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introduction
Unparalleled beauty, a rich history and a unique
ability to bond with their owners.
From the
ancient deserts of the Middle East evolved the oldest known breed of
riding horse, the Arabian. Now one of the most popular breeds in the
World, the Arabians' incredible energy, intelligence and gentle
disposition allow riders to excel in most equine sports and activities.
Today, Arabian horses spend as much time on the trail as they do at horse
shows and other competitive events.
For thousands
of years, Arabians lived among the desert tribes of the Arabian peninsula,
bred by the Bedouins as war mounts for long treks and quick forays into
enemy camps. In these harsh desert conditions evolved the Arabian with its
large lung capacity and incredible endurance.
Historical
figures like Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Alexander The Great and George
Washington rode Arabians. Even today, one finds descendants from the
earliest Arabian horses of antiquity. Then, a man's wealth was measured in
his holdings of these fine animals. Given that the Arabian was the
original source of quality and speed, and remains foremost in the fields
of endurance and soundness, he still either directly or indirectly
contributed to the formation of virtually all the modern breeds of horses.
The prophet
Mohammed, in the seventh century AD, was instrumental in spreading the
Arabian's influence around the world. He mandated that the Arabians'
numbers be increased, as the horses would be crucial to the inevitable
battles that would be required for his religious conquests. He also
proclaimed that Allah had created the Arabian, and that those who treated
the horse well would be rewarded in the afterlife. These incentives,
coupled with the Koran's instruction that "no evil spirit will dare to
enter a tent where there is a purebred horse," further spurred the
breeding of the Arabian.
The severe
climate required the nomads to share food and water, and sometimes even
their tents with their horses. As a result, Arabians developed a close
affinity to man and a high intelligence.
Over the centuries, the
Bedouin tribes zealously maintained the purity of the breed. Because of
their limited resources, breeding practices were extremely selective. Such
practices, which eventually helped the Arabian become a prized possession
throughout the world, have led to the beautiful athletic breed we know
today, which is marked by a distinctive dished profile; large, lustrous,
wide-set eyes on a broad forehead; small, curved ears; and large,
efficient nostrils.
Even today the
purebred Arabian is virtually the same as that ridden in ancient Arabia.
Arabians now display their athletic talents in a variety of disciplines
from English to Western, with the Arabian positioned as the undisputed
champion of endurance events.
If you're
looking for a companion who'll be your partner in adventure or
competition-and your friend for life-then an Arabian may be the horse for
you. For a FREE consultation call us today (contact details at base of
page)
The Versatile Arabian
Historically, the Arabian
was a war horse capable of withstanding the extreme conditions of the
Arabian desert and covering long distances, while moving quickly in and
out of battle. He was also a close companion of the desert Bedouins
evolving a pleasant personality and an affinity for humans.
The traits that were bred
into the Arabian through ancient times created a versatile horse that is
not only a beautiful breed, but one that excels at many activities.
Considered the best breed for distances, the Arabian's superior endurance
and stamina enable him to consistently win competitive trail and endurance
rides.
The most popular activity
with all horse owners is recreational riding-the Arabian horse is no
exception. The loyal, willing nature of the Arabian breed suits itself as
the perfect family horse. His affectionate personality also makes him a
great horse for children.
In the show ring the
Arabian is exceptional in English and Western pleasure competition. The
Arabian is well known for his balance and agility. Combined with his high
intelligence and skilful footwork, he is more than capable in driving and
reining events. For speed, agility, and gracefulness, you'll want an
Arabian. Arabians compete in more than 1000 All Arabian shows as well as
in numerous open shows all around the World.
The Arabian, as the
original racehorse, is becoming more and more popular competing at
racetracks throughout the World. Arabians race distances similar to
Thoroughbreds.
Although the most
beautiful of all riding breeds, the Arabian is not just a pretty horse. He
is an all-around family horse, show horse, competitive sport horse, and
work horse.
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By Mark Kirkman,
reprinted with permission of National Show Horse magazine
Contact us
This
introduction to The Arabian horse is compliments of The Arabian Horse
Registry &
ArabianHorseAmerica.com Thank you to them
for the use of this information |
'the Arabians
incredible energy, intelligence and gentle disposition allow riders to
excel in most equine sports and activities'
'These incentives, coupled with the Koran's instruction that "no evil
spirit will dare to enter a tent where there is a purebred horse,"
further spurred the breeding of the Arabian'
If you're looking
for a companion who'll be your partner in adventure or competition-and
your friend for life-then an Arabian may be the
horse for you.
For a FREE consultation
call us today!
+61 245 799233
'Historically, the Arabian was a war horse capable of withstanding the
extreme conditions of the Arabian desert'
'although the most beautiful of all riding breeds, the Arabian is not
just a pretty horse.
he is an allround
family horse, show horse,
sport horse,
and work horse'
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