| |
A Brief History
of The Magnificent Breed
The
Arabian horse was found and tamed throughout the Middle East and Asia, being used primarily in harsh desert conditions. The animals were tough,
fast and agile while being used in battle as well. Arabians easily
conquered over heavy European horses and were sought to refine the lines
of battle mounts. A new breed, most commonly known as the Andalusian,
was the result of such attempts. George Washington was one who possessed
an Arabian mare for a charger, named Magnolia. Napoleon also rode a
desert stallion, Marengo, on a retreat from Moscow. The stamina, speed,
and agility of the Arabian served to further encourage Europeans to
cross breed with local horses. Almost all warm-blood, cold-blood, and
some pony breeds possess a trace of Arabian blood in their line. The
Thoroughbred breed itself began with three father Arabians known widely
as Byerly Turk, Darley Arabian, and the Godolphin Arabian.
Arabians are perhaps the most
versatile of all horse breeds. They can perform in the show ring at such
disciplines as Hunter-Pleasure and over fences, Western Pleasure,
Reining, Equitation, English Pleasure, Country-English Pleasure, Native
Costume, Park, Show Hack, Driving, Side-Saddle, Halter, Liberty, Trail,
Dressage, and Sport Horse classes. The Arabian is also most commonly a
wonderful, nimble, and untiring trail horse. They excel in competitions
of Endurance over many other breeds.
The Arabian's appearance
is similar to no other breed. The head is sculpted and dished,
possessing large, wide set eyes, expressive ears, a tapered and refined
muzzle, and large nostrils. The neck is set onto the top of the withers
and is usually very long and graceful. The legs are sometimes long or
short but always slender and strong. As the horse's structure has
omitted one vertebrae, their backs are shorter and stronger, their hips
stronger. The croup is rounded and ends in a high set, flag-like tail.
Most
Arabian horses are gentle, compassionate, and loving animals. Thus they
are the favorite among many horse lovers of the past and today.
Also see
the Arabian Horse Association website at:
www.arabianhorses.org, click
"Education" and then "Breed History and Heritage."
Bibliography
1. "Album of Horses" by Marguerite Henry
2. "Horse Facts" by Susan
McBane and Helen Douglas-Cooper
|
