| Five Flags Arabian Horse Association |
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| The Arabian |
| From the ancient deserts of the Middle East evolved the oldest known breed of riding horse, the Arabian. For thousands of years, Arabians lived among the desert tribes of the Arabian peninsula, bred by the Bedouins as war mounts for long treks and quick forays into enemy camps. In these harsh desert conditions evolved the Arabian with its large lung capacity and incredible endurance. Over the centuries, the Bedouin tribes zealously maintained the purity of the breed. Because of their limited resources, breeding practices were extremely selective. Such practices, which eventually helped the Arabian become a prized possession throughout the world, have led to the beautiful athletic breed we know today. The Arabian was prized by the nomadic Bedouin people and often brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection. This close relationship with humans created a breed that is loyal, personable, alert, and extremely sensitive to their environment and their handlers. But the Arabian also developed the high spirit and alertness needed in a horse used for raiding and in war. While some people feel that their spirit is their downfall, Arabian owners know that this is what sets them apart. When handled with competence and respect, that spirit and sensitivity can mean going the extra mile in an endurance ride, excelling to grand prix level dressage, winning the jump-off in a jumper round, or cutting that last cow with style and grace. More important, that spirit and loyalty can make an Arabian your best friend. Arabians now display their athletic talents in a variety of disciplines from English to Western, with the Arabian positioned as the undisputed champion of endurance events. As an endurance horse, the Arabian has no equal. The top prizes at endurance events almost always go to riders of Arabians. The Arabian is unmatched in stamina, durability, athleticism, and intelligence and has been dubbed by some as the "elegant athlete". ~The Arabian is one of the most easily recognizable horse breeds in the world with their distinctive dished profile, high tail carriage, large wide-set eyes on a broad forehead, small curved ears, and large, efficient nostrils.~ |
