Arabian horse

Lore & Background

The Arabian developed in a desert climate and was prized by the nomadic Bedouin people, often brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection from theft. Selective breeding for traits including an ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. The Arabian also developed the high spirit and alertness needed for raiding and war. This combination of willingness and sensitivity requires modern owners to handle them with competence and respect. Arabian horses have refined, wedge-shaped heads, a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils, and small muzzles. Most display a distinctive concave or 'dished' profile. Many have a slight forehead bulge between the eyes, called the jibbah by the Bedouin, believed to have helped in the dry desert climate. Other features include an arched neck with a large windpipe, a relatively long, level croup, and naturally high tail carriage. Some Arabians have 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of the usual 6, and 17 pairs of ribs rather than 18. Arabians are classified as a 'hot-blooded' breed, sensitive and intelligent, enabling quick learning and greater communication with riders. They do not tolerate inept or abusive training practices. Most have a natural tendency to cooperate with humans, but when treated badly can become nervous or anxious, though seldom vicious unless seriously spoiled or subjected to extreme abuse.

Reader's Guide

The Arabian horse is a versatile breed that dominates the discipline of endurance riding and competes in many other fields of equestrian sport. It is one of the top ten most popular horse breeds in the world, found worldwide including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, continental Europe, South America (especially Brazil), and the Middle East. Arabian bloodlines have been used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and strong bone. The breed is noted for a greater density of bone than other breeds, short cannons, sound feet, and a broad, short back, giving physical strength comparable to many taller animals. Even a smaller Arabian can carry a heavy rider. For centuries, Arabian horses lived in the desert in close association with humans, and only horses with a naturally good disposition were allowed to reproduce, resulting in a good temperament that allows children to exhibit stallions in nearly all show ring classes. The breed's sensitivity and intelligence enable quick learning, but also require competent handling.

Did You Know?

• Some Arabians have 5 lumbar vertebrae instead of the usual 6, and 17 pairs of ribs rather than 18.
• The classic roan gene does not appear to exist in Arabians; horses registered as 'roan' usually express rabicano or sabino patterns.
• All Arabians have black skin, except under white markings, which provided protection from the intense desert sun.