Arabian Horse

The Beautiful Arabian Horse

It is most likely you have seen and can recognize the beautiful Arabian Horse. They have distinguishable characteristics that no other horse possesses. You can find them prancing in a pasture with its head and tail held high. Where did this amazing horse come from? Well the name “Arabian” kinda gives it away but how were they discovered in Arabia? Read on…. Their history is fascinating. 

Origin of the Arabian horse and the Bedouins 

Historians suggest the Arabian horse originated in the South West part of Arabia for thousands of years. The harsh environment ensured the strongest and keenest horses. There were 3 great riverbeds which would have provided natural pastures for them to survive. You will find them in  history dating back more than 3,500 years! The Bedouins, who were nomadic inhabitants of the Middle East in the desert regions, bred them for war mounts for long treks and would surprise attack their enemies’ camps. The Bedouins favored the mares to use in raids due to them not nickering to the enemy’s horses which would have given them away and resulted in a not so much “surprise attack”. They took great pride in their Mares. It was said that the Bedouins would even bring the mares into their tents at night. Their children would grow up with the foals. Because they treated their horses like family the Arabian horse bonds strongly with their human and are very affectionate. There was not a price tag on their war mares and it was considered a huge honor if a war mare was exchanged as a gift. Bedouin tribes were very selective with their breeding practices which maintained the purity of the Arabian horse which we see today. 

The Wind of Heaven 

Is that which blows

Between a horse's ears.

Arabian Proverb

Unique Characteristics

The Arabian horse adapted to their harsh environment which created unique characteristics. The most obvious is their  “Dished Face” . The Arabians believed that the bigger the bulge between their eyes known as the “jibbah”  the bigger the blessings the horse possessed. This also allowed for a bigger sinus cavity which may have helped in its harsh desert environment. Their long arched neck, known as the “Mitbah” was said to be a sign of courage. The structure from the Arabians nostrils to where its head attached to the neck, as well as springy ribs allowed for a large windpipe and large lung capacity. What about that high tail? Arabian horses have a more level croup which sets the tail higher. Having a high tail not only makes them look proud it also helps them keep cool.

The Horse that Traveled the World

The Arabian horse traveled to England in 1683 starting the breeding of what we know as the Thoroughbred. Then moving on to Russia, Poland, Australia, North America and South America. In 1877 Ulysses S. Grant was presented with two stallions from the Sultan of Turkey. In 1906 Theodore Roosevelt and Homer Davenport imported 27 Arabian horses.   

Not only does the Arabian have a past full of adventure and has been in the company of some of the most famous historical figures. The Arabian horse still manages to wow us today. The Arabain horse dominates all endurance sports yet shows beauty and elegance in a show ring. All while doing it just to please its human and it's only reward it seeks is the unbreakable bond between a human and a horse.