species [Lore] Saddle Arabian Horses

[SteelEagle]

Saddle Arabians - Mind and Matter

 

 

The most the average Equestrian knows of the horses who inhabit the land southwest of Equestria is that they are tall. Saddle Arabians do cut an impressive physical form. They stand head and shoulders above ponies, on average almost matching the height of the Princess Celestia. Arabians do not have cutie marks and do not possess any magic, relying on their own innate physical prowess. Though they are roughly just as fast as ponies are, they are on average much stronger, with more endurance; the average pack-pony would tire sooner even than a Saddle Arabian burdened with far greater weight. This superior physical form allows them to endure the harsh desert climate of their home without great need of nourishment. When compared to ponies, Arabians eat a smaller variety of foods that typically are higher in nutritional value to maintain their vigorous health.

 

There are two cultures at work in Saddle Arabia that share a common defining trait. Their lack of any magic- unicorn, pegasi, earth or otherwise- and the ability to fly has forced them over the eons to push the limits of the mind and the imagination to compensate and both cultures have benefited. The tribes of the great desert live in a harsh landscape and their abilities and intelligence are tested not only so they may survive, but thrive. These tribes produce adventurers and wanderers renowned as much for their ability to remain kind and open despite their environment as much as their ability to conquer almost every obstacle in their path. Quick wits and an aggressively pleasant demeanor are quite common among the tribes as friendly relations are a must to survive in the desert. Food is varied and often improvised. Some of the greatest cooks in Saddle Arabia become so not out of schooling or desire, but experience with turning whatever they may have on hoof into a delicious dinner. Clothed normally in loose fitting robes and other lighter materials, they eschew titles and nobility and some of their greatest members prefer anonymity to celebrity.

 

The Arabians of the Equinox are cut from a different cloth; born into much greater wealth and luxury than their tribal brothers, the Arabians of the Equinox turn their in-born desire for intellectual pursuit towards more theoretical ends. Arabians can be voracious readers and the great libraries of the cities provide a near endless supply of wisdom for a developing mind to grow on top of, while their opinionated and chatty natures lend themselves naturally to friendly debates. Those intellectuals considered to be the best of the best are viewed in equal parts with respect and envy. Competition arises between Arabians seeking this distinction, propelling generation after generation in the Equinox to evolve past the generation before. Older designs are improved. New and revolutionary designs come to reign supreme. Ideals of the past are debated, discussed, dissected and, if found wanting, discarded in favor of more sturdy ideas. Despite this, they still remain extremely kind and see all work that is done now as being done in the shoulders of giants, even if the competitive nature of society does breed slightly more hostility than in the tribes. An Arabian who believes in efficient actions respects the Arabian who can be creative, and the creatively gifted Arabian respects the efficient on all the same levels.

 

Among the other races, Arabians are generally polite but very inquisitive. No topic or thought is out of bounds to them no matter how harsh the subject matter, as a common humorous anecdote from the era directly after the banishment of Luna displays. According to the story, Sultan Sulla once even asked Princess Celestia herself if she was losing sleep over sending her sister to the moon not long after the short lived Lunar Revolt took place. Despite the ensuing cooling between the two as a result of the heedless remark, Arabians generally regard the world well and are marked by a great deal of optimism. Seafarers as much for the love of knowledge as of adventure, they have made landfall and found themselves entwined to some degree in every land. Populations, if not very large, of Arabian horses are not uncommon in the big cities of the world. Despite being far from home, these travelers still retain their basic Arabian inquisitive nature.

- Canterlot Research Journal