Horse breeds / Anglo-Arabian
Photo: Wikikoko · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Anglo-Arabian
The Anglo-Arabian is a cross between the Thoroughbred and the Arabian, developed to combine the speed and stamina of the English racehorse with the soundness, intelligence, and refinement of the Arabian. The breed has been recognized in the United States since the early twentieth century and is most closely associated with racing and show ring work, including the Arabian-Thoroughbred cross programs that produced the Anglo-Arabian Sporthorse.
Anglo-Arabians tend to be quick to learn, athletic, and responsive, with a bold, forward way of going and an attractive, balanced build. They can be sensitive to rider aids, so consistent, calm handling works best. Experienced riders often enjoy them for dressage, eventing, and endurance, while beginners may find them more demanding than a steady, slow-moving breed.
Day to day, an Anglo-Arabian needs regular turnout, consistent work, and companionship. Their energy is best channeled through structured training and daily exercise. They are happiest in a routine that includes time with other horses and enough space to move freely.
Good for: Experienced riders, dressage, sport, trail riding
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 59–64 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
Anglo-Arabians are sensitive and energetic, so first-time owners should expect to need experienced guidance and a consistent daily routine.
Living with a Anglo-Arabian
Exercise
A healthy adult typically needs about an hour of ridden or in-hand work most days, plus turnout to move freely. With too little exercise, Anglo-Arabians can become restless, pushy, or difficult to manage. Consistent routine helps them stay balanced and content.
Grooming
Their short, fine coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing and occasional bathing. Manes and tails are typically fine and may need detangling. Hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule, and many owners clip the coat in winter if the horse is working hard.
At home
Anglo-Arabians do well with daily turnout and can adapt to stabling if they have regular exercise and social contact. They are generally hardy in temperate climates, though a good shelter and blanket in cold, wet weather help them maintain condition. They do best with other horses nearby. Most are moderate keepers, though some require careful feeding to maintain weight, so body condition should be checked regularly.
Training
Anglo-Arabians are quick to learn and often willing partners, though they can be sensitive and may react strongly to inconsistent cues. They excel in dressage, eventing, endurance, and open trail riding. Expect a green horse to be athletic and enthusiastic, but it may need patient, steady groundwork before it settles into more demanding work.
Health
Anglo-Arabians are generally considered sound, but like many light horse breeds they may be prone to certain orthopedic and metabolic concerns. Ask a veterinarian about routine screening, such as lameness evaluation and metabolic checks, and discuss the horse's individual history before purchase.
- Orthopedic lameness
- Metabolic issues
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Anglo-Arabian
Forage and water, adult
17–28 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 992–1213 lb, and 10–18 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,150–$5,350
Hay about $1,971, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 85°F, stop at 95°F
Blanket or shelter below 20°F. Bred for heat: fine working in warm weather with water and salt, but a thin coat and skin want a blanket and shelter below about 20°F.
Where a Anglo-Arabian is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Anglo-Arabian
Shelters and breed rescues list Anglo-Arabians and Anglo-Arabian mixes every week. Search adoptable Anglo-Arabians on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Anglo-Arabian right for you?
- Yes if you want an athletic, responsive horse for dressage or eventing
- Yes if you enjoy a horse that thinks and learns quickly
- Think twice if you prefer a slow, very steady beginner mount
- Think twice if you cannot provide daily exercise and mental engagement
- Yes if you want an attractive horse with a bold, forward character
Questions owners ask
Are Anglo-Arabians good for beginners?
Generally not ideal for first-time riders. They are sensitive and quick, so they suit owners with some experience or those working with a knowledgeable trainer.
How much do Anglo-Arabians cost?
Prices vary widely based on training, pedigree, and show record. Budget for purchase, feed, farrier, veterinary care, and boarding, which are the major ongoing costs.
How tall are Anglo-Arabians?
Most stand roughly 15 to 16.3 hands at the withers, or about 150 to 163 centimeters, with a balanced, athletic build.
How long do Anglo-Arabians live?
With good care, many live into their mid-to-late twenties or beyond, though individual lifespan depends on health, management, and workload.
Are Anglo-Arabians easy keepers?
They are typically moderate keepers. Some stay in good condition on modest feed, while others need careful management to maintain weight.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.