The Classic Arabian Horse

Description

"As old as time itself and as fleet as its flying moments," the Arabian horse has remained practically unchanged throughout the more than 3,500 years of the history of the breed. The beauty, grace, and uniformity of these magnificent horses, bred selectively for centuries, are unexcelled, and every Arabian owner will agree that there is a spiritual bond and kinship between the Arabian horse and its master such as exists with no other breed. This is the most comprehensive and authoritative work on its subject. The author traces Arabians from 1580 B.C. to the present and through all the countries where they have been bred. Over 200 photographs and reproductions of ancient and modern art depict the great horses of the past and present, the conditions under which they were kept, how they were trained, and how the strains were developed. Drawings show the important points of the classic Arabian, and charts outline the major strains. The canvas on which the author has painted this panorama of the Arabian is large, and it is dedicated to the creative breeders, not only of the past and present, but especially of the future. Review: EXCELLENT REFERENCE - A replacement for my original copy which was stolen. Excellent history of the Arabian horse, primarily the *Egyptian bloodlines. For those not thoroughly versed in the Arabian breed the 'main' historic contributors/breeders of Arabs are referred to as Crabbet (English), Polish, Egyptian and Domestic/CMK (American); there is a certain intermingling among some with common ancestors therefore the terms Straight Egyptian or Pure Polish to clarify those bred from that country's bloodstock. Go far enough back in an Arabian pedigree and the term DB/desert bred signify the horses that came direct from the Bedouin. Carl Raswan's books Drinkers of the Wind and Black Tents of Arabia delve into his quest for the Arabian horse in the desert. Beware current revisionist history that tries to change the origins of the breed or claim that other breeds of horses pre-date the Arabian. *Forbis was a strong believer in the Egyptian bloodlines but that does not detract from the historical aspects of this book. All Arabians originally came from the desert tribes no matter which country or individual currently breeds them. I personally have been involved with Arabians for 60 years. Fads come and go; pure Arabian blood runs deep and true through the sands of time. Review: Beautiful Book - Anyone who raises/breeds Arabian horses should read this book. The most comprehensive and authoritative work on Arabian horses, tracing the Arabians from 1580 B.C. to the present (1976) and all the different countries they have been bred. Invaluable resource to all breeders. I'm a retired breeder of Al Khamsa Straight Egyptian horses and this book brings back many memories of the breeders/horses of the 60's, 70's and 80's.