The Royal Stables of Bahrain: The Legacy of Arabian Horses

Admired for its singular beauty, revered for its stamina and endurance, and coveted for its historic bloodlines, the Arabian horse stands supreme. The Arabian is one of the world’s oldest equine breeds, whose many admirable attributes and irresistible mystique have combined to make it also one of the most prized. Its origins are entwined with the cultures of the Arabian Peninsula, and the purest strains are preserved in the island kingdom of Bahrain. There, for more than 200 years, the ruling Al Khalifa family’s Royal Stables have been the custodians of twenty unique strains of asil (purebred) Bahraini Arabians, selectively bred through many generations to maintain each bloodline’s distinct and exceptional characteristics.

The origins and spirit of the Arabian horse are firmly grounded in the deserts of Arabia, and the work of the Royal Stables of Bahrain in maintaining a stud book closed to imported influences has become vital to the preservation of this irreplaceable gene pool and of the essential nature of the true desert Arabian. Bahraini Arabian horses are renowned for their unusual and beautiful coats, which have a naturally iridescent sheen, and are also known for their especially calm and gentle disposition. The Royal Stud continues to preserve these rare desert horses’ eminent qualities and pure bloodlines.

The twenty treasured strains carefully managed by the Bahrain Royal Arabian Stud represent an exceptional collection of purebred Arabian horses, preserved on the island for more than two centuries. It is a testament to the dedication of the rulers of Bahrain, the Al Khalifa family, and their appreciation for the majesty and purity of the true Arabian type. With expressive text and original photography, The Royal Stables of Bahrain showcases the distinctive characteristics of these magnificent horses, captured against the backdrop of the dramatic landscapes of the island nation.