The Arabian horse is considered by many to be the most beautiful equine animal in the world. It is the oldest and purest of horse breeds, and is able to boast much popularity as well. The famous dished profile is recognized everywhere as well as the Arab's expressive eyes, high spirits, and beautiful floating action.

Studies of ancient art suggest that horses much like the Arab lived in the Arabian peninsula as far back as 2000-3000 B.C. These horses became extremely well adapted to living in a harsh environment, having exceptional powers of endurance, soundness, and the ability to survive just fine when food and rations were scarce. More than any other breed of horse, the Arab has influenced many equine breeds around the world. For example, back in the seventh and possibly early eighth centuries, the followers of Islam spread across North Africa and into Spain. The horses they took with them were of superior quality, and were bred to the native stock of other lands, therefore introducing Arab blood.

George Washington himself was the proud owner of an Arabian charger, affectionately named Magnolia. Although she was quite small in size, her strength and stamina allowed her to carry her master through his fiercest campaigns. Even Napoleon rode a desert stallion named Marengo, who bore him on his long retreat from Moscow.

Storytellers in Arabia are familiar with the tale of the Prophet Mohammed, which goes roughly like this. The Prophet would only accept the most obedient mares, and to test them, he penned a hundred thirsty horses within sight and smell of a clear stream. Once turned loose, they stampeded for the water, but when they were almost there, the notes of a war bugle rang out. Only five mares halted, and these were chosen by the Prophet. The way the story goes, these mares were the early ancestors of the delicate, but bold Arabian horse we know today.

One of the five mares was named "Of-the-Cloak" because of a peculiar incident. A rider, escaping from an enemy, threw off his cloak for more freedom. You can imagine how surprised he was when he had arrived in camp and found that the arched tail of his Arabian mare had caught and held his cloak. Afterward, all descendants of that particular mare were called Abeyan, the Arabian version of "Of-the-Cloak." Today, the up-flung tail of the Arabian horse is a recognizable characteristic of the breed.

The unique outline of this breed is determined by the formation of its skeleton, which differs from most other horse breeds in several ways. First of all, the Arab has 17 ribs instead of the normal 18, five lumbar vertebrae instead of six, and 16 tail vertebrae instead of 18. Arabs are normally 14.2-15h at the withers, and they are most often chestnut, grey, bay, or black in color.

Anglo-Arabs vs. Arabs

Perhaps you have heard of the Anglo-Arab and wondered about its relation to the purebred Arabian horse. It is a more substantial horse than the Arab, and is produced by crossing an Arab and a Thoroughbred. The best examples of the Anglo-Arab will inherit the endurance and stamina of the Arab, as well as the speed and scope of the Thoroughbred, but not the latter's high-strung temperament. France has been the number one producer of Anglo-Arabs since the beginning of the nineteenth century. The breed traces back to two eastern stallions, called Massoud (an Arab) and Aslam (said to be of Turkish origin).

Massoud and Aslam were imported from Syria and then crossed with three English Thoroughbred mares, Daer, Comus Mare, and Selim Mare. Their fillies, Delphine, Clovis, and Danaë became the foundation stock of France's first breed of sports horse. At one time, Anglo-Arabs were used primarily by the military and as a riding and competition horse. Recently it has been playing a starring role in the development of the more modern sports horse, the Selle Français. Crossing the Thoroughbred and Arabian has produced many outstanding competition horses in the Olympic disciplines, and the breed is quite popular for many different events.

Purebred Arabian horses are currently bred throughout the world. They are quite common in the show ring, and are often found competing in the sport of endurance riding, because of their stamina and ability to keep going for long periods of time. Arabians are very talented and have a history that dates way back. We hope that this article has increased both your knowledge and love of Arabian horses, as well as your appreciation of their beauty, intelligence, and stamina.

If you would like to learn more about Arabian horses, or are interested in purchasing one, we suggest you get in touch with the Arabian Horse Registry of America, Inc., 12000 Zuni Street, Westminster, Colorado 80234.

— AE