| The Arabian horse is known for
its intelligence, high spirit, and extraordinary stamina. Arabians compete today in many
fields of equestrian activity, making them problably the most versatile horse around.
Arabians have natural balance, nimbleness and impulsion, qualities originally essential in
a desert warhorse, and today seen in various competitive disciplines.  Climate and culture
ultimately created the Arabian, the desert environment required a horse willing to
cooperate with humans to survive. Where there was no pasture or water, the Bedouin fed
their horses dates and camel's milk. The desert horse needed to thrive on very little food
and possess anatomical traits to compensate for life in a extreme climate. Weak
individuals were weeded out of the breeding pool and the animals that remained were honed
by centuries of human warfare.
 Prized
war mares often being brought inside the family tent for protection. This close
relationship with humans has created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn
and willing to please. Horses of the purest blood were known as asil and crossbreeding
with non-asil horses was forbidden. Mares were the most valued and pedigree families were
traced through the female line. The primary strains were known as the Keheilan, Seglawi,
Abeyan, Hamdani and Hadban. Over time, the Bedouin developed several sub-types or strains
of Arabian horse, each with unique characteristics.
 Arabian
horses today are found all over the world. They are often no longer classified by Bedouin
strain, but are informally classified by the nation of origin of famed horses in a given
pedigree. Popular types of Arabians are labelled Polish, Spanish, Crabbet, Russian and
Egyptian. Arabians are versatile horses that compete in many equestrian fields, including
horse racing, western riding, dressage, eventing and above all endurance. They make
extremely reliable pleasure and trail horses for those who are not interested in
competition. Because of their stamina, Arabians dominate endurance riding (long distance
races that can cover up to 160 kilometres in a day).
 Firm but gentle and patient handling is especially important for
hot-blooded horses that have a low tolerance for abuse. Although they do not suffer fools
gladly, most Arabians have a natural tendency to cooperate with humans, but when treated
badly, like any horse, can become excessively nervous or anxious, though seldom become
vicious unless seriously spoiled or subjected to extreme abuse. With proper handling,
Arabians are suitable riding horses for riders at all levels.
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