Arabian Horses & Bedouin History
Arabian horses are famed for their beauty and endurance.Developed in a desert climate and prized by the nomadic Bedouin people, they were often being brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection from theft.
Selective breeding for traits including an ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. The Arabian also developed the high spirit and alertness needed in a horse used for raiding and war. This combination of willingness and sensitivity requires modern Arabian horse owners to handle their horses with competence and respect.
Arabian horses are the topic of many myths and legends.
One origin story tells how Muhammad chose his foundation mares by a test of their courage and loyalty. While there are several variants on the tale, a common version states that after a long journey through the desert, Muhammad turned his herd of horses loose to race to an oasis for a desperately needed drink of water. Before the herd reached the water, Muhammad called for the horses to return to him. Only five mares responded.
Because they faithfully returned to their master, though desperate with thirst, these mares became his favourites and were called Al Khamsa, meaning, the five. These mares became the legendary founders of the five “strains” of the Arabian horse.
Although the Al Khamsa are generally considered fictional horses of legend some breeders today claim the modern Bedouin Arabian actually descended from these mares. A Bedouin story states that Allah created the Arabian horse from the south wind and exclaimed, “I create thee, Oh Arabian. To thy forelock, I bind Victory in battle. On thy back, I set a rich spoil and a Treasure in thy loins. I establish thee as one of the Glories of the Earth… I give thee flight without wings”.
Other versions of the story claim Allah said to the South Wind: “I want to make a creature out of you. Condense.” Then from the material condensed from the wind, he made a kamayt-colored animal (a bay or burntchestnut) and said: “I call you Horse; I make you Arabian and I give you the chestnut colour of the ant; I have hung happiness from the forelock which hangs between your eyes; you shall be the Lord of the other animals. Men shall follow you wherever you go; you shall be as good for flight as for pursuit; you shall fly without wings; riches shall be on your back and fortune shall come through your meditation”.