Intro
The Maneghi Arabian is among the original and pure strains of desert-bred Arabian horse, these pure strains are also sometimes called Asil.
Origins
While we’ve seen that the Maneghi or Muniqi is part of ‘The Five’ strains of pure blood Arabian strains, they appear to simply be an important bloodline.
Today, only a small percentage of Arabian animals carry the distinction of being of pure desert-bred lineage. Pure strains can be found across several countries, but their documentation and sworn oaths remain standard practice to ensure pure bloodlines persist.
The Five
Over the centuries, several Bedouin developed strains emerged. While attributed to the five foundation mares, they truly come from the 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.
Maneghi
We can see how this type looks a bit more rangy and less harmonious overall than the others. However, this strain is bred for speed and breeders may have sacrificed perfect conformation for athletic ability. Unfortunately we don’t have the benefit of oral Bedouin traditions to truly understand the bloodlines and types of Arabian horse from the people who put them on the map.
What we do have is conflicting information from a variety of western breeders. Some say that the Maneghi strain was ‘contaminated’ by the blood of a Turkomen stallion in the 17th century. Others claim that this fast strain was favored by western breeders for its speed. In fact, the famous Darley Arabian is said to be of Maneghi bloodlines. Given the western breeders preference for keeping stallion bloodlines and the Bedouin following mare bloodlines, there is bound to be some confusion on what a pure animal is across borders.
Saudi Strains
Below is a quick idea of three of the different types bred in Saudi Arabia according to the DAD-IS.
Features
Average height 14.6 hands
Considered a ‘fast’ type
Physique
Head is wedge-shaped
Small muzzle with large nostrils
Big expressive eyes
Short curved ears
Neck is thick
Chest is deep
Body is compact
Tail is high set
Traditional Colors
Solid colors
Temperament
Spirited
Intelligent
Bold
Use
Enhancing other bloodlines
Racing
Pleasure
Showing
Endurance