Arab
Origin
Middle East
History
There are no defintive explanations for the origins of the Arabian, but there is a very strong evidence of a race of fixed and recognizable Arabian character in and around the Arabian Peninsula at least 2,500 years before the Christian era. The bedu tribes of the Arabian desert, who are closely associated with the Arab, trace their relationship back to around 3000 BC to the mare Baz and the stallion Hoshaba. The Bedu meticulously maintained the purity of the strains. They created a horse that was unmistakable in appearance, type, and movement.
There is no disputing the facts: The Arab is one of the oldest pure breeds in the world; it is the most influential breed, having been used to improve nearly every other horse breed. Its greatest contribution was in the evolution of the English Thoroughbred. By the 18th century, eastern blood was evident in almost every breed from Trakehners to Percherons, Haflingers and French Trotters, in American breeds.
The purebred Arab is now found all over the word and the very active breed societies in most countries, affiliated with the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO), assure the future of the breed in its pure form.
Description
- Head:
small and delicate with a straight or concave profile, a wide forehead, small muzzle, and large, expressive eyes - Conformation:
-the neck is long and crested with a clean throat, broad at the base
-the withers are pronounced and long
-the back is short and straight
-the croup is broad
-the tail is set high
-the chest is muscular, deep and broad
-the schoulder is long and sloping
-the legs are muscular
-the hooves are small with very tough horn, wide at the heel. - Average height:
12 to 13.3 h.h - Colours:
grey, bay, chestnut, black or more rarely, roan. White markings on the face and legs are common - Temperament:
intelligent, interested and usually willing - Today:
given his tremendous movement and drive he makes an excellent halter or performance horse suited to racing, long distance, dressage, costume, SHUS or show hack.
