Introduction to the Arabian Horse: Unparalleled beauty, a rich history and a unique ability to bond with their owners.
From the ancient deserts of the Middle East evolved the oldest known breed of riding horse, the Arabian. Arabians’ incredible energy, intelligence and gentle disposition allow riders to excel in most equine sports and activities. Today, Arabian horses spend as much time on the trail as they do at horse shows and other competitive events. For thousands of years, Arabians lived among the desert tribes of the Arabian Peninsula, bred by the Bedouins as war mounts for long treks and quick forays into enemy camps. In these harsh desert conditions evolved the Arabian with its large lung capacity and incredible endurance.
Historical figures like Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Alexander The Great and George Washington rode Arabians. Even today, one finds descendants from the earliest Arabian horses of antiquity. Then, a man’s wealth was measured in his holdings of these fine animals. Given that the Arabian was the original source of quality and speed, and remains foremost in the fields of endurance and soundness, he still either directly or indirectly contributed to the formation of virtually all the modern breeds of horses. The prophet Mohammed, in the seventh century AD, was instrumental in spreading the Arabian’s influence around the world. He instructed his followers to look after Arabians and treat them with kindness. He instructed that special attentions should be paid to the mares because they insure the continuity of the breed. He also proclaimed that Allah had created the Arabian, and that those who treated the horse well would be rewarded in the afterlife. The severe climate required the nomads to share food and water, and sometimes even their tents with their horses. As a result, these desert bred Arabians developed a close affinity to man and a high intelligence. Over the centuries, the Bedouin tribes zealously maintained the purity of the breed. Because of their limited resources, breeding practices were extremely selective. Such practices, which eventually helped the Arabian become a prized possession throughout the world, have led to the beautiful athletic breed we know today, which is marked by a distinctive dished profile; large, lustrous, wide-set eyes on a broad forehead; small, curved ears; and large, efficient nostrils. Even today the “Straight Egyptian Arabian” is virtually the same as that ridden in ancient Arabia. Arabians now display their athletic talents in a variety of disciplines from English to Western, with the Arabian positioned as the undisputed champion of endurance events.
Arabian Horse Characteristics
A number of years ago, artist and Arabian horse authority Gladys Brown Edwards created images of the ideal Arabian for the Arabian Horse Registry. Her distinctive renderings can still be seen in many places: look at the cover of the Judges’ and Stewards’ Directory, for example, or leaf through last year’s U.S. Nationals program. Brown-Edwards’ versions of the ideal Arabian, rendered 40 and 50 years ago, are the first images that pop into an Arabian horse person’s mind at the first mention. That may well be because breed standards today are virtually unchanged from the antique ideal described in the Abbas Pasha Manuscripts. The no-nonsense conformation requirements in the 2009 USEF Rule Book’s Arabian, Half-Arabian and Anglo-Arabian section read: “Comparatively small head, profile of head straight or preferably slightly concave below the eyes; small muzzle, large nostrils, extended when in action; large, round, expressive, dark eyes set well apart (glass eyes shall be penalized in Breeding classes); comparatively short distance between eye and muzzle; deep jowls, wide between the branches; small ears (smaller in stallions than mares), thin and well shaped, tips curved slightly inward; long arched neck, set on high and running well back into moderately high withers; long sloping shoulder well laid over with muscle; ribs well sprung; long, broad forearm; short cannon bone with large sinew; short back; loins broad and strong; croup comparatively horizontal; natural high tail carriage. Viewed from rear, tail should be carried straight; hips strong and round; well muscled thigh and gaskin; straight, sound, flat bone; large joints, strong and well defined; sloping pasterns of good length; round feet of proportionate size. Height from 14.1 to 15.1 hands, with an occasional individual over or under. Fine coat in varying colors of bay, chestnut, grey and black. Dark skin, except under white markings. Stallions especially should have an abundance of natural vitality, animation, spirit, suppleness and balance.” 
The above description, its content closely monitored by AHA, offers us the facts, but fails to capture those elements that most capture our hearts. The information offers, in minute detail, precisely what every Arabian breeder, trainer, exhibitor and judge needs to know to be successful. Omitted, alas, is any description of the beauty, grace, and eminently practical construction that has captivated and served mankind since ancient times. Each conformation element has a critical function. Large eyes, set low and wide, give him the expansive peripheral vision that has contributed to his survival. A short back, broad forearm, short cannon bone and strong, flexible pastern keep him agile and sound in the most demanding situations. Thin skin and fine hair coat give him tremendous sensory input. Huge nostrils and well sprung ribs (lung capacity) are about breathing and air intake. Each element contributes to the Arabian horse’s physical beauty. More importantly, ideal conformation, or something close to it, creates the substance, durability, soundness and longevity for which the Arabian horse has become respected and admired. by Linda White For more information or to learn more about the Arabian Horse contact us.
How can I become a client of Paradise? How do I get started?
Purchase a horse: You can pay cash for your horse or you can pay over time. You don’t need to go out and get a loan, we will finance for you. It’s much like buying a car on contract and you’ll find us to be very accommodating to your needs. If you want to own one of our horses, we’ll work with you to make it happen. Just ask to sit down with a Paradise representative and share your hopes and dreams.
Lease a horse: If you’re uncomfortable with a long-term commitment you may prefer our lease program. There are two options. The first is a one year lease of a pregnant mare for a one-time, up-front, tax deductible fee. You’ll incur no other costs until the foal is born. When the mare gives birth you own the resulting foal. The second is a three year lease to purchase. This option gives you, the lessee, the option to simply walk away at the anniversary of the lease with no further responsibility. Any foals produced during the duration of the lease belong to you.
Breed to one of our stallions: If you already own a mare and would like to breed her to one of our stallions, please talk with one of our representatives to discuss pedigrees, desired outcomes, etc., and we’ll explore the possibilities.
Training: If you would like to put one of your horses into our training program, please get with Frank or Gary to discuss the possibilities. The number of horses we can accept is limited but we would like to learn more about your horse and how we might be able to help meet your needs.
