Arabian horses: history, character and behavior

Arabian horses are one of the oldest and most prestigious horse breeds in the world. These horses are prized throughout the world for their beautiful appearance, character and endurance.

They have a rich history and a number of remarkable physical, character and behavioral characteristics that set them apart.

History and origin

Arabian horses have a history dating back more than 2,000 years. It is believed that the earliest ancestors of wild Arabian horses lived in the Arabian Peninsula, a desert region with extreme conditions.

Moreover, it is said that there are archeological remains dating back more than 4,000 years, so we are dealing with a pure breed as well as an ancient one.

These horses lived in the villages of the Arabian peninsula, and it was specifically the Bedouins who were in charge of their breeding, using selection techniques that are still used today, becoming expert breeders of Arabian horses.

Survival in the desert depended to a large extent on the quality and performance of their horses.

The aim of these nomadic groups was to obtain a horse with the endurance and speed necessary to ensure its rider's success in battles and long journeys.

As the Bedouins traveled and traded with other cultures, Arabian horses were exported to different regions of the world, leaving an indelible mark on the breeding of equine breeds in Asia, Africa and Europe.

This is how they became a thoroughbred of great quality, making the Arabian horse the origin of the world's light horses.

In addition, starting in the 7th century, records of origins were established for Arabian horses, with the purpose of documenting the purity of the breed.

It was in the 8th century when these horses entered Europe, during the Muslim invasion of Spain. From then on, they began to use the Arabian horse as an "improver" of the native breeds existing in each country.

Morphological characteristics

The purebred Arabian horse is known for its distinctive morphological characteristics that make it instantly recognizable. It is of the mesomorphic type, that is, its physical constitution is both light and resistant.

The Arabian horse's head is small and refined, with a straight or slightly concave profile. It has large, expressive eyes, which give it an alert and kind look. The ears are small, pointed and mobile, and are held erect in an alert attitude.

The nose is fine and the nostrils are large, which facilitates greater breathing capacity.

The neck is long, arched and muscular, with a well defined topline. The neck joins the head in an elegant and proportionate manner. The withers are prominent.

The body is compact and muscular, with a straight topline and a short back. The back is strong and flexible, yet short, with 17 thoracic and 5 lumbar vertebrae, 1 vertebra less than other breeds in both thoracic and lumbar vertebrae.

This particular structure is the basis of its great resistance, which allows it to carry heavier loads.

The croup is straight and the tail is high and bushy. The chest is muscular and merges with a broad thorax. The back is long and sloping. Their limbs are slender but muscular, with well defined tendons. Their hooves are usually hard and resistant.

Arabian horses are usually of moderate stature, with an average height of between 1.45 (being ponies in that case) and 1.55 meters. The weight usually ranges between 350 and 550 kilograms, depending on the height and constitution of the horse.

The Arabian horse is very noble and undemanding. It belongs to the group of warm-blooded horses. Their temperament is restless and lively. They are usually intelligent, sensitive and alert. They are known for their loyalty and close bond with their riders.