Arabian Horse

The Arab is the oldest pure breed, and evidence suggests that it existed on the Arabian peninsula around 2500 BC. It first came to Europe with the invading Muslim armies in the eight and ninth centuries and soon influenced local breeds. The first Arabian horse in Britain was in A.D. 1121 when Alexander I, King of Scotland, presented an Arabian to the Church of St. Andrews. From that time on, Arabians horses were occasionally introduced to British ponies to improve their speed; in 1616 James I brought a celebrated Arabian from a Mr. Markham. Their popularity in England did not begin until Charles II sent his Master of the Arabian to the Levant to purchase stallions and brood mares and from then their reputation became established.

Arab blood is the chief and dominant source of the Thoroughbred and has restored the most desirable qualities to countless breeds. Arabian soundness, hardiness, and resilience, coupled with a spirited character and free action, are still the time honored combination. An official 'International Breed', the Arab is bred all over the world, with pedigree controlling registration with the Arab Breed Society.

The Arab is a versatile and varied breed. It is raced and, although its action is not ideal for dressage or to jump big fences, it is well able to compete in the full range of equestrian sports and excels at long-distance or endurance racing. Arabs are also often shown in hand or under saddle. However, out-crossing to other breeds remains the primary use. The Anglo-Arab has become a registered breed in its own right.

The Arab is a light-boned, small muscular horse with fine bone structure. It has a fine, dished profile, mobile, neat ears that point in slightly, and large, bright, widely spaced eyes, tapering to flared nostrils and a small muzzle. The coat, mane, and tail are fine and silky. The shoulder can be fairly straight, but proportionate to the short back, while the chest is deep and broad and the wither rather flat. The Arab has a unique bone formation of 17 ribs, 5 lumbar bones and 16 tail vertebrae (as opposed to 18-6-18 for most other horses), which results in the croup being flat to the tail, which then extends straight from the spine. The limbs are very clean, with well-defined bone, joints, and tendons. The hocks, formerly a weakness of the modern, light-boned Arab, have improved.

Arab horses are adaptable to every type of environment or climate and can exist on a sparse diet. They have great powers of endurance, are sure-footed on the roughest of ground, and are blessed with an inherent soundness and intelligence that sets them apart. Arabs are generally kind and friendly, can be high-spirited, even neurotic. Many are naturally suspicious of water. Thanks to their economical action, which is straight, low and free, Arabs can carry heavy weights over long distances.