Description of purebred Arabian horses and rules for caring for them

About 2 thousand years ago, a breed of horse was developed in the Middle East, which had a huge impact on horse breeding throughout the world. The extraordinary stature and agility of Arabian horses have made them the most attractive and expensive pets, from the 10th century to the present day. Thanks to crossbreeding, new European breeds were developed.

Origin of the species and legend

The ancestors of Arabian horses were wild horses that lived on the Arabian Peninsula. Nomadic tribes waged continuous wars. In semi-desert and desert conditions, war horses with a certain set of quality characteristics were needed.

"Arabs" were supposed to be:

• hardy;
• easy to train;
• unpretentious;
• frisky.

The formation of the breed was influenced by climate and selection requirements imposed by nomads. Thoroughbred horses were the main wealth of the Arabians. Initially, there were 5 types in the breed, the origin of which is explained by the myth of Muhammad. The Prophet was driving a herd of horses through the desert. Seeing the oasis, he let them go to a watering hole, but without allowing them to drink, he called them to him. The 5 mares that Muhammad left for breeding turned out to be obedient (Al-Khamsa, or five). According to another legend, Allah created a horse from the south wind, and the Bedouins called it Wind Drinker.

Advantages and disadvantages of the breed

The advantages of the “Arabs” are their harmonious physical development. Hardy, strong, playful, beautiful, they can be used as workhorses, for riding, and for sports. Excellent health is inherent in them by nature: heat and dry air do not affect their performance.

Long-term contact with humans developed memory and intelligence in animals, and formed a friendly and flexible character with a hot temperament.

The disadvantage of “Arabs” is their short stature. Light, compact horses are inferior in speed to thoroughbred riding horses.

Full description and exterior

The arid climate of the Arabian Peninsula and sandy soil left their mark on the physical condition of Arabian horses: physique, hoof structure. Characteristic features of the breed in question:

• small stature (154/164 centimeters at the withers mare/stallion);
• toastiness of the croup;
• broad-chested;
• with an elongated neck;
• strong-boned;
• with strong hooves;
• with a high raised rep;
• life expectancy up to 30 years;
• agility in all types of gallop;
• gracefulness of movements during a race;
• the ability of mares to reproduce for a long time.

On a picturesquely curved neck there is a small square head with small ears, protruding, expressive eyes, and a slightly concave bridge of the nose. The body is round. The croup is straight, elongated.

Varieties and suits

Arabian horses are classified into 4 intrabreed types:

1. Siglavi. Graceful horses, with pronounced characteristics of the breed. The predominant color is gray.
2. Koheilan. Broad-chested, with massive bones, very hardy and playful. Color: bay or red.
3. Hadban. Strong horses with a simple exterior, distinguished by agility and high performance.
4. Koheilan-siglawi. Horses resembling siglavi in ​​appearance, but taller and wider in bone. There are bay, red, and gray colors.

Crossing “Arabs” with purebred riding representatives of the breed (English) produces offspring that combine the best qualities of both breeds:

• taller and stronger than "Arab";
• more graceful in appearance than the “English”;
• the endurance and perseverance of the Arabian;
• the agility and versatility of the “Englishman”.

The Anglo-Arab horse is not a separate breed, but is a type of half-breed. When breeding it, the only requirement must be met: at least 25% Arab blood in the offspring.

Features of character and lifestyle

Long-term, close communication with humans influenced the mental development of animals and formed a special character. They are distinguished by intelligence and goodwill.For a Bedouin, a horse is not a functional animal, but a friend who will not leave you in trouble, under whose supervision you can leave a child.

The Bedouins brought their favorite horses into their tent at night to protect them from the night cold. During campaigns, in the absence of food, the horses were given dates and camel milk.

Where is the Arabian breed used?

Arabian horses, due to their agility, jumping ability, and endurance, are used as racing and riding horses. These are animals created for sports competitions, hunting fun, and equestrian tourism.

Rules for keeping animals

Arabian horses do not require special housing conditions, since genetically they are strong and hardy animals. But, given the cost of thoroughbred horses, the organization of care and maintenance must be at the highest level.

Arrangement of the stables

In a well-ventilated room, a constant temperature should be maintained, in the range of +5...+15 degrees, with an air humidity of 50-60%. Feeders are placed 1 meter from the floor. The depth of the pallet is 0.5 meters. Ceiling height is 3-3.5 meters. Windows are placed at a height of at least 2 meters. The stall should be spacious.

The floor in the stall is made of concrete with clay and lined with a layer of sawdust and straw (10-20 centimeters). The litter is added daily. Once every 7 days it is completely changed, the floor is washed and dried without animals.

