ARABIAN AND BARBARY HORSES 17 



fifteen hands high as a rule, and seldom weighing more than one 

 thousand pounds. In color they are dark bay or chestnut, and 

 often white or gray, the grays having been rather prominent among 

 those brought to western Europe to improve the Percheron and 

 other breeds. They are of slender build, free from superfluous flesh 

 and fat, and yet well turned, with good width of leg and depth of 

 chest. They are noted for swiftness, endurance, intelligence, ability 



ARABIAN STALUON. SHAHWAN 



to stand privation of food, water or rest. Few if any European or 

 English horses could compete, even for a short time, with these 

 Arabs or Barbs in forced marches, carrying their food or subsisting 

 on the country. 



Their value has been inestimable as a factor in improving the 



* ' t^o hoof, no horse, "is a true saying. 



