 Conformation and Type
The Bedouins were ruthlessly selective and careful in their breeding programs.
They placed the greatest emphasis on performance, concentrating on stamina,
soundness, speed, disposition and loyalty. They allowed only the finest specimens
to reproduce. All of these factors have given Arabians the purest bloodlines and
the strongest genes. Arabian genetics are said to be "fixed," or pre-potent, making
Arabian traits easy to pass on to other breeds.
In fact, people used Arabians to strengthen their horses so often that many
modern riding horses, called light breeds, can trace their history back to the
Arabian or have been improved, at some point, by being crossed with the Arabian
horse. Every Thoroughbred is a direct descendant of the three great stallions
of Arabian blood -- the Darley Arabian, the Byerly Turk and the Godolphin Arabian.
American breeds such as the Morgan, American Saddlebred, National Show Horse and
Quarter Horse also have a great deal of Arabian blood.
Many breeders like to improve their favorite breed by crossing it with an
Arabian to produce a Half-Arabian. Half-Arabians combine positive traits of
the Arabian with those of another breed, resulting in a customized horse. The
Arabian and Thoroughbred cross is so popular, it's recognized as a separate
breed, the Anglo-Arabian.
The Arabian gets its Arabian name, Kohl-ani, from its beautiful skin and eyes.
Kohl is the bluish-black substance that Eastern beauties were using on their
eyebrows, eyelashes and eyelids before the days of Cleopatra. The Arabian's
skin is the same bluish-black color as kohl, and its eyes are naturally defined
in the same way people artificially shadowed their eyes.
The elegant Arabian's dished head, large eyes, arched neck, high tail
carriage, flaring nostrils and delicate muzzle that could "fit into a teacup"
have long made the breed a favorite subject for painters and sculptors, but
don't let the beautiful features fool you. The Arabian horse's characteristics
make it just as athletic as it is attractive for the following reasons:
short, dished head and flaring nostrils allow for maximum oxygen intake arched neck keeps the windpipe defined and clear to carry air to the lungs plenty of room for lung expansion because of well-sprung ribs and a deep chest cavity the Arabian's strong resilient legs are free of most lameness problems genetic stability gives the Arabian sound health
The Arabian consistently out lives other breeds. Most Arabians are still in their prime at
20, and many live well past 30. Some consider the Arabian the most intelligent of all
breeds of horse. Its shield-like bulge between the eyes, called the jibbah is said to
allow for greater brain capacity. The Arabian possesses a long memory, quick
comprehension, alert curiosity, resourcefulness and sociability. Centuries of close
relationships with humans have given Arabians a friendly, loyal disposition marked by
a desire to please their master. They enjoy playing with people as much as horses.
Arabian horses were bred to perform under harsh desert conditions and keep going
beyond the point of exhaustion. This has given the breed incredible stamina and
courage. World-wide they hold records in endurance riding with the best completing
100 miles races in less than 10 hours.
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