The Arabian or Arab horse is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is one of the oldest horse breeds, with archaeological evidence of horses that resemble modern Arabians dating back 4,500 years. Throughout history, Arabian horses spread around the world by both war and trade, used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance, and strong bone. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.
Somewhere in the deserts of the Middle East, centuries ago, a breed of horse came into being. This was the Arabian horse. It belonged to a tribe called the Bedouins who lived along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. They are one of the oldest human-developed breeds in the world and well known for their stamina, intelligence excellent endurance and spirit.
The characteristic features of an Arabian horse make it stand above the other breeds. They have a broad forehead, large eyes, a small nose with large nostrils, and beautiful wedge-shaped heads. Its neck is slim and arched, its tail is high-carried with strong bones and it has good feet with beautiful strong hooves.
For the people who followed the Islamic religion, it was considered as a gift given by Allah, to be worshipped. Revered and cherished The Prophet instructed his followers to look after the Arabians and treat them with kindness and pay special attention to the female horses as they would ensure the continuity of the breed.
The color of the Arabians hair coat was usually gray, black, and roan or chestnut .But the skin under their hair coat was always black, as the Black skin protected it from the hot desert sun.
There are many legends and myths about Arabian horses. It is believed that the prophet Mohamed once let loose many horses that were with him near a place where water was seen .As the horses neared the water the Prophet blew the war bugle which indicated the horses to return. Hearing the bugle only five horses returned which proved how loyal they were to their master that despite their own need they chose service. Thus this is how the Arabian breed came into existence.
Others say that the breed began as a result of the gift given by Queen of Sheba to King Solomon. Due to the severe climate the wanderers had to share food and water, and sometimes even their tents with their horses in order to protect them as well as give them shelter. Due to this close relationship with humans this breed became highly intelligent, good-natured, very keen as well as quick learner.
The Prophet Mohammed had a very large say in spreading the influence of the horse throughout the world. They have been used by great personalities such as Napoleon, and George Washington. The Arabian horses were generally used for war, as well as were treated as a medium of transport in the early times. But now due to their ability to adapt themselves thoroughly they compete in many fields and have made the breed among the top ten in the world. Arabian horses are now found worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Australia, Europe, Brazil, as well as well as the Middle East.
