The Arabian Horse

"An Arabian will take care of its owner as no other horse will, for it has not only been raised to physical perfection, but has been instilled with a spirit of loyalty unparalleled by that of any other breed." ~Sheikh Mohamed

The origin of the Arabian horse remains a great zoological mystery. Although this unique breed has had a distinctive national identity for centuries, its history is nevertheless full of subtleties, complexities, and contradictions. The subject is hazardous, for archaeologists' spades and shifting sands of time are constantly unsettling previously established thinking.

The very nature of the breed, its shape as well as its color, was influenced by religious belief, superstition, and tradition. It was believed that the bulging forehead held the blessings of Allah. Therefore, the greater the "Jibbah," the greater the blessings carried by the horse. The great arching neck with a high crest, the "Mitbah," was a sign of courage, while a gaily carried tail showed pride. These traits were held in high esteem and selectively bred for.

Historically, the Arabian has maintained a reputation as a horse of beauty, intelligence, courage, endurance, and romance. Because he was bred and reared in close contact with man from the earliest records, and existed in mutual interdependence, he developed an unequaled ability to bond with humans. He is gentle, affectionate, and familiar, almost to the point of being troublesome. Foals, for example, have no fear of man, and are usually indifferent to sudden noises.

Show classes in English and Western pleasure, cutting and reining, even jumping and dressage, provide opportunities for fun and enjoyment at both all-Arabian events and open breed shows alike. Today, with more living Arabian horses in the United States than in all other countries in the world combined, America has some of the best horses and breeding farms from which to choose.

Information in this Breed Profile excerpted with permission from the Arabian Horse Association website, www.arabianhorses.org. Photos provided by Kristi Hopp at Bedu Arabians www.beduarabians.com. Top photo: Kingston, owned by Kristi Hopp . Bottom photo: Arieana, owned by Bedu Arabians.