Arabian Stallion Critique

[Murrini]

Hello,

I am looking for a critique on this stallion, please be as honest and as harsh as needed as I am trying to learn more and want to know if I am seeing all of his faults from what I have learned.
Edited: Pics aren't working for some reason - he can be seen at
http://www.pacificarabian.com/Black.html

Here is his pedigree: http://www.allbreedpedigree.com/el+mansour+son

And a bit of info: He is 27 years old in pasture condition. He has been ridden once in the past 5 years, but when I did take him out, about 2 months ago (I have only owned him for a few months), he was the last to start sweating even though it was a hot, humid day and the other horses were decently conditioned and ridden on a regular basis. We did about 6 miles and he was very happy and willing during the entire ride. I let him set the pace figuring he would tire easily not being in condition but we ended up at least trotting if not loping up every hill eagerly (and we have no lack of hills around here, more lack of flat ground!) with plenty of energy left over in the end. We are hoping to get a couple of endurance horses out of him but I would still like to know his conformation faults before breeding him.

Thanks!

[Inyureye]

I know nothing about arabs, but boy, with that performance I would say this boy would made a good endurance sire, based on his performance. Yanno, I would start riding him, and conditioning him - as long has he is healthy and happy - and ride him in some endurance meets - that would sell his DNA handily, whether to other Arabs or other breeds for crosses, IMHO!

Good luck with him!
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~ Nothing like drinking a beer and watching a man work ~
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[Pedigree Fanatic]

It's really hard for this QH person to critique an Arabian's conformation. They all look like they have bony butts to me...but I know that is only because I am used to seeing the powerhouse back end of a QH.

But this horse would probably ride all day long and I am guessing he would have endurance to spare after all the chunky QH's got tired out!

Does anybody here know the standards for Arabs regarding things like shoulder angles, balance of front to back end, hock heights and cannonbone lengths? What is considered ideal for an Arabian?

[Murrini]

Thank you for your positive input on him. He is a very sweet boy, and impresses me more each time I work with him. Apparently he was severly abused and starved in his past so he should have every right to feel that he owes people nothing and that he has to protect himself from them, but he is an absolute sweetheart. There is evidence of his past from time to time, he flinches and gets nervous as you blanket him, I guess they blanketed him then beat him. He is also nervous about men until he gets to know them. I feel he has every right to those feelings, but he is still not in the least bit agressive.

I have thought about conditioning him and doing an easy short race with him, I think he would really enjoy it. Everyone I have asked to guess his age guesses around 12, one even down to 8! I do feel that his health, tempermant and endurance are good genes to pass along! Thanks again for your input, it is much appreciated!

[Picapepper]

For those who "know nothing about Arabs......", this link has some good information:

http://www.arabianhorses.org/home/faq/AskExpert4.asp


Cheers,
_________________
For Your Consideration
AWWALI - 1996 Chestnut, S.E., Al Khamsa, Hadban Enzahi Stallion
SIRE: ABU ALI (*Ibn Hafiza x *Nabilahh)
DAM: FAWLA (*Fawzan x Talya)
Live Cover & Shipped Semen

[Pedigree Fanatic]

Thanks, PPepper, those are things I already knew from years of seeing Arabs in shows and in magazines, it's obvious what is prized and what is preferred. Except that the stallions have smaller ears than the mares. I have never heard that. Some of the breed standards (short back, good bone, clean throatlatch, etc) are common sense things that are valued in any breed...while some of the things are unique to the Arab, like the head shape and the jibbah.

Not one word mentioned about bony butts, though! If you have an Arab in a halter class with a muscular back end would that be more prized more one with a scrawny butt? Or is that narrow, egg shaped look traditional and therefore part of what's expected?

[Picapepper]

[warchief]

When you compared a Quarter Horse to a Sumo Wrestler I was wondering what you were thinking. Then I started thinking about some of the bulldogs I grew up around and started laughing. You're right.

[Picapepper]

[Picapepper]