Morab

By PetMD Editorial on Dec. 6, 2009

Morab, as the name implies, is a horse breed that resulted from the combination of Morgan, Arab, and Quarter horses. It has a sound conformation and is used mainly for riding.

Physical Characteristics

Morab horses are developed primarily as a riding horse. Standing 14.1 to 15.2 hands high (56-61 inches, 142-155 centimeters), the breed is an example of the grace, elegance, and refinement that few horses have. It sports a wide variety of coat colors, with dark-set skin and eyes, and rare white markings on the lower legs and face.

Morab horses have flared nostrils, broad cheeks, a narrow muzzle and expressive, large eyes set in a refined and straight head. The head is attached to average-sized but massive neck; their shoulders are extended and muscular; their backs are short but solid. Morab horses have fairly noticeable withers, wide and deep chests, and muscular croups. Their leg structure, meanwhile, is sound, with flat bones, well-formed joints, broad forequarters, and tough and shapely hooves. Morab horses also have strong hindquarters, which enable it to move with a free gait.

Personality and Temperament

Intelligent, affectionate, and obedient, the Morab is a great fit for inexperienced riders. It also has a calm temperament and can be easily trained for high-action tournament riding or for pleasure trail riding.

Health

Morab horses take longer to mature than many other horses -- as many as seven years to reach full maturity. Although Morab horses are slightly vulnerable during the first few years of life, their utility is longer-lasting because, like other slow-maturing horse breeds, Morabs have longer lives.

History and Background

The Morab is an American breed developed in the early 19th century, mainly by using the early pedigrees of the Morgan, Arab, and Quarter horse.

One of the most important parts in its development occurred in the in 1850s, when L.L. Dorsey produced a stallion named Goldlust from a mare of Arab horse descent and a stallion named Vermont Morgan 69. Before Goldlust died, he produced 302 foals and many more distant descendants, including a horse named Morab.

The actual name "Morab" was born in the '20s, when William Randolph Hearst became involved in a breeding program for his herd. Hearst produced horses of fine quality with his Arab stallions and Morgan mares. Another Morab variety was later created when the Texas-based Swenson Brothers, used young Morgan Stallions and broodmares and mixed them with Arab stock.

The modern Morab is no longer used in inter-breeding programs, but is bred and trained as a distinct horse breed. After undergoing selective breeding and training, Morab horses, have become top horse choices for trail riding, driving, or any other mounted activities.