Egyptian vs. Polish Arabs

[justine604]

ive worked with both, and the polish were always much more calm, less flightly, werent as extremely fine-boned as some egyptians are today. they also tended to be much more "cuddly" than the egyptians were. however the egyptians did have nicer heads and seemed to pick up new things more quickly.

[Barngoddess]

Originally Posted by LadyAshen

You too! Whenever I try to help my friends groom their horses, Ashen will quietly walk up to the other horse, and then bites them!

She won't get mad at me, she just takes it out on the other horse! Ashen might be jealous, but she knows what side her bread is buttered on!

Our first mare was also Polish/Crabbet and she had four foals with our boy before we bought them both and had him gelded (of course you can't convince him he's not a stud anymore!) She allowed him to be Mr. Stud and stood back to let him take charge. She never pushed him or questioned him -- except when we first turned them out together after having him gelded (of course we waited the 4-6 wks) and she kept "presenting" herself to him. Then when he didn't mount her, she turned and swung her hoof at him as if to say, "Hey, lets get this done!" LOL!

Kierra, on the other hand, likes to push him. She accepts him as "Mr. Stud", but she does occasionally ask him to prove why. She even goes as far as to try to steal treats that are meant for him -- something Lady Legacy would never have done. In turn, he decides when and where to "keep her in line". Our barn owner was telling us she was watching them one day and Kierra was just napping in the shade of a tree. Fire was on the other side of the pasture grazing. He stopped grazing and strolled across the pasture to where Kierra stood napping and -- BIT HER IN THE BUTT! I can even hear his thought process, "She looks way too comfortable over there. I'd better take care of that!" LOL

[Barngoddess]

Originally Posted by horselady

I have one stallion that is Polish from the Silver Vanity Line, Raffles. Strong, bold and built heavy than another from the Padron, egyptian ,line, fine boned, firey personality, yet comical , will bite anyone who he does not like and has not changed in 15 years that I own him.,
My personal mare, Silly was egyptian, and she took no guff from anyone or anything. and would only allow me to ride her. She was all boss, and yet very loving.

Our mare Kierra is from the Silver Drift, Nariadni lines on her sire's side, and Naboor, Raffles on her dam's side. Her 15.1 hands is a bit bigger than Fire's 14.3, but that comes in handy when ducking the banana spiders and webs on the trail! Her summer coat is very fine and has the signature liver chestnut of Nariadni. Her winter coat is surprisingly thick and reflects the copper shimmer of Serafina. She is very good natured and I think she enjoys her back and forth "get you back at recess" games with Fire! LOL (see long post if you are wondering about that). Kierra is great about anyone riding her -- she was even a 4H horse several years in a row before we bought her. She's been shown (and won extensively) in dressage and hunter/jumper. Our BO rides her sometimes and she is sure she has been shown western pleasure as well as she neck reins like a dream!

Fire, on the other hand, is not as patient as Kierra, and he is the Polish/Crabbet. If you don't know what you are doing, he will take full advantage and not listen to you. His twitching tail helps give away his attitude.... He is very well trained and riding him is a dream. I equate him to a Ferrari because he can be just that hot and that fast!

[sarahv]

What I like it the typey Arab, I know little of their personalities yet, I use my horses for strictly trail riding but eventually want to get into endurance. There is a lady in town that shows Arabians, but it seems like the dishes on her horses faces are very drastic, just doesn't seem natural; is that something they are breeding for today? I have my Ap. right now and he is a great learning horse, someday I would love to add an Arabian to my pasture.

Which one of these lines (Polish, Russian, Crabbet, or Egyptian) would work best for what I want?

[Danni L]

My gelding i sold last fall was polish/egyptian, big bodied, tall ,very hot and intellegent. training him was having a civilised conversation and hoping you won. if you demanded any thing you had a huge battle on your hands. loved him though

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by Slim Pikkens

This is an interesting topic. My boarder's Arab is Egyptian and was started by people who were used to training the colder blooded quarter horses. They failed miserably. When this little gal came to me, a past Arab owner, we proceeded very slowly with her training and the training of her new owner. There is now a marvellous bond between them now that I never tire of watching.

Goes to show how a good Arab can be ruined by people who know nothing about them, even unintentionally, and shine with the right owner...
I've seen it happen often.

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by sarahv

What I like it the typey Arab, I know little of their personalities yet, I use my horses for strictly trail riding but eventually want to get into endurance. There is a lady in town that shows Arabians, but it seems like the dishes on her horses faces are very drastic, just doesn't seem natural; is that something they are breeding for today? I have my Ap. right now and he is a great learning horse, someday I would love to add an Arabian to my pasture.

Which one of these lines (Polish, Russian, Crabbet, or Egyptian) would work best for what I want?

Yes, they are breeding for that extreme dish, but it compromises the horse sometimes. Some feel it interferes with the normal large structure of the nasal cavity for breathing, which is why Arabs have such endurance, as well as brain capacity. Severe inbreeding for this trait also can make them screwy.

