An Arab stallion will add refinement and sound conformation to any mare, coupled with an unseen toughness that has stood them in good stead down the ages. Some of the showier ones may seem more flighty than the 100-mile endurance champion. But they all have the same willing spirit and kind character, so choose the right one to complement your mare.

1. Arabs have denser bone, stronger hooves, more shock-absorbent joints, higher energy levels and a more loyal temperament than many other breeds. So find a stallion who will off-set any weaknesses in your own mare. Arabs have been used successfully for thousands of years to improve native breeds
   
   
2. Choose a proven stallion through the Arab Horse Society's Premium Performance Scheme - go to: www.ahs-premium.org.uk for pure-bred, Anglo and part-bred stallions who are at the top of their game in endurance, racing, jumping, eventing and ridden showing. The AHS gives up to £300 when the foal is registered with them
   
   
3. For ridden competition, and especially long distance riding, Arab blood gives a more comfortable ride partly because of their shorter stronger back and partly because of their comfortable floating stride
   
   
4. Arabs are incredibly long-lived, although they take a little longer to mature. There are many shows where you can take them to in-hand classes before they are ready to go under saddle.
   
   
5. The renowned intelligence of the Arab may come from the thousands of years they have been domesticated by the Bedouin and shared their lives and tents. Certainly, their brain capacity is 3 or 4 times that of a TB. You may 'tell' another horse, but you 'ask' an Arab!
   
   
6. They are extremely hardy and good doers, having originated in a sparse desert climate. Only in the rich grasslands of the West have they grown more than a hand higher than their original size
   
   
7. Their beauty and gaiety will add glamour and refinement to most other breeds
   
   
8. Arabs are incredibly versatile, love people, especially children and make the perfect all-round horse (a pure-bred Arab is always a horse, never a pony!)

Anne Brown has been breeding Arabs for over 40 years - visit: www.gadebrookstud.com for details of her AHS Premium stallion Sambist, once of the most successful race-horses of his generation and 7 times Premium "Race Horse Sire of the Year" for his winning offspring.
Copyright: Anne Brown