The Anglo-Arabian horse is a Thoroughbred (prefix Anglo) crossed with an Arabian horse. The cross can be made between a Thoroughbred stallion and Arabian mare, or vice-versa. It can also be a cross between a Thoroughbred and an Anglo-Arab, an Arabian and an Anglo-Arab, or between two Anglo-Arabians. No matter what the cross, the Anglo-Arabian must have at least 12.5% percent Arabian blood to be considered an Anglo-Arabian.

France is one of the greatest producers of Anglo-Arabians. The French Anglo-Arabian has traced back to two stallions: Massoud (an Arabian), and Aslam (a Turkish horse). Imported from Syria, they were crossed with three imported English Thoroughbreds: Comus Mare, Daer, and Selim Mare. Their three daughters, Clovis, Danae, and Delphine became the foundation stock of France's breeding program. The Pompadour National Anglo Arab Stud, part of the French National Stud, is at Chateau de Pompadour inArnac-Pompadour, Correze. It also has influenced France's main sport horse breed: the Selle Francais.

The Anglo-Arabian has been used by the military, as well as a general riding and sport horse. The breed is also excellent at eventing, with the stamina, jumping ability, and speed. In theUnited States, the Anglo-Arabian is considered a partbred Arabian horse and is registered in a separate section within the Arabian Horse Association.

As a result of the different crosses that can be made to produce an Anglo-Arabian, their size and appearance is variable, though on average a bit taller than the average Arabian and of somewhat less refined type. The largest horses are usually produced by breeding a Thoroughbred mare to an Arabian stallion. The best examples of this breed inherit the refinement, bone, endurance and stamina of the Arabian, and the speed and scope of the Thoroughbred.

The horses are usually 15.2-16.3 hands high (62 to 69 inches at the withers), and mainly chesnut, bay (sometimes called "brown") or gray. The best of the breed have more of an Arabian-typeconformation, though they should not look entirely like either a Thoroughbred or an Arabian. They have a long neck, prominent withers, a short and strong body (more sturdy than the Thoroughbred), and a deep chest. They have fine heads, although not overly dished in profile, and have strong bone.