A Polish/Crabbet mix are great for endurance..and have level heads...as well as being extremely smart. I only have to show any of my 4 something once - and I get NO argument. No rearing, bucking, biting, or any other kind of disrespectful behavior. Just have to take your time with them.
The mother/daughter are also EXTREMELY fast and turn on the dime.

[Druydess]

This is a great thread!
If anyone is interested, there is a Crabbet Society that registers and certifies Crabbet Arabians. It is theEastern Crabbet Arabian Horse Society.
Once minimum percentage is verified, your horse is eligible to participate in ECAHS events. I'm awaiting registration for my grey DS Magic's Royalty- she and her daughter have the highest percentage of Crabbet of my 4- it's all over their pedigrees...
Magic and her daughter, Spirit go back to Sheykh Obeyd Foundation through their Russian lines of Priboj, Nomenklatura, Aswan, and Nariadnaia, and through multiple lines to Mesoud, bred by Ali Pasha Sherif in Egypt - Imported to England by Crabbet Arabian Stud in 1891 as their Foundation Sire. Strain: Saklawi.
Can't wait to find out her actual percentage.

[beaner1962]

The mare in my avatar is mostly egyptian but she is far from being delicate. She has the ansata ibn halima bloodline and is 15.2 tall. Her face is not very dished and she has a lot of substance and bone. She'll outwalk any horse on the trail. I agree that the exteme dish looks unnatural in some horses. Both my horses are good trail horses and the grey one is almost like riding a gaited horse at the trot she is very smooth overall. I haven't owned any polish arabs though I like their looks too. There are some bloodlines that were known for being hot when arabs got big in the 70/80's a lot of people were breeding for showing in halter and wanted a super flashy hot horse. If you buy an arab for trail/distance riding I don't think it matters if they are polish/egyp. they all have a Lot of endurance stamina. It's like with any other horse look for saneness, disposition and ridability.

[Slim Pikkens]

When the arab arrived as a 3 yr old there was no dish in her face We were somewhat surprised when the winter woolies disappeared as she turned 4, that there it was. She had never been clipped before yet allowed me to tidy her ears, muzzle and bridle path with little fuss. If the clippers were held to my own arab's lips he'd fall asleep.

[ahabarabs]

Originally Posted by sarahv

What I like it the typey Arab, I know little of their personalities yet, I use my horses for strictly trail riding but eventually want to get into endurance. There is a lady in town that shows Arabians, but it seems like the dishes on her horses faces are very drastic, just doesn't seem natural; is that something they are breeding for today? I have my Ap. right now and he is a great learning horse, someday I would love to add an Arabian to my pasture.

Which one of these lines (Polish, Russian, Crabbet, or Egyptian) would work best for what I want?

A lot of different lines have extreme type, it is generally sought, especially in the halter/western/hunt, etc. disciplines, a prime "classic example" would be Morafic he had an a very long, exotic head, that I have heard referred to as grotesque by some, and beautiful by others.

As far as what you desire for an arab, I would go with the "old egyptian" lines,( al khamsa, is a "groups name example" of preservation lines) they are in general fairly quiet, compact, smart, and have good endurance, some relation of mine have a farm in S. Carolina and raise the old- turfa (desert) crosses, Bahr Rih arabians, they have some pictures of examples on their web-site to see, even though the pictures do not do them justice, Pasha their old stallion in person was incredible, again most breeders of these lines do not show a lot usually, they are more into the breeding/preservation of the original "desert horse"

[LadyAshen]

Originally Posted by Druydess

She's gorgeous! I may have to add a black to my herd...
My five really aren't jealous so much as curious. I've taught them if they want to get attention, everyone has to play nice, and they do. (different situation with new horses such as yours) If one is near me, the other do come up to see if they're missing anything. And they're all so gentle. It's amazing to be surrounded by 5 mares, all with their own personalities, and never having to worry about them being disrespectful or pushy.
Ashen's biting thing is sorta comical though..

Thanks so much!!!

I adore Ashen but I will not tolerate anything disrespectful from her in the saddle or on the ground. She knows better than to be pushy towards anyone and is especially careful with children. Ashen is like a baby sitter with kids.

She is firmly told off if anything occurs that I do not like, and she responds just like a little kid and looks chastised and apologetic -- stopping right away. Ashen is in the middle of the her hierachy and is not aggressive towards other horses in general. They even push her aside and take her treats if I am not careful.

The only times I have ever seen any type of aggression are those jealous nips and only if I am ignoring her. She may not want to be with me, but she does not want any other horse taking up her human's time!

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by LadyAshen

Thanks so much!!!

I adore Ashen but I will not tolerate anything disrespectful from her in the saddle or on the ground. She knows better than to be pushy towards anyone and is especially careful with children. Ashen is like a baby sitter with kids.

She is firmly told off if anything occurs that I do not like, and she responds just like a little kid and looks chastised and apologetic -- stopping right away. Ashen is in the middle of the her hierachy and is not aggressive towards other horses in general. They even push her aside and take her treats if I am not careful.

