Arabian Breeding Heritage Groups

When I first stumbled into the world of Arabian breeding, drawn by the magnetic fascination I have with these beautiful, spirited creatures, I was completely confused by the heritage groups. How can an Arabian be Polish, Spanish, Russian, or even Egyptian? Isn't an Arabian simply an Arabian? Did he not originate in the deserts of the Middle East?

The more I've studied, the more I've come to understand some of the quirks of the Arabian breeding world. These extend to other breeds as well (such as the Thoroughbred), although I don't think they guard their genetic gene pools so zealously as the Arab people. Some groups even doubt the "purity" of the bloodlines from other groups.

Arabians are one of the oldest breeds alive. Their blood has been infused into light saddle breeds aroud the world in order to lighten their heavier frames and to add speed, stamina, and beauty. However, in spite of the prevalence of Arabian blood globally, very few programs were set up to exclusively breed purebred Arabians outside their geographical area of origin.

The Darley Arabian, one of three foundation Arabian sires of the English Thoroughbred (unknown artist)

The establishment of Arabian studs outside the Middle East has enabled the preservation of bloodlines that may otherwise have been lost with the decline of the Bedouin nomadic way of life. These studs opened registries and allowed the means to trace each individual horse's pedigree. A more permanent record than the oral tradition of the nomadic breeders was established.

Some of the most familiar heritage groups in the U.S. include Polish, Blunt/Crabbet, Egyptian, Spanish, Russian, French, and the American CMK (Crabbet-Maynesboro-Kellogg - predominantly early American Foundation bloodlines).

In a sense, it is good to have these different breeding segments. The genetic diversity of the breed as a whole relies on maintaining a broad genetic base. Without maintaining several distinct populations, there is great risk of homogenization of the breed. A loss of genetic diversity would result in a loss of the breed's ability to adapt to ever changing needs and environments.

Michael Bowling's article on Preservation Breeding and Population Genetics explains the breeding concept far better than I can! Enjoy the read, it's a very interesting topic.

Smetanka, Arabian foundation sire of the Orlov Trotter in Russia (artist unknown)