Arabian, the First of Its Kind
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

The world famous Arabian horse has a unique history and origin that is still a mystery to historians and scientists today. Through strict breeding habits, the Arabian maintains the most prominent qualities of its ancestors even to this day. Prized for its unique characteristics, this breed has been cherished for centuries, and continues to be influential in modern day riding and breeding.

The Arabian was one of the first known riding horses. Though it is believed that the Arabian horse has existed for over five thousand years, it wasn’t until around 1500 B.C. that these horses were domesticated and used by man. These horses were valued as reliable workhorses during this time period and were relied upon heavily during war. Their high endurance, speed and loyalty made them great companions during tough battles.

Though it is uncertain as to the specific origin of the Arabian horse, the desert Bedouin tribe of the Middle East is often credited for maintaining the purity of this breed. Arabian horses, especially mares, were considered prized possessions of the Bedouins. Breeding between horses that were not of pure Arabian descent was strictly forbidden within this tribe. The Arabian horse was essential to the survival of these people. Receiving an Arabian mare was considered a prestigious gift, as they could only be acquired at a high price.

“Because the Arabian was bred and raised in close contact with humans, it is known for its ability to develop close relationships with its owner, making this breed a brilliant lifelong companion.”

According to record, five different strains (also called families) of Arabian horses were bred. Great care was taken to ensure that cross breeding did not take place among these five strains, called “Al Khamsa”. The five strains include Kehilan, Seglawi, Abeyan, Hamdani and Hadban. Each strain can be identified by unique characteristics when the breed is pure. The Seglawi, for example, has a soft and feminine appearance with a long neck and face, whereas the Hamdani has a stronger more masculine build.

As time went on and the world became more traveled, stories of these great Arabian horses spread and the demand for this breed increased. In 600 A.D. the great prophet Mohammed demanded that the number of Arabian horses be increased through breeding in Europe. Unlike the Bedouin tribe’s strict breeding regimen, however, Arabian horses were used to reduce the size and strengthen the blood of European horses. This practice created a cross breed of the Arabian horse.

Hundreds of years later, three “Eastern” stallions, The Godolphin Arabian, The Byerley Turk and the Darley Arabian were imported to Europe in the late 1600’s and early 1700’s. It is said that these three stallions were sent as gifts to European politicians. Little did they know that these three purebred Arabian horses would have such an astounding affect on future breeds. These three horses are considered the founders of the modern day Thoroughbred horse. It is said that any Thoroughbred horse can be traced back through lineage to one of these three Arabian gifts.

It was not until 1725 that the first Arabian was brought to the United States by Nathan Harrison. Arabian purebred breeding did not begin until 1888, however, when Randolph Huntington began a small breeding program with two mares and three stallions. At this time the Arabian breed was not as popular in the United States as it had been in Europe. It was not until the Chicago Worlds Fair, held in 1893, that the Arabian breed grew in demand by the American people.

As the population of Arabian horses grew, organizations began to develop. The Arabian Horse Registry of America, established in 1908, maintains the records of all purebred Arabian horses in the United States and Mexico. Other organizations such as the International Arabian Horse Association and the World Arabian horse Organization oversee Arabian horse activities and help create a voice for this breed.

Because the purity of the Arabian horse has been, for the most part, maintained, many of the original characteristics can be identified in these horses even today. As a breed, Arabians are known for their strength, speed and endurance. In fact, the Arabian is so versatile that it can compete in just about any equestrian sport. An Arabian’s large lung capacity makes it the first choice for endurance races, though the Arabian can also be seen at dressage, racing and other equestrian events.

The appearance of an Arabian horse makes it easily identifiable. This breed stands 14.3 hands high on average, and has a strong and sturdy build with large eyes and nostrils, and a small head and muzzle. Arabian horses have small ears that slant slightly inward at the tip, a unique characteristic of this breed. Another unique physical characteristic of an Arabian is its concave “dish” profile.

Because the Arabian was bred and raised in close contact with humans, it is known for its ability to develop close relationships with its owner, making this breed a brilliant lifelong companion. Arabians have a calm and friendly temperament. They adore affection as well as attention, and their high level of intelligence makes them a cooperative breed that responds well to training.

The fascinating origin of the Arabian horse can be seen today through the purity that has been preserved within this breed. The strength, power and endurance of this breed have been cherished for centuries and continue to be acknowledged in a wide range of equestrian events. One of the first known riding horses, the unique characteristics of this breed make the Arabian a strong competitor and faithful companion.

Arabian, the First of Its Kind by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article

Arabian, the First of Its Kind
by Jennifer Prince, An EquestrianMag Exclusive Article