Arabian vs Thoroughbred
Arabian or Thoroughbred? A side-by-side comparison of size, lifespan, temperament, care needs and observed prices, from our Animal Library.
At a glance
| Arabian | Thoroughbred | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Arabian Peninsula | England, 17th–18th century |
| Size | 14.1–15.1 hands · 800–1,000 lb | 15.2–17 hands · 1,000–1,300 lb |
| Lifespan | 25–30+ years | 25–28 years |
| Build | Dished face, high tail | Tall, lean, deep-chested |
| Temperament | Smart, sensitive, loyal | Sensitive, bold, forward |
| Best fit | Endurance, trail, show | Jumping, eventing, pros |
| Energy | ●●●●● Endurance engine | ●●●●● Hot, forward, fit |
| Trainability | ●●●●● Learns fast, remembers all | ●●●●● Learns fast, needs tact |
| Upkeep | ●●●●● Efficient keeper, hard feet | ●●●●● Hard keeper, thin soles |
| Beginner fit | ●●●●● Needs calm, clear handling | ●●●●● Needs a confident rider |
| Observed price | $2,500 median (1147 prices) | $4,000 median (1378 prices) |
How they differ
- Energy: the Thoroughbred rates higher than the Arabian (5 of 5 vs 4).
- Trainability: about the same (4 of 5 each).
- Upkeep: the Thoroughbred rates higher than the Arabian (4 of 5 vs 2).
- Beginner fit: the Arabian rates higher than the Thoroughbred (3 of 5 vs 2).
The Arabian
One of the oldest horse breeds, bred by desert Bedouin for endurance, loyalty and a light, efficient frame. Arabians are intelligent, sensitive and very people-oriented, and they reward a calm, consistent handler.
Arabians are quick to notice and quick to react, and rough or inconsistent handling shows. Several inherited diseases in the breed are fatal, so genetic testing is basic diligence.
The Thoroughbred
The racehorse, bred in England from Arabian, Barb and Turkoman stallions for speed over distance. Off the track it becomes an eventer, jumper or hunter, bold and athletic but often sensitive and quick to react.
Many Thoroughbreds are hard keepers with thin-soled feet, and ex-racehorses need months of retraining. Ulcers, old track injuries and a sensitive nature are common issues to plan around.
Questions
Is an Arabian or a Thoroughbred better for a beginner?
The Arabian rates higher for beginners (3 of 5 vs 2). Arabian: Needs calm, clear handling. Thoroughbred: Needs a confident rider.
What is the main difference between an Arabian and a Thoroughbred?
Arabians are quick to notice and quick to react, and rough or inconsistent handling shows. Several inherited diseases in the breed are fatal, so genetic testing is basic diligence. By contrast, many Thoroughbreds are hard keepers with thin-soled feet, and ex-racehorses need months of retraining. Ulcers, old track injuries and a sensitive nature are common issues to plan around.
Which costs more, an Arabian or a Thoroughbred?
On the prices we observed, the Arabian median is $2,500 (1147 prices) and the Thoroughbred median is $4,000 (1378 prices).