Arab

BREED DESCRIPTION

Height: 14.2 - 15hh

Colour: Predominately chestnut, grey, bay and black.

Conformation: Small head with broad forehand, fine muzzle, oncave profile, wide nostrils and small ears; deep, clearly defined jowl with the throat set into it in a distinctly arched curve; graceful, curving neck; long, sloping shoulders with well-defined withers; deep roomy body with broad, deep chest and short, level back; high-set tail; hard, clean limbs with well-defined tendons and dense, fine bone; hard, well-shaped feet; fine, silky mane and tail.

The Oldest and purest of all horse breeds, the Arab is considered by many people to be the most beautiful equine animal in the world. With it's refined head and dished profile, expressive eyey, high spirits and unique, floating action, it is undoubtedly on of the most exquisite ofcreatures. Although it has certainly been bred with great care for many centuries, it's exact origins are unclear. Depictions of horses in ancient art suggests that horses of Arab type lived in the Arabian peninsula as long as 2,000-3,000BC. Like the desert tribes with whom they have lived for so long, Arab horses became superbly well adapted to life in a harsh environment, having extreme powers of endurance, tremendous soundness and the ability to thrive on the most meagre of rations.

More than any other horse, it is the Arab which has influenced the development of equine breeds throughout the world. This Arabian influence was initiated in the seventh and early eight centuries AD when the followers of Islam spread across North Africa and into Spain. The horses they took with them were greatly superior to the native stock of other lands and so began a process of upgrading, through the introduction of Arab blood, that was to go on for many centuries and, still goes on today.

Pure-bred Arabian horses are now bred throughout the world. As well as appearing in the showring, they are particulary suited to the sport of endurance riding. In recent times, too, there has been a resurgence of interest in Arab racing.

Interesting Facts

The outline of the Arab is determined by the formation of it's skeleton, which differs from other equine breeds in several respects. The Arab has 17 ribs (others have 18); five lumbar vertabrae (others have six), and 16 tail vertabrae (others have 18).

Large eyes and nostrils are typical of the Arab. The short, refined head, with it's dished profile, is one of the breed's most distinctive features.

With it's elegance, spirit and exceptional looks, it is easy to see why the Arab is often considered to be the world's most beautiful horse.

The Arab horse often appears to float over the ground. This remarkable action, coupled with a gentle temperament, makes it a popular riding horse throughout the world.

The Arab's comparativeley small size belies it's weight-carrying ability. Standning no more than 15hh, it will nevertheless carry a fully grown man with ease.

In my opinion, the Arab really is the most beautiful horse breed of the world, and shows extreme charm and joy to all of it's owners.

Email: ranger21darkesforest@yahoo.com