Horse
Breed Description:
The Anglo-Arabian breed of horse is a mix of any combination of Thoroughbred and Arabian. It is considered a superior sport horse. To qualify as an Anglo-Arabian (also called "Anglo-Arab"), the individual must have 25% Arabian blood and no more than 75% Arabian blood. Because of the variety of percentage of this combination, there is much variation amongst individuals in terms of height and color.
The Anglo-Arabian breed of horse ideally possesses the refinement, elegance and endurance of the Arabian and the size, speed and versatility of the Thoroughbred. This horse has a long neck and a fine head, with a less concave ("dished") face than that of the Arabian. It is sturdy of bone and a powerful mover, with a short, strong back, strong withers, and a deep chest for endurance. The color of the Anglo-Arabian breed of horse is generally gray, bay or chestnut.
The Anglo-Arabian breed of horse is most often seen in France, Great Britain and the U.S. Although in Europe the Anglo-Arabian enjoys separate registry, in the United States is registered as a sub-category with the Arabian Horse Association, and is considered an Arabian mix. The Anglo-Arabian breed of horse is used in the military, and is often seen as a strong competitor in events such as jumping, dressage, hunt/jumping, and competitive trail riding, where its versatility gives it an edge. It is an excellent all-around saddle horse.
Height:
The average height is 15.2 to 16.3 hands, or 61 to 65 inches at the withers. The larger individuals of the breed are a mix of a Thoroughbred mare and an Arabian Stallion, and can be several inches taller than the average.
Origin:
The Anglo-Arabian breed of horse was created in France in 1836, when two stallions were imported from Syria - "Massoud", an Arabian, and "Aslam", a Turkish horse. These two were crossed with three Thoroughbred mares which had been imported from England. The first Anglo-Arabians - in the strict definition of the term - had been bred in the mid-18th century when the French first began importing Thoroughbreds from England. By 1836 they had become so admired that the French National Stud Service formally created the breed as one of a new type of "French Thoroughbred. The Anglo-Arabian breed of horse has the third-oldest studbook in France.
France is still today a leading producer of the Anglo-Arabian breed of horse, and the breed is a valued part of the French National Stud. It has been an influence for France's leading horse breed, the Selle-Francais. 