The Arabian Breed 

Country of Origin: Its origins go back to long before the Christian era in Western Asia, and have possible ties to Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey.

Blood type: The Arabian is the true hotblooded horse – light framed, fast moving, with a thin skin and a fine coat. 

History: The Arabian Horse is one of the oldest and most pure breeds in the world. The history of the Arabian horse is so old that much of the development is obscured by time.  We think they may have descended from the primitive Horse Type 4. The first Arab horse in Britain was recorded as being in the year AD 1121. The King of Scotland, Alexander I, presented the Arabian horse to the Church of St Andrews.  

Once in Britain, the Arabian was used to improve the British pony breeds and has played a role in the development of nearly all modern horse breeds. Today, the Arabian pedigree standards are held by the World Arab Horse Organization to maintain purity in the breed. 

Height: The Arabian horse usually measures approximately 15HH. 

Colors: The colors of the Arabian are generally bay, gray, or chestnut. 

Description: The Arabian horse is a beautiful looking horse. The head tapers from a wide forehead to a small muzzle with large nostrils that allow them to breathe vast quantities of air to maintain stamina over great distances; the head has a dished profile; very large, expressive eyes; small, alert ears that taper slightly toward each other; an arched, elegant, and muscular neck; and a strong, level back and croup.  An Arabian horse is unique in confirmation with a high tail carriage and a compact back.

This is the result of the fact that the Arabian has 17 ribs, 5 lumbar vertebrae, and 16 tail bones. Other horse breeds have 18 ribs, 6 lumbar vertebrae, and 18 tail bones. The Arabian has a floating action and appears to glide over effortlessly over the ground. 

Temperament:  The Arabian is a tough and most enduring horse. They are quick, sensitive, alert, agreeable, and intelligent. They are hotblooded so may have more of a tendency to spook or shy than some of the warmblooded breeds.  

Uses: The Arabian is the most beautiful of horse breeds so they are often seen in the show ring and are excellent for endurance riding.