Arabian horses are noble animals, their ancestry dating back for more than 5,000 years. Down through the ages, they have been the preferred mounts for Royalty, artists, poets, and historians. They feature in the sculptures of the Assyrians, tomb paintings of the Pharaohs, and on the coins of ancient Greece and Rome.

The many colorful stories, myths and legends surrounding the Arabian make up the noble background of the gentle and proud breed.

The Arabian went with the Saracens to Spain at the beginning of their seven century rule in Andalusia. European princes sent messengers to the desert in search of Arabian stallions for their own studs. Napoleon Bonaparte owned many Arabians which he used to breed cavalry horses. Today Arabian horses can be found all around the world and are used to improve other breeds by interbreeding for their distinctive characteristics.

With his strength of bone, fine head, proudly curved neck and natural lightness and elegance, the Arabian commands attention wherever he goes. The Arabian horse is naturally good-natured, quick to learn and willing to please. Far from being docile, he is high spirited, clever and extremely sensitive to the atmosphere around him. Arabians come in all colors from bay to roan. Bay, gray, and chestnut are the most common with black being somewhat rare.

The breed standard hight for Arabians, as ruled by the United States Equestrian Federation is between 14.1 and 15.1 hands (a hand measures 4 inches). Regardless of height, all Arabians are classed as "horses" and not ponies. In Europe as well as America,taller animals are now widely preferred with the result that today many Arabians are between 15 and 16 hands.

The animals can be kept in tip-top condition by feeding them lucerne chaff, hay, and breeda crumble as well as a special mix containing livermol, garlic, naturakelp and dolomite. They also love a daily munch on carrots.

Today, Arabians are bred mainly for the show ring, endurance riding and for racing. They also make extremely good dressage animals as they are very clever and strong.

Arabian horses are addictive. Whether it is witnessing a new born foal's arrival, or stroking the velvety neck of a show horse, or looking into the soft, bright eyes of a stallion, prepare to fall in love with them. They will captivate you with their own special magic.

Reference:
http://en.wkipedia.org/wiki/Ar abian_horse

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