The oldest breed in the world, the Arabian horse, known as the foundation breed, has bloodlines in most recreational breeds today.
Highly distinguishable features of the breed include a concave face, dark eyes set wide apart and a high tail carriage. Centuries of breeding for gentleness, courage and intelligence make this animal compatible with humans.
Local horse breeder Doris Woolner, of Woolhaven Farm near Mount Forest, has been breeding, raising and competing with Arabian horses for 30 years.
As guest speaker at the April 13 congregate dining program hosted by the Seniors’ Centre for Excellence in Drayton, Woolner’s presentation included a brief video on the Arabian horse followed by a question and answer period.
The video compiled by Talaria Farms, located south of Atlanta, Georgia, covered the history and physical attributes of the Arabian horse.
The origin of this unique breed is unclear, but the breed is as valuable today as it was in ancient Egyptian times. Beginning with paintings on the walls of Egyptian tombs, and as mounts for kings in theatrical productions, Arabian horses continue to be used in art, literature and movies.
Arabian horses of today are similar to those of ancient Arabia. The breed has a short, straight back with a spinal column that contains one less vertebra than other horse breeds, allowing the animal to exhibit its famous floating trot.
The horse’s dark eyes are spaced a distance apart to allow a wider field of vision. Centuries ago the animal’s long eyelashes protected the eyes from desert sands. Large nostrils meant easier breathing in the hot, dry desert climate. The cheek bones spread wide apart at the throat, enabling the muzzle to be drawn in without compressing the windpipe, thus allowing the horse to breathe easily when running long distances. The Arabian’s deep chest, strong joints and good lung capacity allow it to carry a rider across large stretches of desert land.
Arabians lived among the desert tribes of the Arabian peninsula and were bred as war mounts for quick raids into enemy camps. Harsh desert climates required that tribesmen share food, water and tents with their horses. As a result, Arabian horses developed a strong desire for human companionship that still exists today.
The Arabian is the only breed whose blood has been preserved over five thousand years and has contributed to the development of other popular horse breeds today.
Arabians can be bay, gray, chestnut and black in colour, along with the occasional roan. Common markings include strips, snips or blaze faces, white feet or stockings.
The average age of an Arabian ranges from 28 to 35 years.
“Two years ago, on Jan. 14, 2016, there was a devastating barn fire at the farm. We lost everything, including the horses,” Woolner said. “The barn has been rebuilt and we are back in business.”
Woolner called Arabians “a creation of God; a magical breed of a horse. They seem to understand humans.”
As a child, Woolner asked her father to get her a horse. When her father presented her with a horse that bucked her off, Woolner was not discouraged.
On her 30th birthday she received a two-year-old Arabian and made the commitment to improve the Arabian breed.
“Breeding is a gamble and a lengthy process,” Woolner said. “It involves breeding for quality to be able to compete and show. As Arabians are suited to carriage, hunter, western, jumping, dressage, there are many factors to consider when breeding.
“Horses can be sold at six months of age but the purchaser must make the time commitment in training. Hiring a trainer, can be costly,” she said.
Woolner belongs to the AHAEC, the Arabian Horse Association of Eastern Canada. Founded in 1955, the club has a current membership of 150.
“In our club we have a 46-year-old mare that still enjoys trail rides,” Woolner said.
The club’s purpose is to promote and coordinate the activities of the Arabian and half-Arabian horse owners of eastern Canada.
In order to compete in the United States, Canadian competitors must also have membership in the North American governed Arabian Horse Association.
“The cost of attending competitions and fairs is continually increasing,” Woolner said. “There are less of these venues being held each year.”
Woolner encouraged diners to attend an Arabian show in their area.
