A close-up of an Arabian horse's head and neck with a dark background.

Arabian Horses

Written by: Luca Krohn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

As the name suggests, the origin of Arabian Horses lies on the Arabian Peninsula. However, among Arabian Horses, there are different breed groups such as purebred or half-bred Arabs and Shagya or Anglo-Arabs. They look different but share some common characteristics. Generally, Arabian Horses are spirited, enduring, and willing to work, but also sensitive and human-oriented. This makes them very popular as leisure horses. They are well-suited for longer trail rides and distances. High temperatures and humidity pose no problem for Arabs, as they served as mounts for the Bedouins for many hundreds of years and thus adapted to the hot climate, uneven terrain, and scarce food.

Arabian Thoroughbred

The Arabian Thoroughbreds (or Thoroughbred Arabs) represent the oldest horse breed in the world. They are the pure form of the Arabian Horse. For every Arabian Thoroughbred, the pedigree can be traced back to the desert breeding of the Bedouins on the Arabian Peninsula. The distinguishing features of Thoroughbred Arabs are the small head with large eyes and nostrils, the broad forehead, and the high tail. Despite their small but characteristic height of 140 to 156 centimeters, they are considered horses.

Arabian Horses in Oman

Arabian Horses were the great passion of Sultan Qaboos ibn Said, the former head of state of Oman. He owned nearly 1000 Arabian Thoroughbreds, making the world’s largest mounted army, his “Royal Cavalry.” Arabian Thoroughbreds are regarded as one of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world. In the Orient, they serve as a status symbol and are a sign of power and grandeur. The horses receive a very special treatment. They are housed in the finest stables and receive first-class, individual care. They mean a great deal to the Sultan, which is why their breeding is state-sponsored. Sultan Qaboos wanted to ensure that these special horses were not reserved only for the wealthy, but also enabled lower social classes to breed Arabian Horses.

Discover Oman with experts who have called it their home

Your dream holiday, tailor-made by experts.

We don't just know Oman from books, we visit the country several times a year to experience the culture, landscape and people first-hand.

From your first enquiry to your return home, we are there for you personally - by phone, email or WhatsApp, whenever you need us. Our trips are as unique as you are: individually planned and provided with exclusive privileges and high-quality arrangements that will make your trip unforgettable.

You might also like this

Two men in traditional clothing stand near two leafless trees on a rocky, arid hillside in Salalah, Oman.

Frankincense Road

2 min read

“Tears of the Gods,” as frankincense is also called, were responsible for worldwide trade relations, power, and wealth. The resin, weighed against gold, was transported by camels on the frankincense road, the oldest trade route in the world. The first recorded transport of frankincense took place in the tenth century BC when the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon. Trade within Arabia likely developed at this time due to the domestication of the camel since camels could carry heavy loads and go for several days without water, allowing trade routes to traverse barren desert areas as well. The r...

Close-up of a brown and white speckled cow with one eye closed, focusing on the face and ear.

Bulls of Batina in Oman

2 min read

The Batina plain in the Sultanate of Oman is a 250 km long coastal section in the north of Oman. The region borders the Emirate of Fujairah to the north and the Governorate of Muscat to the south. The Batina plain is the agricultural center of Oman, as citrus fruits, dates, mangoes, bananas, and tomatoes grow here. Additionally, it is the second most populous region of the country with about 1.2 million inhabitants. Together with the adjacent capital region of Muscat, approximately 3.7 million people live here. The regional capital is Sohar, known for its beautiful mosque and deep-sea port. A...

Two birds flying in a clear blue sky with some clouds near the horizon.

Birds of Oman

7 min read

In the untouched desert landscapes and lush oases of Oman, an astonishing variety of bird species awaits, making the country a true hidden gem for bird lovers. Here, you can encounter elegant flamingos in the lagoons, agile falcons in the mountains, and graceful sandgrouse native to the dunes. This unique combination of diverse habitats and rare bird species creates the perfect conditions for unforgettable birdwatching experiences. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Oman's birds and be captivated by the variety of these remarkable creatures....

Why book with the Oman specialist

On site

Own Canvas Club team with office in Muscat and Salalah. We know all tour guides for many years, all services on site come from us - from one source!

Expertise

Every travel consultant has already lived in Oman for several years. We know all the hotels and highlights of the country personally! And are several times a year on the spot.

Hotel product

Own luxury desert camp 'Canvas Club' in the Wahiba Sands desert with exclusive benefits for our clients

Network

Attractive prices and exclusive benefits through long-standing, trusting partnerships with local hoteliers and service providers.

Accessibility

Contactable 7 days a week via all common communication channels - 24h emergency number on site.

Personal

Each trip is individually worked out and 100% tailored to your needs!