Arabian
Search the background of the world’s many horse breeds and you will find Arabian bloodlines. This ancient and revered breed was developed somewhere in the deserts of the Middle East as far back as 2500 B.C. Historians disagree as to the exact point of origin, but place it in the areas that are now Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Turkey and Egypt.
To the Bedouin tribes, the Arabian was considered a gift from God and the horse’s courage, beauty and endurance was greatly celebrated. Bedouin tribesmen are credited with selectively breeding the Arabian, and many of today’s Arabs trace back to this ancient desert breeding program. The Muslim conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries helped spread the Arabian horse throughout much of the known world at that time. The Arab’s remarkable versatility and influence is recognized worldwide.
Conformation:
Refined, delicate head with wide, prominent forehead, large eyes and tapering, dished muzzle. High-set, arched neck. Pronounced withers. Deep, muscular chest. Long, sloping shoulder. Short, straight back with long, level croup. High tail carriage. Slender, muscular legs with well-defined tendons and broad, strong joints. Small, tough hooves.
Characteristics:
Excels at endurance riding. Arabs have 17 ribs, 5 lumbar vertebrae and 16 tailbones, while other breeds have 18 ribs, 6 lumbar vertebrae and 18 tailbones.
Temperament:
Spirited and willing. Intelligent and kind.
How tall is it?
14.2 to 15 hands
What can I use it for?
Extremely versatile. Used for riding and driving and virtually any English and Western discipline.
Where does it come from?
Arabian Peninsula, Asia
