Arabian horses today are considered by many to be synonymous with elegance and refinement. However, people are often unaware of their rich history in Arizona. The desert state has become a hotspot for Arabian horse owners due to many factors, such as the desert climate mimicking the weather where the breed originated – the deserts of the Middle East.
MORE NEWS: First-ever Tianyu Lights Festival is coming to Phoenix
There are more than one million of these sophisticated horses in the world, with around half being in the U.S. alone. So many people love Arabians because they are a great horse for all levels of equestrians from beginner to advanced. Because of their high intelligence and kind temperament, they’re very trainable and great for competitions.
The history of Arabian horses
Did you know that Arabians are believed to be one of the oldest and most influential horse breeds in the world? The Bedouins, the indigenous people of the Arabian peninsula, originated the breed over 3,500 years ago. The Bedouins utilized the Arabians as both mounts and as warhorses. They were acclimated to working long hours in the hot, desert climate. Arabians first arrived in the U.S. in 1725, but became somewhat of a status symbol in the 1980s. This led to a boom in Arabian breeding, and then subsequent market overinflation. Arabians aren’t as rare and pricy as they used to be, but they’re still just as coveted and valued by horse lovers everywhere.
What makes Arabian horses unique
Arabian horses excel in most horse sporting competitions due to their sheer athleticism. Their endurance makes them a solid choice for competitive endurance riding and pleasure riding. They are strong, yet slender and agile. Arabians are often considered one of the most intelligent horse breeds; they learn very quickly and have a great memory.
Performance vs. halter competitions
Two categories in Arabian horse shows are Performance Halter classes and Halter/Breeding classes. In Halter classes, Arabians are mainly assessed for their physical structure, presence, attitude and overall athleticism. Showmanship in the ring is also evaluated, with horses that display high confidence and engagement being rewarded. In Breeding classes, Arabians are evaluated how well they fit their breed standards. Their physical composition, such as bone structure, body proportions and overall appearance are judged alongside their trot.
Arabians in Arizona
In 1952, a group of Arabian horse owners formed the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona at the Westward Ho in Downtown Phoenix to promote interest in the breed. The association initially held exhibitions in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, but they moved to McCormick Ranch in Scottsdale in 1957. The association had owners and horses coming in from around the country, and the phrase “going to Scottsdale” became synonymous with going to one of the shows. The Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show hosts over 2,400 horses and over 300,000 attendees annually and is the largest Arabian horse show in the world.
Arabian National Breeder Finals
The Arabian National Breeder Finals are returning to the Equidome at WestWorld of Scottsdale Sept. 11 to Sept.14. Over 250 Arabian horses and their owners are coming from across the country to compete in various classes for over $100,000 in prize money and the coveted title of Finals Champion. More information is available at www.scottsdaleshow.com
Author: Paul Glans is a member of the Arabian Horse Association of Arizona. The Arabian Horse Association of Arizona is best known for producing the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show each February, highly regarded as the largest and most prestigious Arabian Horse Show in the World attracting horses, competitors, and visitors from around the world. The Arabian National Breeder Finals is another one of their events to support the Arabian horse community and introduce these majestic horses to the general public.
