The Arabian Derivative Horse

The Arabian horse has been used in the development of most of the light breeds for horse and pony. Arabian Derivative is the collective term for horses registered with AHSA Ltd which have been derived from Pure Arabian bloodlines and those of another breed. Ideally, the progeny will display desirable characteristics and qualities of both the Arabian and the other breed.

There are eight Arabian Derivative registries in Australia:
  • Anglo-Arabian
  • Arabian Pony
  • Arabian Riding Pony
  • Arabian Warmblood
  • Half Arabian
  • Partbred Arabian
  • Quarab and
  • Arabian Stockhorse

As from 1/8/2012 in order to be registered as an Arabian Derivative a horse must trace in at least one line to a Pure Arabian horse registered as such in a recognized studbook for Pure Arabian horses and maintain a minimum 12.5% of Arabian blood or have both parents registered AHSA. The registry for which it will be eligible will depend on the other breed or breeds in its pedigree. Unlike some other breed societies, which allow for “breeding up” from crossbred to purebred status, the AHSA does not allow for Arabian Derivatives to be upgraded to Pure Arabian status.

Australia’s first Arabian Derivative registries were established in 1949 for Anglo Arabians and Part Arabians. The Arabian Pony registry was created in 1971. The Arabian Warmblood registry was approved in 1989 followed by the Arabian Riding Pony registry in 1990. In 2003, the Quarab and Arabian Stockhorse registries were approved and most recently in 2015, the Half Arabian registry was approved.

The Arabian Derivative registries, which allow for the formal registration and recognition of crossbred horses of Arabian descent, are relatively new compared with the long history of the Pure Arabian breed, but crossbreeding Arabian horses is not new.  For centuries horse breeders and users have found that mixing Arabian blood with that of other equines results in an improved animal for a variety of purposes. Many other breeds freely acknowledge the contribution of Arabian blood in their makeup. The English Thoroughbred, the Trakehner, the English Riding Pony, the Morgan and the Standardbred are a few examples. Two uniquely Australian breeds, the Australian Pony and the Australian Stockhorse, can point to a strong Arabian influence.

Arabian Derivatives are also horses of many colours, so many are also eligible for registration in registries specific to Palominos, Buckskins, Appaloosa, Pinto, Roan etc.
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