Feeding and watering

The feeder should contain food necessary to satisfy hunger and chewing gum. Give water before feeding 4-5 times a day. The swill temperature is +15 degrees. The consumption rate is 50 liters per day in hot weather, 30 liters in the cold season. After active physical activity, the horse is allowed to water no earlier than 30 minutes later. Training and competitions should begin an hour after eating.

New foods are introduced gradually, over 2 weeks, so that the digestive system has time to rebuild.

Basic diet

The horse's diet is based on fresh alfalfa hay, wheat, and oats. Daily consumption rates (kilograms):

• hay – 5, divided into 5 portions throughout the day;
• wheat – 5;
• oats – 5 (7 – for sports horses).

Additionally, they give 1 kilogram of bran (wheat/oat), steamed flaxseed.

Nutritional supplements

Fresh vegetables and fruits are introduced into the diet as a source of fiber. Yeast is given to digest fiber. It is necessary to include fish oil and vegetable oil in the diet. For sports horses, the proportion of protein is increased through legumes.

Body and mane care

Arabians have thin skin. You should not wash your horse at an air temperature below 15 degrees Celsius, so as not to cause hypothermia and pneumonia. During the warm season, the animal is washed every day. To clean wool, use tools made of natural hair, whalebone, rubber, and plastic. The dirt is cleaned with scrapers, then the wool is treated with brushes, starting from the neck to the back, going down to the sides, stomach, and legs.

The body, neck and legs are washed with a sponge, then dried with velvet. Wash the face with another sponge and wipe dry. The mane with bangs and tail are washed with a special shampoo and combed with a wooden comb. Use a hook to clean the hooves. At the end of the procedure, use a vacuum cleaner for final drying.

Grazing

Arabian horses require 2 daily walks. The pens should be located next to the stable and have fences. At temperatures below 15 degrees, walking time is limited or carried out at a high pace.

Horseshoe

The type of horseshoe depends on the time of year and purpose.It can be a universal horseshoe, orthopedic (for racing), or studded (for winter).

Disease Prevention Measures

One of the signs of improper nutrition of Arabian horses is stomach colic. To prevent them, it is necessary to provide fresh, high-quality food with sufficient fiber. Introduce new complementary foods into the diet within 2 weeks. At a certain age, vaccinations are given against tetanus, lichen, rabies, anthrax, and influenza. Every six months, blood is taken to analyze glanders, anemia, and leptospirosis.

Breeding specifics

"Arabs" are bred as a riding breed for the following purposes:

• further sale of young animals;
• participation in competitions and contests;
• for horse riding.

When reproducing Arabian horses for profit (sale), herd keeping is recommended.

Herd keeping has a beneficial effect on young horses. They grow stronger and more efficient than when alone.

Care staff are selected from people who have the skill to communicate with large pets and who positively perceive the care requirements of the breeder/owner. To train an Arabian horse, you need an experienced trainer with a strong and firm character.

Interesting facts about Arabian horses

The Crusaders brought Arabian horses to Europe. Thanks to horses, riding, draft and heavy-duty breeds were developed from the East:

• English riding;
• Barbary;
• Andalusian;
• Lusitano;
• Oryol trotters;
• Tersk;
• Percheron

Arabian horses appeared in Rus' during the reign of John IV (the Terrible). Crossing eastern horses with local breeds improved the appearance and physical characteristics of such breeds as the Don and Kabardian.After 300 years in the Russian Empire, 50 stud farms were engaged in the selection of combat and hunting horses, where the producers were Arabian stallions. The most famous is the Terek stud farm of Count Stroganov.

In the 30s of the 20th century, breeding work was continued at the stud farms of the USSR through the acquisition of livestock in European countries. It became the basis for the formation of a new type of horse: the “Russian Arab”. In terms of appearance, these were high-breed horses of the Siglavi type, but with higher performance.

An outstanding sire was the stallion Aswan, a gift from the President of Egypt, G. A. Nasser, to the Soviet Union for the construction of the Aswan Dam. Foals from Aswan became the “golden fund” of Arabian horse breeding: 150 heads were sold at international auctions, 100 (70 mares and 30 stallions) were used for breeding. Over the next 20 years, horses born in Russia gained worldwide recognition thanks to victories at major international competitions and exhibitions. The most expensive “Russian Arab” was sold for $5 million.

Price

The unique qualities of purebred Arabian horses have made them the most popular breed for breeding and selection work. At international auctions, the cost of one “Arab” can reach several million dollars. The highest price was paid for the stallion Padron: $11 million.

The cost of a thoroughbred horse depends on:

• from pedigree;
• parental achievements;
• manufacturer's reputation;
• her health and condition.

The lowest price for an Arabian horse is 50,000 euros.