The skin of an Arabian is sleek and supple, the legs and jaws clean of long hair and the mane and tail is soft. Whilst Arabians have virtually covered the colour pallette, the most common colours are bay, chestnut. grey and brown. The height of an Arabian is traditionally within the limits of 14.1 and 15.1 hands.

Perhaps the hallmark of a purebred Arabian is his head - short and tapered, jowls deep, with eyes that are dark and large. In profile, the characteristic 'dish' is best represented and the small and finely shaped ears are often tipped slightly inward. Ears on a stallion, incidentally, are often smaller than those on a mare.

Arabians represent speed and lightness in their movement. The walk should be fast and free with the hind feet overstepping the front track by some 8 to 12 inches. The trotting action is free with the feet reaching out and seeming to float at full stretch before touching the ground. The canter is smooth and elastic whilst the gallop is free, yet light, covering even rough ground with a big stride and smooth ride.