My arab fits perfectly in the english/dressage world of riding and I love riding english as well. I did ride western on one of my horses that was a paint in the past but I have always thought that an arab doing western was just gorgeous. I know my Laddy wouldn't be a western horse at all. What is your opinion of western arabs if you have gotten the chance to ride any before? Do you like them better then a quarter at western? :happydance:
Personally it depends solely on each horse and the personality/ breeding. My boy is ridden western and i love it he fits it however i would prefer a quarter horse simply for size haha Posted via Mobile Device
I love the look as well. My Arab mare never took to english riding and hates to jump but loves anything western. She enjoys trail riding, barrel racing, poles and even has some experience with cattle.
It really depends what you intend to do with the horse. Naturally, the QH would be better at certain things than the Arab because it is bred for it (cutting and such) but there are many Arabs out there who excel at the western sports as well.
It can be a challenge to find a saddle that fits. Other than that, they do fine. My 1/4 Appy - 3/4 Arab worked on a ranch, and they decided to use him for sheep work instead of cattle. 800 lbs just wasn't enough weight at times.
I have a Western Arab and she does fine I barrel race her, use her on trail rides, pole bending, and even work cattle on her! I prefer her over a QH any day!
The author of the "Hank the Cowdog" series ranches with arabians. There is an outfit in western AZ that raises arabians for ranching specifically. I've had a few in, either bought from auction or in for training and they did fine in western saddles, traditional western bits, and cow work.
That's good that they are suitable for the work. I love how they look so petite next to the older style quarter horses in western pleasure at the open shows we go to. I would love to know the difference in how a western arab rides compared to one done in english. The crazy random fact I know is that english arabs are trained in western saddles at training barns.
I absolutly love to ride my Arabian western! He has a beautiful flowing trot and it just feels so natural under saddle. My Arabian is A LOT smarter than my qh and actually wants to go see trails and learn things! I think arabians riding western is just beautiful!
I take informal lessons on a 23 yr old polish arabian mare, and I ride western. She used to do english, but her boarder deserted her so my instructor turned her into a trail horse.
She has such smooth gaits, and is a real sweetheart. I'll post some pictures.. She puts up with my beginner self very well, hehehe (This was only my 2nd time ever being on a horse, I've now been riding over 20 times... Always on her!)
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