A Gift from the Desert" Opens at the International Museum of the Horse

A Gift from the Desert” Opens at the International Museum of the Horse

The Arabian is considered to be the first breed of horse, its history with humans dating back thousands of years.

The International Museum of the Horse in the Kentucky Horse Park is currently featuring “A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse.” This exhibit features a vast collection of early artifacts dating back to humankind’s early interactions with the predecessors of the Arabian horse.

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Among the pieces displayed in the exhibits are early bits, bridles, saddles, and other items of tack. A collection of artwork featuring Arabian horses spans centuries. A desert tent display shows how early Bedouins, the first breeders of the Arabian, lived and kept their horses. The exhibit displays artifacts not only from the Arabian’s early history in the Middle East, but traces the breed’s expansion to India, Europe and the Americas.

The exhibit had its official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 27. The opening was attended by Saudi royalty, representing the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation which helped to facilitate the exhibit. Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and his wife joined Prince Turki Al Faisal and Prince Nawaf bin Faisal bin Fahd bin Abdulziz in cutting the ribbon to mark the opening of the exhibit.

The exhibit will run through October 15.

14 years ago

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View Comments

Kristen says:
June 1, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Looking forward to seeing it this summer! Arabs rock!
Philip says:
June 1, 2010 at 2:44 pm
i dont know exactly what it means that(arabs rock)but i do know that arab are of the most eligant and beautiful of the horse breeds. i have often said when God created the animals the arab was the first horse breed. i love arab and i wish i could make it to kentucky to see that exhibit.
Galadriel says:
June 1, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Wish I could see it.
Sarah says:
June 4, 2010 at 5:54 am
Please make a trip to KY to see it, this is a beautiful state with SO MUCH TO SEE! From Churchill Downs, home of the greatest 2 minutes in sports to the castle in Lexington and all the classic farms, this is a showpiece for horse lovers. Please come in September and see history in the making at the World Equestrian Games!