What is an Arabian Horse?
from "Flight Without Wings" by Patti Schofler
Dating back 3500 years, the Arabian is the oldest, the purest, and the first man-manipulated (selectively bred) breed. Perhaps no other breed has been so engaged in the romance and history of the world. He has made his presence loudly heard not just in the Middle and Near East, in Egypt and North Africa, but also in England, Poland, Spain, Hungary, Russia and the United States. Both in his pure state and as a contributor to the improvement of some breeds and the creation of others. Today virtually every light horse (ridden) breed, from Appaloosa to Welsh, has Arabian blood coursing through its veins.
The Arabian horse is within himself a mesh of contrasting characteristics that make an ideal show horse. He is at once a lively, fiery spirit, proud and regal in his carriage, his presence and charisma, and yet also a gentle, docile soul. His intelligence, willingness to please, and comfort with the human species allow him to, on command, exude tremendous vitality, and yet at another moment, to welcome a child to safely lead and ride him. A fairy tale horse, he is bred for his exquisite beauty, quality and refinement, and yet his genes are coveted for their link to soundness, stamina and endurance. He is rock-hard tough in spirit, flesh, bone and ligament.
