ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Polish Arabs
[endurance] Polish Arabs
Joyce Kellenberger (joyce@homer.ca.boeing.com)
Thu, 20 Jun 96 22:50:14 PDT
Regarding those flighty arabs: First let me say that there are always exceptions
to every rule. Obviously not all Polish arabians are spooky as my flighty
Crabbett will attest. I haven't had a chance to do my research yet but I would
like to elaborate on my original comment with regard to the breeding of the
Polish arabians for the Polish Army. The reason this line of horse were bred
this way is because when the Polish Army went into battle, their mounts were
intended to be intimadating to frighten their opponents whether carrying a
rider or not. Should a rider become dismounted for any reason the horse would
still charge forth nostrils flaring, head held high, storming hooves which
could crush their opponent. Can you imagine how frightening that would be,
especially if you were on foot? This particular line of Polish arabian (granted
not all Polish arabians) was simply bred to be scary. This line was also the
more muscular, stout version. Horses of war. I promise to research my information
and share with you this history so you can read for yourself. This reminds me
also of the type of steer we use for roping. Sounds a little off the wall, but
bear with me for a moment. . . we use only the Coriente breed of cattle for
roping because when roped they fight no matter what. They simply don't give up.
A hereford or other breed after a couple of tries will just stop. No challenge
there. There is an excellent book available somewhere called Davenport's
Arabians by Homer Davenport. I was fortunate enough to have a friend who has a
rare copy and loaned it to me. It speaks of the many lines of Arabians from the
desert of Arabia and how they were purchased all over the world to become the
Polish, Crabbett, Egyptians, Russians, etc. we know today. Fascinating study.