Some one once told me that Pure Arabs had one extra rib. I have never had much to do with arabs, but have never heard of it since. They said that by “pure” they meant “old style”??? Can any one help?.
One confirmation trait of Arab (and maybe Barb) horses is that they have one less vertebra than other breeds, thus a shorter back.
Not one more rib, but one less. From http://www.horsescanada.com/arabian.htm :
In my experience, this makes for one stiff, bouncy ride. But they are beautiful!
Ruffian, I may have missed this somewhere, but did you take your “name” from the spectacular filly of some years ago that broke down on the track and had to be destroyed?
Thanks, i knew that it was one or the other, one less or one extra that I was told.
Tenn Walker is an easy way to go…
Another thought, I have riden in a few trial endurance rides, how would a standardbred mare go with a arab stallion over her? The mare is a big strong mare who has a good slow rate. Lovely movement … very very comfy
Of course you’d have to choose the right stallion, but arab blood is very desireable in edurance competitions.
Honestly, though, if you want to go the route of training up a baby, it would be far cheaper to buy a nice yearling or 2-year old on the ground than breed one yourself. Especially if you are quite attched to your mare, as foaling can be a risky business.
Yes and no–about 50% of me was awed enough by the mare to chose her name as a screenname here. The other half of me just finds the idea of being a “ruffian” appealing. 
(“Go For Wand” and “Personal Ensign” just don’t roll off the tongue…)
I heard Arabs also have a black hide, and that this distinguishes them from other breeds. Is this true ?
no, all non-albino horse have dark hide. Some horses with white markings have white (pink) skin underneath the white fur. Most greys are born dark and “grey out” as they age. They can often grey out to plain white by the age of 10 or so.
Don’t forget the “Iron Lady” - Lady’s Secret, the last filly named “horse of the year”, and the best foal by the great Secretariat. One of her sons by Mr. Prospector is standing here in East Texas - Excellent Secret
There are various claims about arabian vertebrae. Some claim there are fewer thoracic vertebrae, some claim fewer lumbar, and some both. Most agree that there are 23 lubar + thoracic vertebrae in the arabian, and 24-25 in other breeds.
Since Arabians have been used in most modern breeds (other than some draft or pony breeds) to at least some extent, the vertebral count varies.
Most horsemen will agree that the shorter back of the Arab leads to a shorter stride and less flexibility. While some Arabian lines make good endurance horses, others make lousy ones. The confirmation of some types don’t work well for endurance - upright pasterns and steep shoulders + short, inflexible back = unsound over distances.
If you’re looking to breed an endurance horse, evaluate your mare honestly and choose a stallion who matches her appropriately AND one who is known for his foals as endurance horses. Don’t expect the stallion to overcome major confirmation or other flaws in the mare, the foal is as likely to come out with each parent’s bad points as their good ones.
Unless you’re experienced in the breeding, raising, and training of young horses, DON’T go this route. A green rider and green horse is a formula for disaster and is very dangerous for all involved.
Competitive trail riding (what they’re calling endurance riding these days) is growing in popularity, but its still a close community - more willing to help newbies than some other disciplines.
Unless you’re experienced in the breeding, raising, and training of young horses, DON’T go this route. A green rider and green horse is a formula for disaster and is very dangerous for all involved.
Lois I couldn’t agree more. As we say “greeen and green makes black and blue.”
Most greys retain a hint of color somewhere, even at advanced age, but they do tend to lighten over time.
There is one Thorougbred farm which is specializing in the rarest color of all - non-albino white. Here’s a nice article about them in a recent Bloodhorse magazineKnight’s Whites
You know, I thought of her when I made that post. Her name does roll off the tongue and would make a fine s/n as well.
I find it curious, though, that Secretariat–known for being an impressive broodmare sire–produced his finest racing horse in Lady’s Secret…and that she has reproduced little to nothing of her greatness. This despite being bred to all the best studs, of all the right major families…go figure. Same seems to be true of Winning Colors and Genuine Risk, although the latter was plagued with fertility problems.
BTW, horses can’t be albino…they simply lack the genetic structure for it.
[sub]and ooh! ooh! I have my first riding lesson in 10 years tomorrow![/sub]
um, i have to disagree with you Ruffian… It was thought that yes it was geneticly impossible for years to get a "trueAlbino’ horse, that when you did get the genetic match the horse aborted the foal. But it has since been provven that 1 in every 1000 albino feotesus will carry to term. The trick is to keep em alive…
I was told this by a vet, and he proved it with a few books and photos. Wish i could remember…
Good luck on the riding lesson !
Thank you all for all your help as well. I will approach the local endurance club for advice. As for breeding and training… i breed and train Standardbreds and retrain them for riding… not to many worries in that department