Arabian Horse Breeders

The Bedouins were the first Arabian horse breeders. They domesticated the "dry" oriental horse inhabiting the Fertile Crescent, brought it to desert and developed the unique breed for their purposes. The Arabian horse is the oldest breed in the world dating back to about 5,000 years ago. Intensive breeding practices began only in the 7th century when the Bedouin learnt about the basics of genetics. The Arabian horse was created by both climate and culture. Harsh conditions required an obedient cooperative animal that can be used as a war mount and as a packing animal. Moslems never ate meat of Arabian horses, because they considered these animals to be sacred.

Early Arabian horse breeders were the only providers of food and water for their horses. When water and pasture were unavailable, the horses were fed camel’s milk and dates. These practices made the Arabian horse very devoted to humans. Only the strongest horses survived in harsh conditions. Without selective breeding, Arabian horses developed anatomical traits to compensate for life in a dry climate. Compared to other horse breeds, they have larger lung capacity and can do without food and water for a long time. Some Arabians have fewer ribs and vertebrae for carrying heavy armored rider.

Appearance was not a necessity for the early Arabian horse breeders, but they tried to select refined and beautiful horses as a breeding stock. Up to nowadays, there is no strict breed standard concerning the height or coat color of the Arabian horse. Working abilities and overall appearance are more valuable than separate traits in this breed. There are five sub-types of the Arabian horse created by the Bedouins. They were designed for various tasks and living conditions.

First Arabian horses were brought to America by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Many of them escaped and became feral. Being very endurable and adapted to life in the desert, horses of the Arabian origin named Mustangs quickly spread through the continent until the Native Americans and pioneers domesticated them for the second time. Feral Mustangs were used as a foundation stock for several American breeds, like their ancestors were used by the Arabian horse breeders to create new refined breeds.