Heritage of the Horse

The beautiful Arabian horse we know today originated long ago from the deserts of the Middle East. This animal has since become one of the most popular breeds in America due to their abundant energy levels, high intelligence, kind disposition, and incredible versatility. Arabians are masters in everything they try, from showing, trail riding, racing, and endurance riding.

The Prophet Mohammad was known to spread the breed's influence in the seventh century A.D. He instructed his followers to carefully care for the horses and treat them with respect. The mares especially needed close care, due to them being the carriers of future generations. Mohammad stated that it was Allah who created the Arabian, so men who treated the animals with care would be rewarded in the afterlife.

Arabians resided with the Bedouin desert tribes for thousands of years, calling the Arabian Peninsula home. These horses were primarily used as war mounts, both on long and shorts journeys into enemy territories. It was these exact desert conditions that contributed to the large lung capacity and endurance abilities passed on through the generations. The Bedouins maintained the breed's purity by utilizing selective breeding, partially because the desert conditions made resources scarce. This process led to the beauty and athleticism we know today, including the dished face, large wide-set eyes, broad forehead, small curved ears, and large nostrils.

Many impressive historical figures considered Arabians to be their mount of choice, including Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, George Washington, and Napoleon. Arabs were used as a measure of wealth and prosperity. They were also used as a breeding base for almost all modern breeds. Traces of Arabian endurance and strength can be found in most bloodlines.

The modern Arabian we know today is basically the same as the original ancient ancestors. Their athleticism is continually displayed in the versatility of disciplines Arabians are able to perform.

For more and deeper information on the Arabian breed, please visit www.arabianhorses.org.