first horse i ever rode was a 10 year old arabian and i wasnt even in a saddle, i was bareback. Although some people do. I believe it is partially stereotype and partially genetics. Stereotype because we see an arabian who is galloping free in the desert and we think oh wow i bet that horse is crazy. Or like the pitbull thing you see one that is fighting and you think they must all be mean. Arabians like warmbloods and thoroughbreds are bred to be like they said thinkers and quick thinkers.

Oh and about the quarter horse thing. Thats another stereotype. We just had a 4 year old quarter horse in that bucked off my trainer and nearly tore her ACL again. That QH was not dead quiet and ive seen a fair share go through the ranch jus like him. So watch your stereotypes....

Answer 3

Arabian horses were, in the desert, bred to react. a lack of quick reaction could mean death. Arab horses are real thinkers, too. Often I have seen horse/trainer combinations where the horse is smarter than the trainer! The trick is to keep them challenged. They are like children. If they get bored, then they act up.

Sadly, the current Arabian show scene, primarily halter classes, have gone so far with that natural reactiveness to make the rest of the breed look like bad. The horses that are winning in the show ring right now are the equine equivalent of fire breathing dragons. The current mindset is that they are flashier and prettier to watch when they're misbehaving. Sad, but that's where the misconception comes from. It's the same as with some breeds of dogs with bad reputations. I have friends who raise the nicest, most kid-loving PitBulls you could ever hope to see, but you know what their reputation is. It is VERY dependent on the way they are raised and handled. if you treat a horse like a nutjob, it's darn well going to act like one. I've seen stupid, out of control stock horses, too. more of them than you might think.

Answer 4

most Arabian horses are bred to be high strung, spirited horses, their gaits look "flashyer" which to some crowds are more appealing, than a laid back western pleasure horse. but not all Arabs are high strung, like you mentioned yours is very nice, I've ridden a few Arabs, all different personalities, and they were all quite enjoyable if you know how to handle a very spirited horse (some times his head was as high as mine ha ha) but i do think that the majority of people instantly judge Arabians just because they are "go get 'ers" but I'm sure if every one got to know one or two Arabian horses, they would love them. you'll always have those certain people who frown upon Arabs, but the most important thing is that people like us know how special and good Arabians can be ! happy trails

Answer 5

All good answers everyone! I think it takes a certain personality to get along with an Arab (much like Thoroughbreds or any other "hot" breed). I also think these breeds show as hotter because of the "hot" feeds they are given. Grain and straight alfalfa give so much energy. Plus many horses aren't worked very hard, i.e., weekend warriors, so they don't get a chance to burn off the excessive energy. I work with a renowned TB trainer and she has said of my Arab mare that when they are good like her, there's nothing like an Arab for the trail. I couldn't agree more!

Answer 6

Arabian horses were bred to be quick and alert. I owned an arabian. She was very well trained. Mares go into heat, so to some people, arabian mares are out of the question. It is actually in how they are trained more than their breed.

Answer 7

It's because a lot of the time they are. Yours may not be, but I've seen my fair share of Arabs, and while some were so sweet, others have tempers. It's in their genetics, it can also be in the way they are trained, all work and no pasture time can cause them to be high strung.

--- I ride off the track TBs, so it's not that i'm not used to them...

Answer 8

I don't think they are high strung.
I ride an ex-race thoroughbred and I do not think he is high strung.
Arabs and Thoroughbreds are considered "hot" blooded horses.
They have lots of spirit and drive. They do not give up easily and are very driven.
They are sensitive and are more reactive to things than a QH is.
That is ok with me. I prefer my "hot" horse. He is a wonderful mount and I would not trade him for anything.