The Athleticism Of The Arab

Arabs are not only beautiful, but also excel at many disciplines, including dressage and showjumping. They are well known for their stamina in endurance races and make exceptional horses for children, writes Dr Mac.

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According to the 2018 population report for the Arab Horse Society, there are currently 480 registered breeders and 5 594 registered Arabian horses in South Africa. Although the society was only incorporated into SA Studbook in 1961, a number of registered horses were imported as early as 1689 from the Middle East by Simon van der Stel.

The Arab is an ancient, hotblooded breed that has had a marked influence on the creation of many other breeds, particularly the Thoroughbred. Paintings of small-headed, hightailed horses resembling Arabs can be seen on the walls of the Egyptian pyramids. The Bedouin tribes rode Arabs in the Najd Desert and kept verbal pedigrees for several thousand years.

As these horses shared their owners’ living quarters, they were also selectively bred for good temperaments. Over many centuries, the desert conditions ensured the survival of breeding stock with exceptional hardiness and endurance.

Breed characterIstIcs