Anglo-Arabian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Anglo-Arabian horse is what its name implies: a Thoroughbred (prefix Anglo) crossed with an Arabian horse. The cross can be made between a Thoroughbred stallion and Arabian mare, or vice-versa. It can also be a cross between a Thoroughbred and an Anglo-Arab, an Arabian and an Anglo-Arab, or between two Anglo-Arabians. This produces a cross that is generally more substantial than a pure-bred Arabian. No matter what the cross, the Anglo-Arabian must have at least 25 percent Arabian blood to be considered an Anglo-Arabian.
France has been one of the greatest producers of Anglo-Arabians. The French Anglo-Arabian has traced back to two stallions: Massoud (an Arabian), and Aslam (a Turkish horse). Imported from Syria, they were crossed with three imported English Thoroughbreds: Comus Mare, Daer, and Selim Mare. Their three daughters, Clovis, Danae, and Delphine became the foundation stock of France's breeding program. The Pompadour National Anglo Arab Stud, part of the French National Stud, is at Chateau de Pompadour in Arnac-Pompadour, Corrèze.
The Anglo-Arabian has been used for the military, as well as a general riding and sport horse. It also has influenced France's main sport horse breed: the Selle Francais. The breed is also excellent at eventing, with the stamina, jumping ability, and speed needed for this demanding sport.
[edit] Breed Characteristics
As a result of the different crosses that can be made to produce an Anglo-Arabian, their size and appearance is variable. The largest horses are usually produced by breeding a Thoroughbred mare to an Arabian stallion. The best examples of this breed inherit the endurance and stamina of the Arabian, and the speed and scope of the Thoroughbred.
The horses are usually 15.2-16.3 hands high, and mainly chestnut, bay or brown. The best of the breed have more of an Arabian-type conformation, with a long neck, prominent whithers, a short and strong body, more sturdy than the Thoroughbred, and a deep chest. It should not look like a Thoroughbred, nor an Arabian. They have fine heads, although not overly dished in profile, and have strong bone.
See also List of horse breeds
