Arabian Horse

The Arabian is the oldest and purest horse breed, however its exact origin is not clear. Ancient art dating back to 2000 to 3000BC displays horses of Arabian style on the Arabian peninsula. These horses had to adapt to their harsh environment enabling them to survive on meagre food rations and to develop great powers of endurance and immense soundness. Arabian influence is present in most horse breeds around the world. In the 7th and 8th century Islamic invaders spread into Spain and across North Africa bringing with them their horses, which where far superior to the native breeds of other lands. Trading and cross-breeding of stock began and it still continues in many lands today. Now pure-bred Arabians are bred all over the world.Many people consider the Arabian the most beautiful horse in the word. It's gentle temperament makes the Arabian a popular riding horse. Due to the breed's legendary stamina it is often used for endurance riding where a distance of (100 miles) per day may be covered. The Arabian is also popular at horse racing.