The rarest type of Arabian horse is the Egyptian Arabian, which makes up only about 2% of the Arabian horse population. Known for its purity and elegance, the Egyptian Arabian has bloodlines tracing back to elite Egyptian herds from the early 20th century. Another rare type is the Shagya Arabian, which is preserved through conservation efforts to maintain its genetic lineage.
The Spanish introduced horses to America that were primarily a mix of Iberian breeds, notably the Andalusian horse. These horses were valued for their strength, agility, and versatility and were commonly used for cattle herding and other work. The Hispano-Arab breed is a known cross between Andalusians and Arabian horses.
Lipizzaner horses are not purely Arabian but do have significant Arabian blood in their lineage. Their origin dates back to the 1560s, involving crosses between Arabian stallions and local Spanish horses, along with other European breeds, making them a distinct breed with Arabian influence.
There are several strains of Arabian horses, but two main traditional types are often highlighted: desert-bred Arabians from Bedouin bloodlines and the Egyptian Arabian, known for its purity and rarity. Globally, Arabian horses can be classified by their bloodline origins such as Egyptian, Polish, and Russian lines.