The Ancient Elegance Of Arabian Horses In The Modern World

Horse enthusiasts will often regale you with stories of their predisposition towards a particular breed. Whether it's the horse they grew up loving or the horse they always admired, there is often a strong attachment to one kind of horse over another.

But when it comes to a long history of admiration, no other breed comes close to Arabian horses; a breed long held in great esteem by nations far and wide.

The most ancient breed of riding horses, they have unclear origins as a wild horse. But experts believe that the breed was domesticated by the Bedouin, an ancient Middle Eastern tribe that resided along the Arabian Peninsula.

This arid land, belonging in today's world to Iran, Iraq, and Syria, was known for its inhospitable climate. The Bedouin relied on Arabian horses for their dependability in the heat and dryness of the desert and used them for lengthy treks in wartime.

Arabian horses were so relied upon and revered by the Bedouin that firm rules were established regarding the breeding of the horse. And even today they continue to be the only true purebred horse. But the reverence of these horses can most significantly be traced to the prophet Mohammed whose followers used the horses as they rode from village to village in seventh century AD spreading the word of Allah.

Mohammed elevated the breed's status still by proclaiming Arabian horses to be gifts from God that must be treated with kindness and respect. The breed's close connection with their owners established a strong human compatibility; today's horses are still highly intelligent and engage easily with man.

The Arabian horses of today also maintain the regal beauty of the ancient breed. While the modern horses are somewhat smaller in build, they have the same elegant stature as their ancient counterparts - imparting nobility and grace.

Their bodies are muscular and athletic, their eyes wide-set, their ears small, and their forehead large and broad. The profile of the Arabian horse, however, is by far its most distinguishing feature - both significantly curved and finely chiseled.

Today's breed of horses also continue to hold the same mass appeal as it always has; ownership often marks success and nobility in many cultures. The breed also shows well and is often used in horse shows and horse racing where they compete wholeheartedly and without hesitation.

But most importantly, Arabian horses continue to maintain their amiable personalities that make them so likeable and preferred by owners. Their intelligence and the ease with which they are trained make them an extremely popular breed.

And those who are enthusiasts of Arabian horses will always remind you of the breed's stunning beauty and distinguishing features. For this reason, it's no wonder the horses have been so popular in movie making over the years, starring in films as far back as the 1920s. But no matter what the future holds for horses, it is certain that Arabian horses will continue their reign as a breed revered above all others.