The horse: From Arabia to Royal Ascot

More than 100,000 people have visited “The horse: From Arabia to Royal Ascot,” an exhibition of the history of Arabian horses, currently being held at the British Museum.
The universally admired Arabian horse originated in the Arabian Peninsula and Sham, the ancient name for the region of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan, and migrated to different parts of the world.
Artists the world over have been fascinated by the beauty and swiftness of the Arabian horse and the subject has inspired numerous paintings and sculptures.
The exhibition showcases the journey of three Arabian stallions shipped to Britain in the 19th century. The pedigree of 95 percent of Arabian horses found in Britain today can be traced to those three horses.
Visitors to the exhibition can learn of the love King Charles II had for these horses. He acquired many mares and stallions during the 16th century. They can also learn about the influence of horses in Middle Eastern history to the present day.
The exhibition also showcases a terracotta mold of an Arabian horse dating from around 2000 B.C. There is also an illustrated manual from the 14th century on display, with recommendations for the proper care of the horse, advice on riding techniques and expert weapon handling.
Photographs and murals as well as miniature statues from the Al-Fao heritage village also delight visitors.
The exhibition is scheduled to continue until Sept. 30.