Egyptian Arabian Horse Information
Egyptian Arabian horses have a rich history as a breed and an important place in the history of domesticated horses in general. Born of harsh, desert conditions, the Egyptian Arabian horse has long been praised for its hardiness and its intelligence, and Arabians have been used to improve many different breeds' bloodlines. In fact, today's Thoroughbred horses are all descendants of three Arabian stallions.
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History
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As their name suggests, Egyptian Arabians have their roots in the deserts of Arabia, where the Bedouin people bred them for endurance, speed and courage. They were mostly instruments of war, and were very highly valued. The Bedouins loved them so much that they would often allow their horses into their homes. Egyptian Arabians are descended from several highly valued Arabians imported into Egypt by the ruling families. Since then, Egyptian Arabians have been exported all over the world, but carefully monitored breed registries keep their bloodlines pure.
Characteristics
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Again and again, the word used to describe Egyptian Arabians is "refined." Their large forehead with low, wide-set eyes tapers to a small muzzle with big nostrils. They have an arched neck, a short back, and a high tail-set. The Pyramid Society notes that ideal height is 14.2 to 15 hands, each hand representing four inches. Egyptian Arabians can be any color.
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Temperament
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Because they were originally bred for war, Egyptian Arabians are incredibly courageous and intelligent. As highly valued and loved animals, they were also bred for their kind manner and are known to be incredibly gentle and sweet. Lady Anne Blunt, one of the premiere breeders of Egyptian Arabians in the early 20th century, noted that they are "familiar indeed to the extent of being troublesome," having no fear of man. They are extraordinarily proud animals, but are easy to train and like to excel at their job.
Uses
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Egyptian Arabians are a versatile breed, excelling in a variety of disciplines. The Arabian Horse Association notes that they are most popular as riding horses, and their loyal, affectionate nature makes them great with families. They are shown in English and Western events, and their agility makes them great as reining horses. They can also be used as racehorses, and there are over 700 Arabian races in the United States each year.
Popularity
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Because they are such versatile and easy-to-keep horses, Arabians are a popular breed in the United States. While the Egyptian Arabian only represents two percent of all the Arabian horses in the country, it holds thirty percent of the National Titles.
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References
- Photo Credit Horse image by Day from Fotolia.com