The only times I have ever seen any type of aggression are those jealous nips and only if I am ignoring her. She may not want to be with me, but she does not want any other horse taking up her human's time!

They're pretty smart aren't they? They "know" more than we give them credit for. They can be amusing with new horses around "their person"...
Mine usually give me the "What about Me!??" pathetic look.


<<<She may not want to be with me, but she does not want any other horse taking up her human's time!>>>

This is funny!

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by Slim Pikkens

When the arab arrived as a 3 yr old there was no dish in her face We were somewhat surprised when the winter woolies disappeared as she turned 4, that there it was. She had never been clipped before yet allowed me to tidy her ears, muzzle and bridle path with little fuss. If the clippers were held to my own arab's lips he'd fall asleep.

Some develop late..my eldest of the 2 full sisters I have just this year had become noticeably more muscular, refined, and her face more feminine. Her jibbah, the forehead bulge, has increased, widening her eyes...
Didn't think it was possible, but she doesn't look like the horse I bought as a coming 3 year old. She's turned into a real stunner. And she's tall!

Sounds like yours is a sweetheart Slim.

[LadyAshen]

Honey, if you only knew the conversations we have!! Ashen responds just like she truly understands everything I say.

She is not quite as sweet when I ride her as when the kids do. But she trusts me more than anyone and will go with me more willingly than with other adults. Ashen is a trip!

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by ahabarabs

A lot of different lines have extreme type, it is generally sought, especially in the halter/western/hunt, etc. disciplines, a prime "classic example" would be Morafic he had an a very long, exotic head, that I have heard referred to as grotesque by some, and beautiful by others.

As far as what you desire for an arab, I would go with the "old egyptian" lines,( al khamsa, is a "groups name example" of preservation lines) they are in general fairly quiet, compact, smart, and have good endurance, some relation of mine have a farm in S. Carolina and raise the old- turfa (desert) crosses, Bahr Rih arabians, they have some pictures of examples on their web-site to see, even though the pictures do not do them justice, Pasha their old stallion in person was incredible, again most breeders of these lines do not show a lot usually, they are more into the breeding/preservation of the original "desert horse"

I Agree Ahabarabs & Beaner. Love the Halima line! There are many lines that can get you what you want - just do your research and get a feel for their personality.. they should all be judged individually...

Love that link Ahabarabs; they are gorgeous. Pasha would be lovely cross for my grey.
I'm filing that link as as possible sire contenders for my girls, or maybe a future stallion for my herd.
Thanks!

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by LadyAshen

Honey, if you only knew the conversations we have!! Ashen responds just like she truly understands everything I say.

She is not quite as sweet when I ride her as when the kids do. But she trusts me more than anyone and will go with me more willingly than with other adults. Ashen is a trip!

She sounds like it! Too bad you're not closer - would love to meet her..
I know what you mean. Firestorm, the eldest chestnut sister, and I have a special bond. I only THINK something and she does it, whether riding, or on the ground. There is some sort of telepathy between us. Her younger sister, Solei, LOVES to sit with me and just hang her head, looking at me with huge brown eyes while I'm talking or just standing there happy to be near me, sighing now and then, even while the others are grazing. I have to chase her away so she'll eat.
Firestorm is AMAZING with kids. I can almost see the emotional/physical change when they're around. She becomes even more gentle and "aware."

[ahabarabs]

Yeah, Pasha in person was incredible, I need to call them, I suspect that he has probably passed on, I have not talked to them in a while to see what's up, who is around still and who's not, I bought my first stallion from their neighbors farm he was ansata/crabbet x, and I thought him to have a lovely typey head, ( which he did ) until walking over to Pasha's stall, and seeing his head come out, no truer classic type existed I don't think, but the al khamsa link used to have a whole list of breeders, of similar bred/type arabs, from all over the country, as there are quite a few, I don't know if Bahr Rih has retained any Pasha sons for stud or not, I would think they have, I really need to give them a call, maybe do that today, will let you know.

[Druydess]

Originally Posted by ahabarabs

Yeah, Pasha in person was incredible, I need to call them, I suspect that he has probably passed on, I have not talked to them in a while to see what's up, who is around still and who's not, I bought my first stallion from their neighbors farm he was ansata/crabbet x, and I thought him to have a lovely typey head, ( which he did ) until walking over to Pasha's stall, and seeing his head come out, no truer classic type existed I don't think, but the al khamsa link used to have a whole list of breeders, of similar bred/type arabs, from all over the country, as there are quite a few, I don't know if Bahr Rih has retained any Pasha sons for stud or not, I would think they have, I really need to give them a call, maybe do that today, will let you know.

I love his look and his lines..
He's still listed, but he'd be quite up there in years. Would you mind PMing me if you find he is or is no longer at stud?
I'd appreciate it!

[ahabarabs]

Yes, I will , I am gonna try to get a hold of them today, and will let you know, they did not have AI last time we spoke, so I will see what's up, and PM you as soon as I find out!