Horse
Pronunciation:
More-Abb'
Breed Description:
The Morab breed of horse is an American breed of horse originally developed through the cross-breeding of Arabian and Morgan horses. It is elegant like an Arabian, with fine features, but exhibits the muscular quality and sturdy bone structure of the Morgan. It has powerful, flowing and flamboyant paces, and is an excellent riding, driving, and show horse.
Morabs come in most colors , with bay, chestnut, and gray being the most common. Buckskin, palomino, paint and appaloosa coloring is discouraged. Morabs are typically not gaited horses, but some can be encouraged to perform singlefooting paces, the foxtrot, and the rack. Consequently, Morabs are popular for Saddle Seat events.
Temperament:
The Morab breed of horse has a temperamentthat is a combination of the Morgan and the Arabian. Morabs are generally very intelligent, curious, and loyal horses, but they can be willful and spirited.
Height:
The Morab breed of horse stands 14 to 16 hands.
Weight:
The Morab breed of horse weighs 750 to 1100 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Morab breed of horse has no specific health problems, but its Morgan heritage may result in a condition called 'locking patella' which can usually be managed and can be corrected surgically.
Living Conditions:
The Morab breed of horse is a light, fine breed thatcan live outdoors in mild weather but needs stabling in very harsh conditions.
Exercise:
The Morab breed of horse is an active riding breed that requires regular exercise.
Life Expectancy:
The Morab breed of horse lives into its late twenties and often early thirties.
Grooming:
The Morab breed of horse has a fine coat but a long, thick mane and tail and needs daily grooming.
Origin:
The Morab breed of horse was established in late 1880s by crossing Morgans and Arabians with the intent of creating a fine carriage horse that was still substantial enough for moderate farm labor. The first Morab registry was created in 1973. Prior to this, Morabs were primarily undocumented horses bred for type. Many early Morabs were registered with the American Morgan Horse Association, as the Morgan studbook was still open that time, and these horses have since been fully assimilated into the Morgan breed. Newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst was an avid Morab breeder, and is credited with the creation of the breed name by coining the term, "Morab", as a combination of the names of the parent breeds. 