| Arabian Horses and Man: An Everlasting Bond | | | | qualities in conjunction with a high intelligence and easy |
| Through the centuries, Arabian horses have been | | | | trainability have enabled purebred Arabians to excel in |
| cherished as a horse of great beauty, intelligence, | | | | the show ring and in jumping events. The Arabian |
| courage, endurance, and romance. The Arabian was | | | | Horse Association (AHA) produces four premier |
| bred and reared with a strong kindredship to man. | | | | shows that showcase the best of the Arabian breed |
| Surviving amongst the harsh desert climate, ancient | | | | in a variety of performances and in-hand classes. |
| Bedouin tribes and Arabian horses existed with a | | | | These include: |
| mutual inter-dependence. Living in such a close | | | | * Youth Nationals - held in Albuquerque, NM in July. The |
| proximity with man, Arabian horses developed a gentle | | | | event provides a summer extravaganza for children |
| and affectionate nature. This gentleness and | | | | and teens. |
| tractability, while originally the effect of education, is | | | | * Canadian Nationals - Also known as the "Royal Red" |
| now inherited, and is observed even today in foals that | | | | is a time-honored tradition held in Regina, |
| are bred in a foreign environment. Their fondness for | | | | Saskatchewan every August. |
| humans is still as strong as it was back in arid deserts | | | | * Sport Horse Nationals - New in 2003, it is the first |
| of the Middle East over 3,000 years ago. | | | | sport horse event in North America offered by a |
| Built For Endurance and Speed | | | | breed association. |
| Two other traits that are still seen in today's Arabian | | | | * U.S. Nationals - It serves as the grand finale of the |
| horses are endurance and speed. The Bedouins used | | | | show season and it is held in Tulsa, Oklahoma every |
| Arabian horses in desert warfare for quick forays into | | | | year in October. |
| battle and even quicker escapes when needed. As | | | | The Perfect Family Horse |
| Bedouins were nomadic, they also needed Arabians | | | | The purebred Arabian's Bedouin heritage is evident in |
| for long treks to help carry supplies and other items | | | | their unequaled ability to bond with humans, making |
| through the Middle Eastern desert. Many centuries | | | | them the perfect horse for family members of all |
| later, when purebred Arabians were imported to | | | | ages. Their friendliness and gentle nature makes them |
| England, they became the progenitor of the | | | | a joy for both adults and kids to ride. In addition, there |
| Thoroughbred, the most used horse in horse racing. | | | | are a variety of ways for youth to get actively |
| Today, Arabian horses are also a big part of horse | | | | involved with Arabians. |
| racing throughout the world and it is growing. | | | | The Arabian Horse Youth Association offers events |
| The Arabian Horse Registry of America reported that | | | | like the Regional Youth Team Tournament which give |
| applications for racing certificates grew by over 39% | | | | youth a way to earn points and win prizes through |
| from 2000 to 2002. Racing with purebred Arabians | | | | showing and riding. The cost for purchasing a purebred |
| currently exists within several states in the United | | | | Arabian is very comparable with other popular horse |
| States, as well as in most of Europe, and the Middle | | | | breeds. This means that excellent Arabians are now |
| East. They typically are used in endurance races. A | | | | accessible to a broad base of horse enthusiasts, |
| popular award for Arabian race horses are the Darley | | | | including families. Also, with more Arabian horses in the |
| Awards. The Darley Awards were founded in 1987 to | | | | U.S. than in all the other countries in the world |
| honor the best in Arabian racing. This distinguished | | | | combined, America has some of the best horses and |
| ceremony recognizes the most outstanding | | | | breeding farms from which to choose. |
| racehorses, jockeys, owners, trainers and breeders of | | | | Today's Arabian horse is virtually the same as the one |
| the Arabian community. It also presents an opportunity | | | | ridden in ancient Arabia. They have kept the qualities |
| for those involved in Arabian racing to celebrate its | | | | that the ancient Bedouins came to cherish: intelligence, |
| virtues and award its best. | | | | stamina, gentleness, and elegance. These marvelous |
| Graceful and Elegant | | | | horses, continue to show that even as time passes, |
| These incredible horses are not only known for speed | | | | the love and honor for this amazingly beautiful horse |
| and endurance but also grace and elegance. These | | | | never wanes. |