Around the grounds at U.S. Nationals, it is common to hear the phrase: “It’s all about the horse.”
Pondering this statement brings something to mind. From the beginning, some 25,000-40,000 years ago, the Bedouins were living proof of this term. And, spending time this week talking to our esteemed and devoted owners, members, exhibitors, I see that it still rings true!
Let me share with you some history on our great Arabian horse breed. It is the oldest pure breed of horse in the world with a desert beginning. The walls of caves clearly illustrate this point by showing the small fine muzzle, pointed ears, deep cheeks, short back, slender limbs and the dished facial profile. Today, these traits continue to be some of the most distinctive features of our horse.
The first and most famous breeders were nomadic Bedouin tribesmen who roamed the deserts of the Middle East. Breeding of good horses was crucial to their survival and prosperity. Only the finest specimens were allowed to reproduce. Breeders concentrated on performance, selecting for stamina, soundness, speed, disposition and loyalty. Strict oral histories of pedigree were kept and passed down through generations.
Mares were prized above all possessions. They didn’t nicker when approaching enemy tribes. They carried their masters into battle with courage and pride, standing loyally by the fallen until forcibly taken away. An Arabian mare became seen as the best gift, which eventually led to tracing the Arabian linage through the dam or female parent. Horses were often named according to the sheik or tribe that bred them.
Close friendship bonds developed between master and horse that gave the Arabian breed an innate desire for human companionship. (I continue to be impressed and amazed by this great companionship still being evident in today’s horses and owners.) Arabians often became beloved members of their nomadic families, gentle enough to share the desert tent.
Like a gifted child, the Arabian is intelligent and sensitive, eager to please and easy to train. (This is evident through the versatile exhibition of our great horses today at U.S. Nationals.) While beauty and proud bearing have inspired poet and artist, it’s the Arabian horse’s stamina, heart, work ethic and versatility that have captured and inspired the attention of horsemen through the ages.
Bedouins bred only the best to the best. Bloodlines were considered precious, and Arabian DNA was “prepotent” or dominant in passing on the trademark characteristics of refinement, stamina, soundness and intelligence.
In the 1700s, three Arabian stallions were imported into England and bred with Barb or Royal mares. The result was the Thoroughbred. More than 98 percent of Thoroughbreds trace to two of these stallions. The tradition of improving a breed through the infusion of Arabian blood still thrives. In fact, most American breeds of horses have Arabian blood in their linage.
Popularization of Arabian horses in the U.S. began at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 with the introduction of 45 Arabian horses from Turkey that were later dispersed to breeders across the U.S. In 1906, Homer Davenport imported 27 Arabian horses, which precipitated the establishment of the Arabian Horse Club of America in 1908 with the first studbook, containing 71 horses published in 1909. The Gladys Brown Edwards’ painting has become the breed standard for Arabian horses.
Today, there are a million Arabians, Half-Arabians and Anglo-Arabians in the Arabian Horse Association registry. Currently, there are about 37,000 AHA members.
To learn more about this historic breed or to request a copy of the Arabian Horse Guidebook, visit www.ArabianHorses.org. You can also watch and experience the 2008 U.S. Nationals live from the 20th Century’s “Oil Capital of the World” on our website.
So from Tulsa, we’re continuing at a “Hand Gallop!”
--Glenn Petty