The Arabian Horse

Prized for their stamina and their acclimation to the harsh conditions of the Arabian deserts, the ancestors of the horses that are now recognized as the Egyptian Arabian purebred horse entered Egypt centuries ago, establishing the valuable bloodlines of the breed there. The breeding programs in Egypt therefore became the root source for the finest Arabian horses, attracting passionate enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Artists, poets, and historians have for centuries been inspired by their great beauty and romantic legacy. Nasr Marei is the third-generation owner of a stud farm in Giza, Egypt. His love for and knowledge of the Egyptian Arabian horse, coupled with his sensitive and striking photography, have inspired this visual tribute. His extraordinary photographs, accompanied by text that traces the history and evolution of the Arabian's journey into Egypt, celebrate the lineage of this living treasure of Egyptian heritage.

Strong and powerful in body yet gentle and companionable in spirit, the horse has served both kings and peasants in war, work, and play for thousands of years. This lavishly illustrated volume features 100 images of equine excellence, capturing the magnificence and grace of the horse, from photographs by Alfred Stieglitz and Steven Klein to paintings by Da Vinci and Delacroix, presenting a complete study of the elegance and nobility that the horse embodies.

Since its first publication in 1989, The Arab Horse has been recognized as the definitive work on the subject. This, the third edition, has been substantially revised and redesigned to bring the story of the Arab horse to a new generation of enthusiasts of the breed, and to coincide with the opening of the British Museum's exhibition on 'The Horse from Arabia to Royal Ascot' in May 2012. The first Arab stallion brought into Britain from the Desert of Arabia was Padischah, imported in the 1830s, whose pure-bred line still exists. Since the first edition of The Arab Horse - subtitled 'A Complete Record of the Arab Horses Imported into Britain from the Desert of Arabia from the 1830s' - more imports have been discovered. But, as the author admits, one must draw the line somewhere. This book provides a complete record of all the desert-bred horses imported into Britain after Padischah, from whom present-day pure-bred Arab horses descend, up to 1960. In his introductory chapter, Peter Upton provides a narrative history of the desert journeys of those early British enthusiasts who went in search of horses suitable for shipping back to Britain, most notably Major Roger Upton, Wilfrid Scawen and Lady Anne Blunt (founders of the famous Crabbet Stud in 1878), and the Honourable Miss Dillon. Thereafter, and often in the words of the original importers, the author gives detailed descriptions of the eighty-six horses who have lines existing to this day, as well as detailed tables of descent of mares and stallions, and sections on Bedouin horse breeders, the origins of the Arab horse, and the development of strains. Lavishly illustrated with sixty full-page color portraits of horses by the author, and color reproductions of famous paintings of Arab horses by the Old Masters, and with 160 black-and-white photographs, this revised, expanded and reformatted edition of The Arab Horse will delight and inform all those with an interest in this most beautiful breed.

The Arabian, one of the oldest pure breeds, was predominant in founding the thoroughbred, and there are few breeds today which do not contain Arab blood in varying degrees. This book traces the history and development of the breed from the desert to its worldwide role today.

With easy-to-read text and vivid, full-color photos, this book highlights the history, unique traits, and uses of Arabian horses. Includes a glossary, sidebars, and a photodiagram to bring horse lovers up close to these beautiful animals.

The beauty and grace of full-blooded Arabians have captured hearts for centuries. These are intelligent, fleet-footed, noble, curious, sensitive creatures who work hard and enjoy close relationships with humans. These horses are also of special importance to Gabrielle Boiselle, because it was a magical encounter with an Arabian stallion that convinced her to pursue her passion for equestrian photography. Boiselle has a unique way of capturing the mystical charisma and elegance of the Arabian breed in her photos.