Your thoughts on Arabian/Standardbred cross UPDATE Post 27

[pony_baloney]

Since losing my beloved Arabian last week, I’m casually looking for another Arabian. Came across an Arab/Stb. cross, mostly Polish Arab. Fourteen hands, built like a tank. Looking for something to take dressage lessons on (lower level, no showing) and hacks around fields or trails and just having fun. He’s very cute, built like a tank with giant shoulders.

I’m thinking this combo makes a smart, solid and sound horse. Haven’t tried him out yet so I don’t know if he has a canter. Many years ago I was a horse massage therapist and did mostly Stbds. and just loved how sturdy and bombproof they were. Any thoughts on this combination?

Also, he’s around fourteen years old. After having an old horse for the last fifteen years (my guy was 34), I was looking for something between 8-12. But, being an Arab, he may just be entering his prime at this age.

[SharonA]

I don’t see how you can go wrong with Polish Arab [personal bias toward these].

I would think 14hh is small for something with some Standardbred, but as long as he is a good size for you and vice versa, that’s the only important thing.

[Bluey]

That is what I was also wondering, how sure you may be of the breeds and age if he doesn’t has papers and is older?

Those horses tend to come with all kinds of stories, not much that can be confirmed.

If you really like that horse, I would take it as the individual it is more than the story behind him and enjoy whatever you find there.

[CalPal]

I have a 14ish hand Standardbred possibly Arab cross - that’s our best guess - and he is truly phenomenal. Huge horse like stride, nice canter, basically bombproof but not dull. Really cute, sound, good feet, easy keeper. Honestly, he was supposed to be a babysitter and I just adore him. I would certainly at least check this one out. Good luck!

[pony_baloney]

Thanks. I’m leaning towards another Arab or some kind of pony. Just something cute, gentle on my aging back and fun.

She has papers but had quite a few horses and wasn’t sure of his exact age. His front end looked very beefy like a Stbd. Need to save up some money before the actual serious search begins. May have to fight off little kids to get my hands on a perfect pony.

[sunkistbey]

If you’re looking for bombproof and on the smaller size, see if you can find a Cheval Canadien. Someone at my barn just bought one and he is stellar! Very sounds, sane and fun to ride. I know there is a breeder in Ohio, so you may not have to cross the border to find one.
WRT the STB/Arab cross, he sounds wonderful as well. My pure Polish mare is 26 and going strong. I’ve known many STBs who were safe and durable. Good luck!

[Palm_Beach]

@pony baloney

I’m thinking this combo makes a smart, solid and sound horse. Haven’t tried him out yet so I don’t know if he has a canter. Many years ago I was a horse massage therapist and did mostly Stbds. and just loved how sturdy and bombproof they were. Any thoughts on this combination?

I think the training and management of the horse goes much, much further than breeding wrt smart and solid and bombproof. You make the horse you want with training. Soundness can be conformation or management. Sorry for the loss of your horse!

[beowulf]

Sorry for the loss of your horse…

I say go and see her, see what she is like. In my frank opinion STBs are very underappreciated… I have always liked them, but never had one until a few months ago. Our new STB has only been with us for about 2 months… wish I had gotten one sooner. It’s always been on the bucket list but I mostly deal with OTTBs.

He is shaping up to be a really nice horse. He’s sane, quiet, sweet, and has impressed all of the pros that have met him so far (vet, farrier, etc). He has 3 good gaits, and I’ve been having a 15 y/o hop on him to work on W/T/C. He was a pacer but only paces if he is strung out.

The breed mix wouldn’t really deter me; unless you are looking for UL aspirations.

