Compared to other horses, Arabian horses are small. They usually don’t grow taller than 15 hands. Paintings and drawings of Arabians have been found in Arabia, dating back to the time of Noah. This tells us that they have been important in the lives of people for a long time. No doubt they are important to their Creator too, because the Bible tells us that all things were created for His pleasure (Revelation 4:1111Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelation 4:11)).
Arabian horses’ hair is usually gray and freckled brown, but they can also be red, painted (white with brown patches), black and any other solid color. No matter what color hair an Arabian horse has, its skin underneath is always black. This helps prevent the horse from getting sunburned.
When Arabians gallop, they can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour. When they run, they arch their necks with their delicate heads and hold up their tails, which makes them look very elegant.
Many people consider the Arabian horse the most beautiful of all horses. Their prominent eyes, large nostrils, small muzzles and flowing manes set them apart from other horses. They have a broad chest, a strong back and sloped shoulders to give them powerful strides. Did you know that Arabian horses have 17 ribs? Most other horses have 18.
Right now, the United States has the largest Arabian horse population in the world. It was not always so, however. In the early 1700s, Arabian stallions were brought to America to begin a breeding program. This effort came to a halt during the Civil War, and most all of the Arabian horses were wiped out! But being quite hardy, these animals made a comeback later in the 1800s, and they are likely to stay around. They adapt well and have favorable dispositions when treated well by their owners. It is amazing how God created these beautiful and elegant animals, yet so hardy and tough. He has given this breed all that it needs to survive in the desert as well as in colder climates.
Many Arabian people breed and care for purebred Arabian horses. They sometimes bring their horses inside their tents for protection from theft, because they are so valuable to their owners. Although they are great friends, they can also have fiery habits, running and kicking wildly. These horses are eager to please, though, and are quick learners.
God loves and cares for us too. Just as He has provided for the needs of this beautiful animal, He has provided for our need of salvation through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He has given us His Word, the Bible, along with the faith to believe it and the peace to enjoy it. Being able to pray is another provision God in His love has given us. “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory” (Philippians 4:1919But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)).
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