Arabian horses are renowned for their distinctive personality and require a thoughtful approach to training and partnership. Often misunderstood as “spooky” or “hot-blooded,” these horses possess a keen intellect and sensitive nature stemming from their ancient Bedouin heritage. This article delves into the unique characteristics of the Arabian breed and offers insights for owners and riders to foster a harmonious relationship.
The Arabian Mindset: “Asking” vs. “Telling”
Arabians are often called “The Thinking Man’s Horse” for good reason. They possess an exceptional ability to assess their rider’s mindset, confidence, and mood. Their Bedouin ancestry instilled instincts for hard work, alertness, and adaptability, making them both wonderful partners and challenging to train if handled improperly. Instead of “telling” an Arabian what to do through forceful commands, it is far more effective to “ask.” Anxious or demanding cues from a rider can lead to the horse becoming unfocused or resistant. For instance, during a trot-to-canter transition, if a rider’s mind is cluttered with various instructions, the Arabian might lose its focus. A moment of quiet reflection and a clear, gentle “ask” will often yield better results.
The Power of Psychology in Training
Arabians are intelligent horses capable of reasoning through situations. Unlike some breeds that might blindly charge through an obstacle, an Arabian is more likely to assess the situation and find the safest or easiest path around it. As riders, understanding this psychological approach is crucial. We must learn to make our horses believe that our desired action is the easiest, safest, and most comfortable option. Using heavy hands, spurs, or crops can lead to a horse acting out of fear, but this is a temporary fix that will likely resurface. A more effective approach involves understanding the horse’s perspective and guiding them to believe that performing the desired action is their own choice. This requires patience, light hands, and commitment, but the reward is a horse that retains information when it’s presented in a way it can comprehend.
The Importance of an Arabian-Experienced Trainer
While many skilled trainers can work with various breeds, having a trainer with specific experience with Arabians can significantly benefit novice riders. An experienced Arabian trainer will be familiar with the breed’s unique sensitivities and common challenges. For example, a trainer accustomed to Quarter Horses might misinterpret an Arabian’s reaction to a perceived threat near a fence. Instead of addressing the horse’s tension with force, an Arabian-savvy trainer would recognize the need to either redirect the horse’s attention or calmly move forward, understanding that pushing the issue can escalate the horse’s anxiety. This is particularly true for sensitive breeds where a forceful approach can be counterproductive.
Winning the Long Game: Avoiding Unnecessary Battles
One of the most common pieces of advice for dealing with Arabian horses is to avoid starting a battle you’re not prepared to finish. If you engage in a conflict with an Arabian, be ready for a prolonged struggle. In the early days of riding, focusing on minor imperfections can turn a short training session into a lengthy, frustrating battle. The more a rider becomes tense or angry, the more the horse will resist. Trying to force perfection can be detrimental. Instead, if a horse shows resistance during a maneuver, such as a flying lead change, it’s important to calm yourself, clear your mind, and “ask” gently. Acknowledging even a small step in the right direction with a “thank you” and then moving on to a different exercise can be far more effective. It’s vital to always end a training session on a positive note, as Arabians tend to remember the last instruction given during a previous ride.
Celebrating the Arabian Spirit
Many of these training principles can be applied to all horse breeds, but the Arabian horse’s unique intelligence and sensitivity warrant special consideration. They are quick to listen, reason, calculate, and make decisions. Our goal as riders should be to influence those decisions positively. The next time you interact with an Arabian, take a moment to appreciate its incredible mind and heart, rather than relying on stereotypes.
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About the Author
Sarah Williams is an editor and staff writer at SLO Horse News. She has competed in disciplines ranging from Western Pleasure, Reining, Equitation, Saddleseat, Sidesaddle, Hunter Pleasure, Showmanship, Trail and Horsemanship.
