Arabian Horse

Intro

Today most breeds owe some of their genetics to the Arabian horse. The beautiful and mighty Arabian is among the fountainheads of the World’s horse breeds. Displaying one of the most well-recognized profiles in the horse world, the Arabian’s physical loveliness is complimented by a hardy spirit and adaptable nature.

Origins

The breed is so old that its actual origin is unknown. Based on evidence, there are several theories. They may have originated as wild equines in Syria, Southern Turkey and Iraq, along the northern edge of the Fertile Crescent. Another theory suggests that they came from the Southwestern part of Arabia sometime around 2500 BC – where they have since been bred for thousands of years as war mounts.

It is also unclear when the first Arabian horse was domesticated or what they were used for. However by 1500 BC Arabian horses had not only been domesticated, but mastered by tribes of the area. These animals were the foundation for the Arabian horse of today.

Al Khamsa

The term Al Khamsa translates to ‘The Five’, referring to mythology behind origins of the Arabian breed. Legend says the The Five were a group of five foundation mares which established the breed. A lovely legend spun around a spectacular breed of horse. Asil essentially means ‘pure’ and also refers to the founding myth. Today the term Al Khamsa has a more grounded meaning and usually refers to a pedigreed animal, whose lineage can be traced.

Today, only a small percentage of Arabian animals carry the distinction of being of pure desert-bred lineage. Pure strains (Asil) can be found across several countries, but their documentation and sworn oaths remain standard practice to ensure pure bloodlines persist.

The Legend

The Al Khamsa legend has religious connotations, as the five foundation mares were Muhammad’s favorite. The story says that after a long trek through the desert, Muhammad freed his herd at an oasis to quench their thirst. As the animals were running towards the much needed water, he blew his battle horn, signaling the horses to return to his side. Only five of the mares returned to him, becoming his favorite of the herd. These five mares went on to spearhead the five strains of pure Al Khamsa. Bedouin prize their mares above all other animals, their lineage is matrilineal and purity of bloodlines is of supreme importance. To the point that if a mare is covered by an impure stallion, they and their future progeny can no longer be considered Asil.

The Five

Over the centuries, several Bedouin developed strains emerged. While attributed to the five foundation mares, they truly come from careful and specialized breeding practices of the nomadic tribes that treasure them. Each strain carries its own physical characteristics and three of these strains are the most well known.

Abayyan or Abeya – light and refined, known for graceful movement and agility.

Hamdani – a masculine type, which heavier and possessing powerful athletic ability.

Hadban – larger and more muscular, they are powerful and known for endurance and hardiness.

Keheilan or Kuhaylan – strong with a compact build, considered the classic desert warhorse.

Saglawi or Seglawi – slender and refined, they are prized for their feminine beauty.

Shaped by Religion and War

The prophet Mohammed was instrumental in bringing the Arabian to the rest of the world. He told his followers to cherish these animals and protect the mares who would continue to bear them. They were considered animals created by God and that good horsemanship would be rewarded in the afterlife.

Muslim conflicts in the 7th century AD continued to spread the breed’s influence outward. As nomads and warriors drifted further from home, they were forced to share scarce resources with their animals, creating deep bonds between man and animal. Until recent centuries, Bedouin tribes strictly maintained purity of the breed. Their vigilant breeding practices were the driving force behind the equine we know as today’s Arabian.

Enhancing Stock

As the breed spread, they shared their strong bloodlines with a variety of European breeds. As Christian Crusaders began to return from the East during the 12th and early 13th centuries, they brought the breed with them. The invention of the firearms also contributed to the breed’s popularity, as heavy knight’s horses were replaced with smaller, more agile cavalry mounts.

Modern Arabian

Late in the 17th and early in the 18th century, a revolution of horse breeding took place in Europe and Arabian animals laid the foundation for English Thoroughbreds. By the 19th century Arabian stud farms had been established throughout Europe, while their popularity spread quickly through Russia, Scandinavia and the U.S. Today they are one of the most popular breeds in America and their blood refines an enormous variety of breeds.

Features

Average height 14.1 – 15.1 hands
Built for speed and stamina, Arabians are quick and efficient.
Distinctive back shape
High set tail
Distinct 17 ribs, 5 lumbar vertebrae and 16 tail bone formation.

Physique

Head is wedge-shaped, dished and refined
Small muzzle with large nostrils
Big expressive eyes
Short curved ears
Neck is arched with a refined, clean throatlatch
Body is compact with short back
Tail is high set

Traditional Colors

chestnut | grey | bay

Temperament

Spirited
Intelligent
Bold

Use

Enhancing other bloodlines
Racing
Pleasure
Showing