Persian Arabian

While there are many famous lines spread around the world, the Persian is one of the oldest. The discovery of bones of the Persian Arab in western Iran indicates that it was indigenous long before it was domesticated. Carefully maintained in Iran to the present day, the Persian Arab has received only a few injections of desert stock.

it is a strong horse, with athletic build, standing at 14.1 to 15.1 hands high at the withers. Originating from Iran, this Arab has an aptitude as a riding horse, a fast quality with stamina, and a spirited, energetic temperament. It comes in the typical Arabian colors or bay, chestnut, or gray, and rarely black. Although considerably more robust in build, in the shape of the head and in the general lines, the Persian Arab closely resembles the Arabian. It is often considered a variety of the Arabian, presumably having common origins or deriving from the Arabian.

Importing Arab horses from the Negev to supplement and improve their breeding stock, the Persians or Iranians classify their horses by parentage. Those with parents which are both Arab are called Hoor, Beradi if only the mother is Arab, and Hedijn if only the father is Arab. There are two breeds in Iran which are derived from the Persian Arab which are also of the Arab type - the Darashouli from the Fars region, and the Jaf from the Kurdistan. Both of these breed have Arabian characteristics stand about 15 hands high, and are highly spirited horses with good stamina. The Jaf is more highly regarded because it is used to harsh desert conditions, but the Darashouli is more elegant.

For more information on the Persian Arabian, visit:

Look for an update on this breed in the future.

For information on the Arabian, visit:

Published December 1996 in NorthWest Breyer Horse Club Newsletter as part of an article on Arabians. (em)
© 1996-2019 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations
Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 1/28/2019
Mule Team