Tamed since at least 1500 B.C., the Bedouin people were the first to begin keeping bloodlines of this breed. Although Egyptian and Syrian kings surely owned these fine, light-boned horses, it is to the Bedouins we must look to find the earliest attempts to purify and refine the breed.
In ancient times, the Bedouins disdained the small Barb horse of Northern Africa (so named for the Barbary Coast from which they hailed), but without a doubt the Arab shares an ancestry with this graceful yet small horse. Regardless, once bred for certain qualities by the Bedouins, the Arabian became a breed apart. Highly esteemed for its legendary endurance, the Arab became a horse both beautiful as well as remarkably hearty.
Their mark on all horse breeds cannot be understated. Most pony breeds have been infused with Arab blood to give us the small but thin-boned ponies we have today. Arab blood runs through nearly all Thoroughbreds, as well as in virtually all light horse species in existence.
There are several physical and emotional aspects of the Arab which set them apart. Emotionally, they are high-spirited animals, preferring to bond with one owner. Spend a little time at an Arab show and you will see what I mean by high-spirited. Carrying their heads proudly erect, there is no confusing this animal with the far more docile Quarterhorse. Still treated like royalty today, this blue-blooded mantle of superiority has not been forgotten by the breed.
Physically, the Arabian has several distinguishing features. They possess one less vertebrae in their backs, which contributes to their elegant profile with tail held high. Their eyes are large while their heads are small, with a concave or “dished” shape to the face. Their ears curve slightly inward. On the forehead between their eyes, they have a bulge, known as a Jibbah. The joining of the head to the neck forms a profound arch called the Mitbah.
Each of these physical characteristics held meaning for the Bedouin: Jibbah signified the touch of Allah, a sign of great intelligence as well as blessings from God. The Mitbah signified courage. And the highly-carried tail, pride.
Proud, courageous and intelligent, all Arabians are still so marked today.
Mares were more highly prized to the Bedouins as they were silent in battle, not calling out with a whinny or nicker as stallions are wont to do. Genealogy descended through the mare for this reason.
Races were held on the Arabian desert, and the winner got to choose the best of the loser’s horse stock. However, a war mare was never given away or sold. Viewed as the best of what the Arabian species has to offer, a war mare was only available as a gift. As from God, who granted mankind the gift of the wind in the form of the noble Arab, a mare likewise could only be a gift. Nevertheless, they were often stolen and such tales are the source of magnificent fables and intrigue.
In the Middle Ages, kings and crusaders of Europe wanted this fine horse, which could surge quickly into battle unlike the heavy shire horses of the north. In the 1800’s, other countries began active breeding programs, which is why when researching Arab horses today, you will find the Polish, Russian, Spanish or Crabbet (British) lines. Nearly all countries reached out for these amazing horses and began breeding them, their popularity widening in each land into which they placed a hoof.
Because of their long-standing relationship with humans, it is said that Arabian foals are unafraid of people. With the Arabian bonding so closely with its human owners, the breed maintains a high popularity. Could this be the horse for you as well? The breed is suited to a wide number of sports; their talents and abilities are endless.
The oldest Arabian breed society in America is the Arabian Horse Registry of America. They maintain the studbook from the first and all subsequent infusions of the breed into the United States. Their web site lists all Arabian horse shows in the nation. Take some time to visit a show and experience all the goodness that is the Arabian horse.
