Use and characteristics of Asil Arabians

Although some are technically pony-sized, Asil Arabians are always known as horses. Most stand between 14.1 hands high (57 inches/145 cm) and 15.1 hands high (61 inches/155 cm). However, no Asil Arabian buyers need fear that their horses lack strength, courage or power. These have always been qualities of the Asil Arabian, along with the ability to thrive in the arid desert climate. Their bone is dense and strong, and they have short, broad backs. In fact, vendors will sell quality Asil Arabians with one lumbar vertebra less than other breeds (five instead of six), and one fewer pair of ribs (17, not 18) as these are characteristic of the breed. Their dish faces, loftily-carried tails and floating action are other attributes of the Asil Arabian. Many are grey, followed by bay and chestnut, and some have black coat colouring.

Origin and breeding history of Asil Arabians

Asil Arabians are classified as hot-blooded. Traditionally they lived in and around the tents of the Bedouin, living closely with the tribe, and this is partly why they bond so closely with their riders today. There are many wonderful legends and stories relating to the Asil Arabian. It is described as being created by the breath of God on the south wind or rising from the sea. One story tells of the famous five mares who answered the call when the Prophet Mohammed sounded the trumpet.

Much of the information we have about Asil Arabians derives from European, and later, American travellers who went out to the desert areas of Arabia as well as to Syria, Iran and Egypt in search of horses. Most of the exploration went on in the nineteenth century, though the names of Arabian horses appear in European and British studbooks earlier than this. The place of origin of the Asil Arabian is still much-discussed and disputed. The Bedouin tribes roamed large areas of land between the Arabian Peninsula (which was traditionally almost devoid of horses as camels were the principal animal used for riding), and Iran. The most recent DNA research indicates that modern Asil Arabians, as they are known in the West, can be dated as a breed from over 200 years ago.

Asil Arabians in equestrianism

Asil Arabians: Regional and International Standards