Crabbet Arabians make stellar riding horses because of their soundness, athletic ability, and good temperaments. The Crabbet type of Arabian horse is a popular breed for showjumping and dressage. Today, the majority of Arabians can trace back to the Crabbet bloodlines. The Shagya-Arabian is a unique type of Arabian horse developed over 200 years in the Astro-Hungarian empire from Arabian stock and modern riding breeds. Many people consider the Shagya a type within the Arabian breed, whereas others consider them part Arabians or Anglo-Arabians. The Shagya-Arabian was created in 1789 by the Hungarian military. They sought a cavalry horse that contained all the Arabian characteristics but with a larger size and greater jumping ability.
Breeding of the Shagya included desert bred Arabian stallions with southeastern European mares that were largely descended from Arabian stock. Thoroughbreds and Lippizaners were added to the stock to improve size and movement. These outstanding horses gained their name from the magnificent Arabian stallion Shagya, who influenced the bloodlines. Shagya was tall and remarkably strong, and he passed these traits to his offspring. Most Shagyas’ can be traced back to Shagya.
