Whilst the origin of the Arabian horse is something of a mystery, and in his original form he was somewhat smaller than the modern Arabian, his early history goes back around 5000 years, making the Arabian the oldest breed of horse in existence. Other than size, the Arabian horse is relatively unchanged since the earliest of times.

The skin of the Arabian is sleek and supple, the jaws and legs clean of long hair and the mane and tail are soft. Whilst Arabians have virtually covered the colour palette, the most common colours are bay, chestnut, grey and brown. The height of the Arabian is traditionally within the limits of 14.1hh to 15.1hh although it is no penalty to be outside these guides. Perhaps the best hallmark of the Arabian is the head. Short and tapered, jowls deep, with eyes that are dark and large. In profile, the characteristic “dish” is best represented and the small, finely shaped ears are often tipped slightly forward. Arabians represent speed and lightness in their movement. The walk should be fast and free with the hind feet overstepping the front track by some eight to 12 inches. The trot is free with the feet reaching out to float at full stretch before touching the ground and the canter is smooth and elastic, followed by the gallop which is free and ground covering.

The Arabian in New Zealand

Early records show that the first “arabs” arrived in the South Island of New Zealand, imported from Australia, along with a shipment of Merino sheep. In 1840, the first thoroughbred mare arrived in New Zealand. Following this arrival, a Captain Hunter purchased an Arab mare, “Medora” at a dispersal sale in Australia and she is credited as being probably the first Arabian to reach our shores. Around the same date, however, the colourful and noteworthy pastoralist George Moore arrived to establish the 100,000 Glenmark Station in the South Island. His partiality for Arabians stemmed from time in India and it was from that country that he imported “Sultan”. Later to Canterbury in 1875, came “Hadji Baba”, and “Arab Child” to Hawkes Bay around 1878. None of these horses are found in today’s modern pedigrees.

Australia has always been a great source for New Zealand breeders, riders and enthusiasts of purebred and Arabian derivative bloodlines. The advent of reliable airfreight and sea travel has seen buyers sourcing new horses from our near neighbours, who represent the second biggest registry in the world. A few have come in from the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe and it is to the credit of these importers who have shared their new bloodlines with others in New Zealand to further broaden the gene pool. Fresh and frozen semen has also opened new channels for dedicated breeders, and whilst the costs require careful calculation, the pleasure of seeing new international bloodlines in your paddock, or being able to breed a precious mare to bloodlines in a distant location, is even more possible thanks to skilled veterinary technicians and local or international courier companies.