by Donna Sabatine

Created on: October 27, 2010

Arabian Horses

“As old as time itself, and as swift as its passing shadows” are words used to describe the Arabian horse in the well known reference book The Classic Arabian, written by famed author and Arabian horse breeder Judith Forbis.  With over 3500 years of history and lore behind the breed, few breeds today can claim to have inspired horsemen, artists, poets and kings as much as the Arabian horse.

Undeniably Arabian

Know for their distinctive breed type which includes a short dished face, tippy ears, beautiful arched neck, strong bone, fine skin and hair coat and uncanny intelligence, most horsemen will recognize an Arabian on sight easier than any other breed.  If these characteristics alone do not demand recognition as “Arabian” then the high tail carried like a banner as they move most certainly will.  All of these attributes were desired by the bedouin with a practical purpose in mind.  The large, flaring nostrils allowed huge amounts of air to be taken in by the horses in battles and in long journeys across the desert sand.  It is this quality that earned Arabians the moniker of “Drinkers of the Wind”.  The tippy ears and arched neck were carried high to be able to alert to any danger in the distance.  The dark eyes, large in proportion to their skull boast long lashes to protect their vision from the blowing sands.   The strong bone and fine skin and hair coat for which the Arabian horse is famous, also helped keep them sound on long journeys or raids.  The fine skin and hair coat, and even that famous Arabian tail carriage allowed for greater heat dispersal in an unforgiving climate.

The History of the Breed

The breed itself was developed among the Bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula as war horses and ultimately family members.  The mares were prized above all others and were routinely kept in the tents with the tribes families as protection against theft.  Many great stories and ballads have been written of a Bedouins love for his Arabian mare.  Over time and through trade, war and travel as the horses were introduced across the world, this love affair with an ancient breed spread across all countries and cultures.  Arabian horses were used extensively as foundation stock for improving beauty and stamina as most of today’s light breeds of horses were developed.

What is Arabian Type?

No discussion of Arabian horses would be complete

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