How to Crossbreed Shire and Arabian Horses

Shires and Arabians are two different breeds of horses with contrasting temperaments, sizes and physiques. Arabian horses are small and delicate looking, with slender legs and elegant heads. They are deceptively strong and hardy for their size, and have good speed and stamina. Shire horses were originally bred as farm workhorses in Britain. They are very large and strong, with well-developed muscles. Shires have a laid back, willing temperament and are generally calm, manageable horses. Crossing an Arabian with a Shire will ideally produce a large, strong, athletic horse with good stamina and a calm temperament, but take care to select the right sire and dam.

Things You'll Need

  • Shire horse
  • Arabian horse
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine whether you wish to use an Arabian mare and Shire stallion, or vice versa. Often (but not always) the stallion will be the partner with the dominant genes. Ask to see photographs of progeny on both the mare and stallion's side to give you an idea of the type of foals they normally produce. Decide which characteristics you wish to produce in your foal. If speed is one of your criteria, look for a sire or dam with a proven track record of producing fast foals.

    • 2

      Think about the respective heights of the two horses. If you having a mare covered naturally, she should not be more than one hand (4 inches) different in size to the stallion. If you are using artificial insemination, the size difference can be greater. However, it is generally better for the stallion to be smaller than the mare, as this gives the foal more room in utero. A mare covered by a very large stallion may have problems giving birth. With two breeds that are different in size like the Shire and the Arabian, it may be better to use a Shire mare with an Arabian stallion. Otherwise, you will need to find small or large examples of the breeds.

    • 3

      Make sure that the two horses you have selected are healthy and have no genetic problems. If you are using a stallion from a commercial stud farm, the horse will have been subject to veterinary inspections and have a good track record of producing healthy foals. If you are using a friend's stallion, get a veterinarian to check it for suitability. Get the mare checked to make sure that she is strong, healthy and has no conformation faults, such as an overly narrow pelvis that could cause problems with a big foal.

    • 4

      Cover the mare with the stallion. Most commercial stud farms now use artificial insemination, as it is safer. If you are covering the mare at home, have a veterinarian in attendance, particularly for a first foal.