Origin & History
One of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world, the Arabian was developed on the Arabian Peninsula thousands of years ago by Bedouin tribes, who valued its stamina and loyalty enough to often shelter horses inside their own tents. Arabian bloodlines run through nearly every modern light horse breed, including the Thoroughbred.
Appearance
Arabians have a distinctive concave, or "dished," facial profile, a high-set tail carried proudly in motion, and one fewer vertebra than most other breeds, contributing to their notably short, strong back.
Temperament
Spirited, intelligent, and highly people-oriented, Arabians bond closely with their handlers and are known for both athleticism and outstanding endurance over long distances.
Arabians typically have 17 pairs of ribs, 5 lumbar bones, and 16 tail vertebrae — one fewer of each than most other horse breeds.
Common Uses
Endurance riding, show competition, and as a foundation breed in many crossbred sport horses.
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