The versatile Arabian is the "can do" horse. Historically bred on the Arabian Peninsula, living in tents with Bedouin tribes, Arabian horses are highly socialized, treated as family members.  Bred for beauty, intelligence and a kind disposition, the Arabian is a wonderful choice as first horse for today's buyer seeking a versatile horse. Part of the fun is shopping for the gear and outfits, ranging from cowgirls and cowboys in chaps and cowboy hats to elegant dressage and the beautiful English hunter and saddleseat wear. Christensen's Saddlery is a popular spot, and don't miss bargains on eBay.

Riding lessons develop physical coordination, good manners, responsibility, empathy for the animal, as well as endless hours of fun just being with them. Costs are in line with country club memberships, karate or other enrichments, and there are different levels of involvement, from taking lessons to owning your own ranch or farm. Work study agreements are common and some of the most talented trainers were horse crazy kids who worked their way up.

Where to find them?

California is to Arabians what Kentucky is to Thoroughbreds. It's the ideal place to shop for your Arabian.

The Sacramento area is home to some of the finest Arabians in the world and features the country's best learning programs for adults and children. Start by visiting a show - the schedule is available at www.arabianhorses3.org.

This is the “go slow” class with beautiful saddles trimmed in silver, beautiful western wear and a wonderful starting point for beginners. Western Pleasure horses are enjoyed by men and women of all ages in the show ring and on the trail.

See Arabian Trainer Tammy McDonald above left. Tammy is a top competitor and runs one of the nation's best programs for children, including a "Horse Camp." Her program has an excellent record for show achievement, fun trail rides and safety. Tammy also breeds Half Arabian Half Welsh ponies for tiny tikes.

Tammy competes and trains in both English and Western. The jumping horse at the top of the page is one of her breeding stallions. Visit www.tammymcdonaldtraining.com

Ranch services include breeding, training & sales.

Dressage is somewhat like gymnastics developing an extremely obedient, supple horse and skilled rider. It's a stepped program, advancing through levels, developing the physiology and mind of the horse .

At left see Jennifer Tobie, trainer at Mount Pleasant Stallion Station. This training program is currently full, but may have openings in the future for intermediate riders insterested in dressage. They also have a breeding service and a large inventory of fine show horses for sale at any given time in a wide price range. See www.mtpleasantstallionstation.com. Prices start at $5,000.00.

Cindy Morgan, left, is the owner and has a life long interest in Arabians; MPSS is a reputable facility with a proven show and safety record.

Another dressage program is Michelle Canfield at Panoche Ranch. Many of the leaders in this division have started here. Michelle offers breeding, training and sales and is also a life long member and enjoys a reputable business reputation.

A solution is racing and the breeding classes, where the owner participates from the grandstands, or can participate as an owner in the breeding classes. Here the horse is presented without a rider and lead in the arena for the judges to evaluate for quality of physique (called "conformation") and movement.

For a special story about local youth Ashley Young, who went from beginner to National Champion see http://www.arabianhorses.org/home/stories/011008.asp

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