Horse breeds / Quarab
Photo: Ealdgyth · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Quarab
The Quarab is an American crossbreed developed by crossing Quarter Horses with Arabians, aiming to combine the Quarter Horse's muscle, cow sense, and calm disposition with the Arabian's stamina, refinement, and intelligence. The breed grew out of the mid-twentieth-century interest in Arabian blood for practical ranch and show use, and it is recorded by registries that welcome crossbred horses with documented parentage.
Quarabs are typically balanced, athletic horses with a level topline and a willing attitude. Many are steady enough for riders who are still building confidence, though the Arabian influence can bring a quicker response to cues and a keen interest in the surroundings. They tend to move with a lively, pleasant gait and often excel at trail riding, ranch work, and western pleasure.
Day to day, a Quarab does best with regular turnout, daily handling, and consistent work. They are social animals and do well with a companion, whether another horse or a goat. Without enough activity and interaction, a Quarab can grow bored and restless, so a routine that mixes riding, groundwork, and free time suits them well.
Good for: Trail riders, western pleasure, first-time owners with guidance
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 882–1102 lb |
| Height | 58–62 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | United States |
Quarabs can be spirited, so choose one with documented temperament and get a vet exam before buying.
Living with a Quarab
Exercise
Most Quarabs need several days a week of ridden or in-hand work, plus daily turnout to move freely. Too little exercise can lead to excess energy, weight gain, or behavior problems under saddle. Consistent work keeps them balanced and content.
Grooming
Quarabs have short, fine coats that are easy to keep clean with regular brushing. Manes and tails are typically full and can be left natural or thinned as preferred. Hooves need trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks. Clipping is seldom needed unless the horse is worked hard in winter.
At home
Quarabs do well with generous turnout on grass or dry lot, with shelter from wind, rain, and summer sun. They are generally hardy and adapt to a range of climates. They do best in a herd or with a paddock companion. Most are easy keepers, but some carry Arabian metabolism and need careful monitoring of weight and grazing.
Training
Quarabs usually learn quickly and respond well to clear, patient handling. They can be good at trail riding, western events, dressage, and hunter-style work. A green Quarab is often forward and eager, so early groundwork and consistent cues help. Expect a sensible, willing partner who may show a bit more spirit than a typical Quarter Horse.
Health
Quarabs are generally considered sound and hardy, with no single breed-wide condition widely recognized. As a crossbred, they can inherit issues common to either parent line, so soundness and metabolic health vary by individual. Ask a veterinarian for a pre-purchase exam and guidance on the health concerns relevant to
- Laminitis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Colic
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Quarab
Forage and water, adult
15–25 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1102 lb, and 9–16 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,950–$5,050
Hay about $1,752, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Quarab is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
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 Quarab
Shelters and breed rescues list Quarabs and Quarab mixes every week. Search adoptable Quarabs on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Quarab right for you?
- Yes if you want a versatile trail and ranch horse.
- Yes if you enjoy a willing partner with some Arabian spirit.
- Yes if you can provide daily turnout and regular work.
- Think twice if you want a completely bombproof beginner horse.
- Think twice if you plan to keep a horse alone with little activity.
Questions owners ask
Are Quarabs good for beginners?
Many are, especially calmer individuals with good ground manners. Choose a horse with a documented history and take lessons with an experienced trainer to build your confidence.
How much does a Quarab cost?
Prices vary widely with training, pedigree, and age. Expect a broad range, and get a pre-purchase exam from a veterinarian before committing.
How tall do Quarabs get?
Most stand roughly 14.7 to 15.7 hands at the withers, depending on the parentage and individual horse.
How long do Quarabs live?
With good care, Quarabs often live into their late twenties or thirties, similar to many riding horses.
Are Quarabs easy keepers?
Some are, but Arabian influence can make certain individuals sensitive to rich feed. Monitor body condition and adjust grazing and hay accordingly.
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.