CHAPTER XXII 



STILL MORE ABOUT ARABS 



The very highest type of head is to be seen among the 

 horses of the Anazah. A fine head, the greatest develop- 

 ment of brain, the finest muzzles, with well-cut features 

 perfectly set on to a beautiful neck, sharp, well-cut and 

 well-placed ears, the best eyes, the longest and most ex- 

 panding nostrils, the cleanest jaws, and those set widest 

 apart, are the attributes of the Keheilan, or Arabian horse 

 of the Anazah. Their height varies from fourteen to fifteen 

 hands. The Bedaween ride only mares. 



Said Mr Upton, ' I have seen a mare galloping loose, with 

 both tail and head high to an extent, almost impossible of 

 belief had I not seen it. Her tail was not only high, 

 but seemed to be right over her back, and, streaming out 

 behind like a flag, covered her loins and quarters ! It was 

 a splendid sight to one who can appreciate a horse. She 

 was of the Abayan family, which possess horses and mares 

 of wonderful beauty and very high speed — a strain of the 

 Al-Khamseh.' The name is derived from Aba, 'cloak,' 

 and, it is said, was taken from the following incident. A 

 certain Arab, being pursued, loosed his cloak in order to 

 relieve his mare from every impediment. The mare 

 outstripped the pursuers, when her rider was surprised 



