The Pure-bred Arabian Horse

In the current situation that is still unpredictable and uncertain in its unfolding, it is necessary to keep alive an interest in the breed by setting new goals for highly-trained riders and the pure-bred Arabian horse. These horsemen would be more than happy to show their equestrian skills at dedicated events since the Arabian horse is also an excellent horse under the saddle. Taking into account his morphology, the work to be done is not simple. Various disciplines are appropriate for the Arabian horse: he is an athlete who needs much relaxation, due to his impulse, it is necessary to insist on the mechanization of his gaits, obtain a more sustained trot in elevation rather than in extension, avoid grazing gaits, and ensure a three-stroke gallop with powerful propulsion of the hind leg. The final goal is a fully trained balanced horse, Dixit 'Prendre de la culotte’, the groundwork for all equestrian disciplines. Classical dressage is the ultimate expression of horse training and elegance, and it relies on the innate gracefulness of the horse in all of his motions. It is a discipline opened to men and women of all ages, who can express themselves at different levels. Very experienced coaches are needed here because of the overall complexity of the Arabian horse. His particular temperament, his athletic and sport potential, need to be approached with great sensitivity. In the USA, Arabian horses participate in international events of classical dressage such as Reprises Saint Georges, Intermediaire I and II levels, or at Grand Prix. In Europe, Marbach Stud - the oldest state-run stud farm of Germany - has been carrying on a centuries-old tradition with exceptional stallions mounted by riders equating with the most accomplished 'Ecuyers' in the United Kingdom. There are plenty of competitions with ridden classes committed to the rigor that would make the best horseman pale. South Africa and Australia are active players in promoting the Arabian breed, mainly for Hunting classes. In Spain, both the Jerez de la Frontera Horse Fair and the Sevilla Horse Fair host exquisite Doma Vaquera Championships that are very suitable for the Arabian horse given his flexibility. The U.S. is fully engaged in promoting the breed and its versatility in various disciplines such as Trail, Cutting, Barrel-Racing, Reining, Driving, or Natives Costumes Classes. The latter reminds us of the countries of origin of the breed. Costumes are sometimes too eccentric, but they brighten up with shimmering colours. To support the above statement, we asked former military rider/instructor Mr. Franck Chabert, who has an extraordinary approach to the Arabian horse, to share his thoughts with us. Like everyone else in the follow-up of education preparing for the future, his passion for horse riding made it possible to enter the Cavalry Regiment of the ‘Garde Républicaine’ with the charge of leading an overall training work highlighting both the principles of merry-go-round riding and classic dressage. In 1981, Mr. Franck Chabert could discover more about this breed, which he considers extremely fine, elegant, and proud. When foreign breeders travelled up to Paris in great numbers to win the most coveted title, Chabert first saw the legendary Arabian Stallion El Shaklan and got struck by him. He argues that the Arabian horse is perfect to use in competitions under the saddle that should not disappear in favour of the model and gaits competitions which are more like commercial showcases. An opinion that he gave after having attended the 2019 Salon du Cheval El Jadida in Morocco. According to him, an equine can be ridden and trained classically in different sporting practices, provided that patience is an essential virtue for this sensitive breed. We are dealing with an animal that can become an exceptional athlete if we learn how to carefully guide him in exercising his gaits in slow progression, with no forced preparatory movements given his legendary endurance. From Morocco, Chabert received many invitations to train young people with Arabian horses at work on the flat, an arrangement which to him seemed possible with well-built Arabian horses and riders eager to get genuine equestrian knowledge.