Persian-Arabian Horse

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The Persian Arabian horse is an ancient breed of horse, and is believed to have existed in Persia from approximately 2,000 B.C., which makes it older than the Arabian itself by roughly 1,500 years. The name Persian Arabian covers a vast number of different regional strains throughout Iran which were named after the families that bred them. The Persian Arab is know greatly reduced in numbers, partly due to African horse sickness, which affected Iran in the 1950's, and which wiped out a vast number of the breed. They were, of course, the primary means of transport until the invention of motor vehicles and only relatively recently has the horse become used for sporting purposes in Persia, such as Arab racing.

The southern regions of Khuzestan is an area where Arab breeding has been increasing and Khuzestan produces some notable strains of the Persian Arabian. They have also have very set rules on breeding and selective breeding process and this has helped to keep the strains pure. In general terms, the Persian Arab is similar to the Arabian in conformation and characteristics although they are slightly heavier in build. They are attractive horses with great presence and natural carriage and bearing. They make very good riding horses and are quick and agile with an enormus amount of spirit.

In appearance, they have the typical head of the Arabian, broad through the forehead with a dished profile and small pricked ears. They are compact and muscular through the body, have an arched neck, a broad and deep chest, rounded quarters and a tail set and carried high. Generally the colors are gray, chestnut, and bay, and they stand at roughly 14.2 - 15.2 hh.

[edit] Source(s)

1. The Encyclopedia Of Horses And Ponies (2003) By: Tamsin Pickeral Parrogon Publishing Queen Street house 4 Queen Street Bath BA1 1HE, UK