• The Arabian Desert played a central role in shaping the distinctive features of the Arabian horse
    Essentials

    Distinctive Features of the Arabian Horse

    Introduction The beauty of the Arabian horse is undeniable. With its striking appearance, graceful movement, and noble character, it is often regarded as one of the most beautiful breeds in the world. Interestingly however, the Arabian horse was not fashioned by the desires of the Bedouin for a particular look. Rather their horses were bred primarily for survival in the harsh desert environment, and beyond that, to excel in the Bedouins’ defining activity: the ghazw, or desert raid. The ghazw was a military expedition that involved a surprise attack on an enemy, usually another Bedouin tribe, though it could also be an outside enemy. The raid would often involve taking…

  • A wide view of the desert
    Essentials

    An Introduction to the Arabian Horse

    The Arabian (or Arab) is a particular breed of horse from the deserts of Arabia. Today Arabians can be found all over the world, but their original home was in the Arabian Peninsula, stretching from modern day Yemen and Oman in the south, up to the desert areas of Syria and Iraq in the north.