The Anglo-Arab is bred throughout Europe, with France being one of the foremost breeding centers. The French National Studs have been breeding the Anglo-Arab since the middle of the 19th century and have established themselves as the most successful breeding center.

However, the breed originated in the UK in the 18th and 19th century and came about through a cross between the Thoroughbred and the Arab. In England one of the most successful crosses is an Arabian stallion and a Thoroughbred mare, since this combination tends to produce larger and better offspring than would a cross between a Thoroughbred stallion and an Arabian mare.

The breeding of the Anglo-Arab is quite a science and is achieved through knowledgeable selective breeding. Anglo-Arabs must have at least twenty-five percent of Arab blood in them and the usual method of crossing is to use a pure-bred Arabian stallion on a Thoroughbred or Anglo-Arab mare. The Anglo-Arab should combine the best features of the Arab and the Thoroughbred, without displaying either breed's characteristics too obviously.

They should show the speed and class of both breeds, while having the stamina and toughness of the Arab. The Anglo-Arab is a natural athlete with great jumping ability which, combined with speed, produces excellent event horses. They are often bigger than the purebred Arabs and heights vary between 15.2 hh and 16.3 hh. In appearance they should be a quality horse with a sensible outlook.

They have finely shaped heads which have the look of an Arabian about them but should not be overly dished in profile. The general outline is similar to the Thoroughbred but they should have more substance. The neck should be of good length and nicely curved from the withers to the poll. Their shoulders are very powerful and should slope to allow for speed and free movement. They are deep in the chest and compact through the body with powerful hindquarters.

The legs should be well-formed with strong tendons, good bones, and tough joints- the feet are well-formed and hard. Naturally good movers, with free-flowing and long-striding action, they make excellent saddle horses and jumpers. In color, they are generally bay , brown, or chestnut, but can be any color, and have white markings.

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