Introduction.

The roots of this unique breed trace back millions of years. In modern history however, it dates back to the Arabian Peninsula 2000 or more years B.C. Whatever way you choose to view it, this is the world’s oldest and purest breed. It is the only breed that did not need a registry to establish itself, as it has been a recognized breed for more than 4000 years.

It is considered the foundation of The Thoroughbred, The Morgan, The American Saddlebred, The National Show Horse, The American Quarter Horse and many, many more. The very distinctive appearance of the Arabians contributes to its remarkable beauty.

History.

The Arab is the most important breed of all time because it is the foundation of all modern horse breeds. All breeds can trace their roots back to the Arab. Every Thoroughbred horse is a descendant of one of three Arabians: The Darley Arabian, The Godolphin Arabian or The Byerly Turk (all named after their owners).

The first major historical evidence of Arabs is attributed to a tribe in Arabia named The Bedouins. They were the first breeders of Arabians. You can imagine how important horses were to people living before the modern age. The Bedouins horses were critical for survival. They were used for transportation, war and as companions.

The desert environment not only created an endurance animal that could carry heavy loads with little or no water over long distances, but also made for strange bedfellows. Arabs slept, rested and ate with the tribesmen in their tents. Probably due to the extremes in temperature and also, to prevent other tribes from stealing their prized mounts.

War and religion were the two major factors that spread the development of Arabian horses, first to Africa, then to Europe and The United States. In battle, these horses would sustain an injury and still keep charging. They were fearless. Mohammed elevated their status to a sacred level. They became holy to the Islamic Religion. The first known stallion in the USA was owned by George Washington. He crossed it with military horses to strengthen the American military forces.

The Arabian is the United States 4th largest breed. There are 392,000 registered Arabians, 315,000 1/2 Arabians and 9,100 Arabs in North America. Today Arabs bred in the United States are considered the finest in the World.

Foundation.

The Arab comes from 5 foundation mares called Al-Khamesha or The five. All were owned by King Solomon about 1600 B.C. Five families descended from Al-Khamesh: Keheilet Ajuz (37 subfamilies), Hadban (5 subfamilies), Maneghi (4 subfamilies), Jelfon and Homdani (2 each). Darley Arabian is a descendant of Keheilet Ajuz.

Today, the Arabian industry in the U.S. and Canada has three separate registries. The Arabian Horse Registry of America founded in 1908. The International Arabian Horse Association founded in 1950 and the Canadian Arabian Horse Registry founded about 1961.

Type.

Arabs are the so-called Saddle type. They have straight shoulders, small heads carried high and exhibit a certain grace and refinement. Their bodies are well proportioned. The croup is flat with tail generally extended horizontally a few inches before it drops. The head shape is dished or concave. Eyes are large and wide set. They are comfortable to ride and have showy gaits.

The average Arabian is 15 H.H. and somewhat smaller than other breeds. They are used for show, park, pleasure riding, trail, western and endurance riding. Arabs hold most of the 100-mile endurance ride records. Other breeds in this type include American Saddlebred and Morgans.

Colors.

Acceptable colors for registry include; black, bay, roan, gray and chestnut.