Arabian

The Arabian is one of the oldest horse breeds, known for its dished face, high tail carriage and stamina. Most stand around 14.1 to 15.1 hands. Arabians are intelligent and sensitive, so they respond well to calm, fair handling and can be spirited with an uncertain rider. They suit endurance riding, desert hacks, showing and confident family riders.

Although the breed grew up in hot, dry lands, a UAE summer still needs care. Ride early or late, give shade and clean water all day, cool the horse down properly after work and avoid long trips in the midday heat. Feed, stabling, farrier and vet visits add up each month, so plan the running costs before you plan the purchase. Arrange a pre-purchase check by an equine vet, and for soundness, teeth and any health history, ask your vet.

Ask for pedigree and registration papers and check that the microchip matches them. Ask for vaccination records, see the horse handled and ridden in person, and meet it more than once if you can. A horse that is imported needs an import permit and health certificate, so check the current rules with MOCCAE or your municipality. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 25,000 and AED 45,000, and age, training and bloodline make a big difference.