Arabian horse

The Arabian horse first appeared in the Arabian Peninsula at least 2,500 years B.C.E. They were carefully bred to maintain desirable features (e.g. stamina, soundness, strength, and beauty), and are therefore one of the oldest, if not the oldest breeds in the world (this has been contested with the Barb and the Akhal Teke.)

The Continuing Influence

Around 630 AD, Islamic warriors began to fight their north and west. By 711, they had taken Spain. Most of their mounts were Turkish or Barb, but a few were Arabian. From the invader's horses developed the Andalusian (which were taken to the new world and helped develop many of the breeds in the Americas today). Meanwhile, European horses were infused with Arabian blood when the knights came down to Palestine for the Crusades and later returned home with the horses.

Related Topics:
Spain - Andalusian - Palestine - Crusades

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the 15th century, firearms were developed. The slow-moving war horses of Europe were obsolete, and the faster Arabian horses were used to develop the quick, agile cavalry horses which would be on the European battlefields into the 20th century.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Arabians had also been brought to the Ottoman empire, where the studs used the horses for racing. They were then introduced into European racing. The Darley Arabian, one of three foundation stallions of the modern Thoroughbred breed was brought to England in 1703 (the other two being the Byerley Turk and the Godolphin).

Related Topics:
Ottoman empire - Darley Arabian - Thoroughbred

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The royalty of Europe took an interest in the Arabian, and established royal studs. One such stud, probably the most famous, was the Crabbet Stud in Crabbet Park, England. Wilfrid Scawen Blunt and his wife, Lady Anne Blunt, began importing the breed in 1878. For nearly a century, the family bred the Arabian and conserved the breed's purity, later exporting the horses for use as foundation stock in Poland, Russia, Australia, and North and South America. The stud was closed in 1971.

Related Topics:
Wilfrid Scawen Blunt - Lady Anne Blunt

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1893, the World Fair in Chicago exhibited 45 Arabians. The breed's interest in the United States grew, and the United States stud book was established in 1908, with a total of 71 animals. By 1994, the number had reached half a million. There are now more Arabians registered in North America than in the rest of the world put together.

Related Topics:
World Fair - Chicago

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In the 1980s, the Arabian's popularity soared. Many people inexperienced with horses were captivated by the beautiful breed. Celebreties bought the horses. Prices soared, especially in the United States, with some horses going for $150,000 to $1 million each. This created new breeders, and many importations of Arabians, helping create what the breed is today. When tax laws for horses were changed, the market collapsed, and the amount of horses were worth much less.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Today, there are many different types of Arabian, ranging from Polish, Spanish, Crabbet, Russian to Egyptain and Domestic (Usually a mix of bloodlines). Polish and Crabbet are known for the substance and athleticism, Spanish for their beauty and athleticism, Russian for their hieght and substance, Egyptain for their ultimate Arabian type, and Domestic for their combination of all the wonderful traits of each bloodline. Crabbet Arabians can even be narrowed down farther into Davenport and Kellogg. For each Arabian their individual backgrounds and pedigree will help you understand the horse you see today.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Whatever the type, the breed is currently being bred both for the Arabian type and athleticism. At breed shows, the Arabian constantly displays its versatility. They are also growing in demand for dressage, where their natural self-carriage and movement is attractive. However, they truly excell in endurance and long-distance riding, where the horse would complete up to 100 miles in a day. They hold the world records for the sport, and are not only usually the first to finish, but also win the "best conditioned" award as well. Arabians often compete in Open Shows, competing against other breeds in different disciplines.

Related Topics:
Dressage - Endurance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~