| The first caretakers and breeders of this ancient breed were
the bedouins of the Middle Eastern and Egyptian deserts. The bedouins cherished
their horses, especially their mares, and allowed the horses to live with
them in their tents. They practiced selective breeding and kept track of
their horses' bloodlines by braiding each horse's pedigree into its mane
so that its new owner (by purchase or by stealing) would be able to breed
the horse to its best advantage. |
 |
One of the most beautiful breeds of horses in the world, the
Arabian is unique beyond its appearance. Its skeletal structure is also
different from all other breeds of horses. While most horses have 18 ribs,
6 lumbar bones, and 18 tail vertebrae, the Arabian has 17 ribs, 5 lumbar
bones, and 16 tail vertebrae. It is believed to be descended from the Horse
Type 4 prehistoric horse from western Asia, which stood 10-11 hands high,
had a high tail set and a concave facial profile. |
