| Arabian horses are a breed of horse that originated in | | | | the Middle East to Europe. Muslim invasions into Europe |
| the deserts of the Middle East. They have a refined, | | | | were one way the horses were brought into Europe. |
| wedge-shaped head shape with a finely chiseled bone | | | | During the Crusades, starting in 1095 AD, European |
| structure, large, lustrous eyes, and small 'teacup' | | | | armies invaded parts of the Middle East. Upon return, |
| muzzles. They are one of the oldest horse breeds, | | | | many knights brought Arabians as one of the spoils of |
| dating back about 4,500 years according to | | | | war. Another major infusion of the Arabian breed into |
| archaeological evidence. Arabian horses are a very | | | | Europe occurred when the Ottoman Turks sent over |
| popular breed around the world, known for their | | | | 300,000 horsemen into Hungary during the 16th |
| incredible energy, high intelligence, and gentle disposition | | | | Century. The Ottoman Turks were defeated in Vienna |
| towards riders. Even in America, the purebred Arabian | | | | by the Polish and Hungarian armies and their |
| has a great adoration, where they are used on the trail | | | | pure-blood Arabians were captured. |
| and in many equine sports and activities. | | | | The 18th century saw the largest establishment of |
| For thousands of years, Arabian horses lived in an | | | | great Arabian studs in Europe. There was a strict |
| intimate co-existence with the desert tribes known as | | | | dedication to preserving a pure Arabian bloodstock. |
| the Bedouins in the Arabian peninsula. They were bred | | | | This led to many Arabian stud farms being founded |
| by the Bedouins as war mounts for long treks and for | | | | throughout Europe and eventually the founding of the |
| quick forays into enemy camps. Arabian were prized | | | | world-famous Crabbet Arabian Stud in England. The |
| and respected by their Bedouin owners. They often | | | | Crabbet Arabian Stud later provided foundation horses |
| brought their Arabians into the family tent for shelter | | | | on many continents including North America, South |
| from the harsh desert environment. A strong bond | | | | America, Australia, and other parts of Europe. |
| grew between these horses and humans, causing | | | | Finally, in the 1725, the first purebred Arabian was |
| them to develop into a friendly-natured, quick- to- learn, | | | | imported to America by Nathan Harrison of Virginia. |
| and willing- to-please breed. | | | | This first Arabian stallion on American soil was said to |
| Besides the nature of the purebred Arabian to be | | | | have sired over 300 foals from grade mares. |
| tremendous companions to the Bedouins, they were | | | | Eventually, the strength of the purebred Arabian was |
| also known for their great physical attributes. Living in | | | | utilized in helping to colonize and build America |
| the harsh desert climate of the Arabian peninsula | | | | throughout the 18th and 19th century. Over time, the |
| forced the Arabian breed of horses to adapt. Over | | | | Arabians drew more widespread attention for their |
| the centuries they evolved into powerful horses with | | | | strength and distinct beauty. The Chicago World's Fair |
| large lung capacities and an incredible endurance. They | | | | showcased Arabian horses to over 27 million people. |
| also developed a greater bone density than other | | | | Their popularity continued to rise and there was a |
| breeds as well as sound, sturdy feet. | | | | significant importation of Arabian horses to America in |
| Many well known historical figures were known to ride | | | | the early 1900's. Their growing influence was especially |
| Arabian horses. Some included Genghis Khan, | | | | seen as the Arabian Horse Club of America was |
| Napoleon, Alexander The Great and George | | | | formed in 1908 (known today as the Arabian Horse |
| Washington. The prophet Mohammed, in the seventh | | | | Association). From there, many stud farms were |
| century AD, was influential in spreading the popularity | | | | created, again, aimed strictly at maintaining the |
| of the purebred Arabian to other parts of the world. | | | | Arabian's pure blood. |
| He made Arabians a cornerstone in his Holy Wars and | | | | Even today, the purebred Arabian is virtually the same |
| improved his army by elevating the Arabians to a | | | | as that ridden in the ancient Arabian Peninsula in the |
| sacred level. Also, like the Bedouin tribes, he and his | | | | Middle East. Arabians now display their athletic talents |
| followers paid special attention to the breed and | | | | in a variety of disciplines from English to Western, with |
| zealously worked to maintain their purity when they | | | | the Arabian horse positioned as the undisputed |
| bred Arabians. | | | | champion of endurance events. |
| Eventually the Arabian horse started to spread from | | | | |