Is and anglo-arab a good horse for a first time owner?

Answer 1

While there may be a few exceptions to the rule, I would generally say that Arabians are NOT a good horse for a first-time owners. While they were bred for their social nature, Arabians are well known for being very intelligent.

A first-time owner can get into a lot of trouble owning an Arabian horse. Because of their intelligence level, they are just as quick to learn good habits as they are to learn bad (and dangerous) habits. An Arab (or any horse) that is improperly trained is a hazard for anyone that is around it.

Not only that, but because of their intelligence level and their general "hot-headed" attitudes, Arabs are one breed of horse that cannot be trained by force. Arabs are a very willing horse, but when forced into something that they are not ready or not willing to do, they can become dangerous and start learning to bite, kick, buck, and even pin people against walls.

For the most part, Arabians are very high-energy horses and need someone who knows how to properly exercise them on a regular basis. If they are not properly exercised and mentally stimulated, Arabs will quickly start bad stall habits like cribbing, pacing, and stall guarding (that is becoming territorial of its stall).

On the whole, the Arabian breed is not a breed of horse for first-time horse owners. They require a whole other mind set than many other horses and while they may be "pretty", that beauty comes with a certain Arab-like haughtiness.

Like I said though, there are exceptions to this rule and there are sane Arabians that would make great first-time horses (my first horse was an Arab), but finding these horses an sometimes be difficult. If you are determined to have an Arabian as a first-horse, make sure you do your research and you will be able to handle the horse you get. The last thing you want is a horse that you eventually become too afraid to work with or that becomes too dangerous to have others around.

Answer 2

Without a doubt, NO. Anglo's are very beautiful that can't be denied. But this cross breed is better left to more expeirenced horsepersons. Both the Arabian and the Thoroughbred are considered a 'hot' breed. When you cross these two breeds the temperment would not be appropriate for a beginner. I always advise people to get a quiet, older horse that is proven to be good with inexperienced riders. Think of it as your horse as your teacher. You need a mature and patient teacher. One that will be forgiving when you make a mistake. (and you will, we all do) Always take someone you trust that has horse knowledge with you when you look at prospective mounts. Make sure that they have nothing to gain by the purchase. Even the best people may steer you wrong if it involves them making money. And last, always get a vet check WITH x-rays. This is an added expense that most people don't want to pay but it is vital.