[hairystockings]

Just something to think about, but a Gypsy Vanner would suit your purposes perfectly. They are the perfect low level dressage horse and hack out ride. Sturdy, sound, smart and reliable. I have a retiree who is 26 and have looked at several others, if you want to talk about where to look and who to talk to, let me know and I can direct you around. There are a lot of breeders in the US but not all of them actually teach their horses useful life skills. I ended up not getting another at this junction since I was looking for a needle in a haystack: the elusive gypsy vanner with athleticism and desire to jump (like my retiree, alas she is an actual unicorn). I found one but he had a clubbed foot and failed the vet. When I reach the point of being ready to give up jumping and I only wanting to do dressage I will absolutely get another one.

I have a history of back issues as well and don’t experience pain riding that breed.

[jvanrens]

The cross could be wonderful or look like it was put together by committee.

Standardbreds can canter quite well, I’ve watched enough of them playing in the fields or even cantering under saddle or in harness to know. Since you already know Standarbreds can be very affectionate and people oriented and take a joke really well, I’d definitely go see him if his lack of height doesn’t bother you.

[horseshorseshorseshorses]

A friend of mine has an arab/standardbred cross that she events with. The mare is maybe 14.2 hh, lovely mover, can jump the moon and smart to boot. She is nice to ride, though a bit more bouncy when compared to a morgan but not as bouncy as a thoroughbred. I vote you take a look at him and go from there.

[Cassi1125]

Our first horse was Arab/Standardbred (3/4 Arab-1/4 Stb). Terrific horse. Smart and sound (bowed a tendon on a trail ride and never took a lame step). Could trot over the moon (showed him Park, English Pleasure and SS equitation). Lived to 30 (and I showed him until he was 21 or 22).

[tabula_rashah]

I have seen a few of them out competing in endurance and you are right- they are tough, smart horses. A friend of mine actually has a Standardbred x Anglo-Arab who is drop dead gorgeous. I would jump at a chance for that breed combo

[pony_baloney]

Thanks everyone. I plan on trying him out in the near future. Don’t want to be a breed snob, but I adored my previous Arabs but now would like something slightly less…flighty? Both were sensible but had their moments.

BTW, this horse also has paint markings; white over hocks/knees, white stripe on shoulder and rump. He’s an interesting fellow for sure.

[clint]

I helped a friend involved with rescue place a herd of Standardbreds a few years ago. I was impressed with how easy going they were, even the ones that had raced. For the most part they were a sturdy, sound bunch and quite attractive. I think an Arab/Stb cross could be very nice, although I would want to see the canter. In this bunch there were some yearlings, and even they didn’t have what I would call an easy, natural canter and they had never had any training.

It is possible you have something else in your would-be horse, as neither Arabs nor Standardbreds do pinto, although crop outs seem to occur in many breeds.

[RHdobes563]

Purebred Arabian horses:

http://www.khartoonkhlassic.com/Sabino%20Get.htm

[crthunder]

I rode an Arab/STB gelding in college and he was a ton of fun. Strong feet and could go all day if you wanted. Loved trail riding and he also was taught to jump by another student and I rode him dressage. He was older when he came to the school so his canter was a little bit of a project to get calm but he was a quick study and tried his heart out. I think this cross would be a great possibility for your plans. Patric was maybe 14.2 when he needed a hoof trim and I’m 5-7 but he was strong and had no problem with me. Make sure to post pictures!

[Russinka]

Standies can be pinto. I’ve only had pure STBs but think it’s a great cross, think there were a few peeps here in Aus breeding them for endurance.

Edit, I love my STBs but they (and arabs as well) tend to be a very vegemite/marmite breed. people either love them or hate them.

[Dunkhead]

My first horse was, no joke, a 17.2 hand Holsteiner STB cross gelding. He was so well-trained and well-behaved that I didn’t truly begin to appreciate how awesome he actually was until I had a few more horses.

[Bluey]

I participated in endurance rides and placed well on a tall STB mare.
She was wonderful, steady, lovely disposition and could go all day and more.
We did trot practically all the way.
She was just learning to canter and was not that balanced at it.
Eventually she learned to canter well enough.

I think you should take that horse as an individual, see what is in there, more than going by what any breeds may be there.