Horse Breeds - The Arabian Horse

The Arabian horse is a horse breed that is associated with elegance. Almost everyone, whether they like horses or not, has heard of the Arabian horse. They have a rich history and many unique features that make them truly a horse breed that stands apart. Many people consider the Arabian horse one of the most famous horse breeds in the world.

The Arabian horse originally came from the Middle East. There, desert tribes bred and rode the Arabian horse for war. They proved quick and agile and able to run long distances. Also, many famous people have ridden Arabian horses, like George Washington and Alexander the Great. Although originating in the desert, the Arabian is now found throughout the world.

There are many features of the breed that make an Arabian horse stand out. They have small muzzles, a broad forehead, a classic wedge and dish-shaped head, and they stand round 15 hands tall. A few other unique anatomic features include having only 17 ribs, instead of the usual 18, and having only five lumbar vertebrae instead of the usual six. It is the oldest known riding horse, most likely due to its large lung capacity and endurance.

The Arabian Horse Association (AHA) runs the Arabian Horse Registry of America, which is an association that oversees and maintains pedigrees of purebred Arabian horses in America. Membership costs are low and are required if you want to participate in any AHA horse events.

If you are thinking about buying an Arabian horse, you can visit the AHA website, http://www.arabianhorses.org to see if the horse and the owner are registered with AHA. Ask the owner to see a copy of the horse’s registration papers to make sure the horse is a purebred. If you do buy a registered Arabian, make sure you get the correct paper work from the owner so you can register the horse under your name.

By maintaining your new horse as a registered Arabian, it can increase your horse's value if you choose to sell him later. The price for a registered Arabian horse can vary from a few thousand to more than fifty thousand dollars.

Arabians are exciting horses to be around. Their beauty and history are intriguing. There is so much more to learn about this breed, that visiting the AHA website would be a good place to continue your learning.

Interestingly, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police used to make sure that their horses, used in the world famous Musical Ride, had Arabian blood. This ensured that the horses were uniform in size, colour and spirit. It also ensured that the horses could travel and perform for six to eight months of the year.

Every August, the Royal Red Arabian Horse show is held in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is THE Arabian horse show to attend with participants from all over the world. Such notable Arabian horse owners as Wayne Newton are regulars at the show. If you are interested in this breed of horse, don’t miss this show.

Until next time,

Teia