THE ARABIAN 
F OR centuries the Arabian has been regarded as the 
most aristocratic of all breeds. The Arabs, noted 
for their love of fine horses, treat them with great care 
and affection, making them real members of the family. 
The Arabian is a small horse, averaging from 14 to 
15 hands in height, and has characteristics which set 
him apart from other breeds. He has only five verte¬ 
brae in his back instead of the usual six. The tail, set 
higher than is the case on other breeds, is carried in 
the air when the Arabian is in motion. He has a small, 
finely shaped head and ears, a long, flowing mane, a 
light, arched neck, and is usually higher at the croup 
than at the withers. 
The fact that the Arabian was a desert horse, having 
to subsist on scanty food and little water, sometimes 
on little else than dried camel’s milk, accounts some¬ 
what for his small size. This noble breed, raised with 
abundant food in countries other than Arabia, and in a 
mild climate, is increasing in size without losing its 
