Information about Arabian horses, Arabian Horse Pictures, and Arabian Horses for sale.
Arabian Horses
Bloodlines of the Arabian are found in the
ancestry of almost every modern breed of riding horse. The strength
of the Arabian made it a desirable breed to add endurance, strength
and refinement to many modern breeds of horses including the Thoroughbred,
Quarter Horse, Morgan, and many others. For centuries, Arabian
horses lived in the desert in close association with humans. Prized
war mares were sometimes kept in the family tent, along with small
children. This gave rise to an inborn tendency of the horse to try
to cooperate with and please humans. Because only horses with a naturally
good disposition were allowed to breed on, Arabians today are one
of the few breeds where the United States Equestrian Federation allows
children to exhibit stallions in show ring classes limited to riders
under 18.On
the other hand, the Arabian is also classified as a "hot-blooded" breed,
a category that includes refined, spirited horses bred for speed, such
as the Thoroughbred and the Barb. Like other hot-bloods, Arabians' sensitivity
and intelligence enable quick learning and greater communication with
their riders.
Arabian Horse
Characteristics
Arabian horses have refined, wedge-shaped heads,
with a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils, and small muzzles.
Most display
a distinctive
profile that is concave, sometimes referred to as "dished." Many
Arabians also have a slight bulge between their eyes, called the "jibbah" by
the Bedouin, that adds additional sinus capacity, believed to have helped
the Arabian horse live in its native dry desert climate.
Another breed characteristic is an arched neck with a large, well-set
windpipe set on a fine, clean throatlatch. This structure of the poll
and throatlatch was called the "mitbah" by the Bedouin, and
in the best Arabians is long and somewhat straight, allowing flexibility
in the bridle and ample room for the windpipe. Most Arabian horses have
a compact body with a short back. Many, though not all, have 5 lumbar
vertebrae instead of the usual 6. [1] Thus, in spite of their smaller
size, Arabians can carry a heavy rider with ease. Other distinctive features
are a relatively long, level croup and naturally high tail carriage. All
quality Arabians have a deep, well-angled hip and well laid-back shoulder.
Find An Arabian Horse For Sale
