Horse breeds / French Anglo Arab
Photo: Clément Bucco-Lechat · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
French Anglo Arab
The French Anglo-Arab is a French breed developed in the 19th century by crossing Thoroughbred stallions with Arabian mares. The aim was a horse that combined the stamina and refinement of the Arab with the speed and substance of the Thoroughbred, suited to cavalry remounts, sport and light draft work. Studbooks were formalized in France, and the breed has been used in competition at the highest levels of French show jumping and eventing.
French Anglo-Arabs are typically athletic, balanced horses with a lively, forward way of going and good movement. They tend to be willing and quick to learn, though they can be sensitive and energetic, which makes them better suited to riders with some experience. Many are sensible enough for capable amateurs, but a true beginner may find them too responsive at first.
Day to day, they need regular work to stay settled and physically sound, along with turnout to let them move freely. They do best with consistent handling and routine. Companionship matters too, as they are sociable horses that generally do not enjoy being isolated for long.
Good for: Experienced riders, sport and pleasure riding
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 992–1213 lb |
| Height | 60–64 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 50 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | France |
Expect a forward, sensitive horse that needs regular work and an experienced hand, so take lessons and buy with a knowledgeable helper.
Living with a French Anglo Arab
Exercise
Most French Anglo-Arabs need daily ridden or in-hand work, typically 45 to 60 minutes, along with ample turnout. Without enough exercise they can become fizzy, restless and difficult to manage. Consistent, varied work keeps them balanced and content.
Grooming
Their short to medium coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing, and they often have a fine, silky feel. Manes and tails are typically full but manageable with routine care. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing to stay sound, and clipping is usually only needed for horses in heavy work durin
At home
French Anglo-Arabs are generally hardy and adapt well to a range of climates when given shelter and forage. Regular turnout is ideal, and they usually do well in a herd with steady companions. Most are moderate keepers, so feed should be based on workload and body condition, with good-quality forage forming the foundation of the diet.
Training
These horses are usually intelligent and eager to please, learning quickly with clear, consistent cues. They excel in show jumping, eventing, dressage and endurance, and many enjoy trail riding. A green French Anglo-Arab is often forward and energetic, so expect to build fitness and focus gradually rather than rushing through the basics.
Health
French Anglo-Arabs are generally considered sound, though like many sport horses they can be prone to joint and hoof issues linked to heavy athletic use. Conditions such as laminitis and metabolic concerns may affect some individuals, particularly with rich pasture. Please ask a veterinarian about breed-specific screen
- Laminitis
- Joint and hoof problems
- Metabolic issues
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a French Anglo Arab
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 French Anglo Arab 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 French Anglo Arab
Shelters and breed rescues list French Anglo Arabs and French Anglo Arab mixes every week. Search adoptable French Anglo Arabs on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a French Anglo Arab right for you?
- Yes if you enjoy an athletic, forward horse for jumping or eventing
- Yes if you ride regularly and can provide steady daily work
- Yes if you want a sociable horse that works well in a herd
- Think twice if you are a complete beginner seeking a calm, plodding ride
- Think twice if your schedule allows only occasional riding
Questions owners ask
Is the French Anglo-Arab good for beginners?
Usually not for complete beginners. They are energetic and responsive, so they suit riders with solid experience or a skilled trainer guiding the partnership.
How much does a French Anglo-Arab cost?
Prices vary widely with bloodlines, training and age. Sport-bred young horses can cost considerably more than well-started amateur mounts, so research sellers carefully.
How tall do French Anglo-Arabs get?
They typically stand around 152 to 163 centimetres at the withers, roughly 15 to 16 hands, with a balanced, athletic build.
How long do French Anglo-Arabs live?
With good care, they often live into their mid to late twenties or beyond, though individual lifespans depend on health, workload and management.
What are French Anglo-Arabs used for?
They are used in show jumping, eventing, dressage, endurance and pleasure riding, and they have a strong reputation in French sport horse competition.
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.